Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Lincoln Mkz submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 83 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 83, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,300.
My 2017 Lincoln MKZ with only 52100 miles started leaking coolant into the engine cylinders which will require a new engine. Ford/Lincoln is aware of this problem with their 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine and has even issued a service bulletin and the necessary engine replacement. I have contacted Lincoln Customer Service and their response was they have no liability since the vehicle is out of warranty. I have noted there are several class action lawsuits in progress and I believe a recall has been issued on some Ford/Lincoln Ecoboost engines. A recall should be issued for all affected engines and not just some models. Thank you for your attention in this matter. The engine replacement will cost at least $7000. Ford should be responsible for reimbursing my out of pocket costs as a result of their unwillingness to resolve this issue.
I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ and began experiencing serious engine problems, including repeated overheating and an engine misfire. The vehicle developed a check-engine light and a P0301 misfire code. I was advised by a repair shop that the vehicle has a serious engine problem and that the engine needs to be replaced. I am concerned that the overheating and engine problems could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power or suffer complete engine failure while I am driving. If the engine loses power unexpectedly while I am traveling in traffic, I could be unable to accelerate or safely move out of the way of other vehicles, creating a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other motorists. I contacted Lincoln regarding these problems and asked the manufacturer for assistance, but Lincoln refused to provide assistance with the issue. I am now left responsible for addressing a potentially serious engine and safety problem. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these engine, misfire, and overheating problems to determine whether they may be related to a safety defect affecting other 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.
We are submitting this vehicle safety complaint regarding a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure in our 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle had approximately 60,063 miles when presented to Parks Lincoln of Longwood. The vehicle developed a check engine light, rough running, shaking, and recurring misfire symptoms. Two ignition coils had recently been replaced, but the symptoms returned. The vehicle also produced white exhaust smoke on startup after sitting for several days. Because the rough running was so severe, the vehicle was ultimately towed to the Lincoln dealership on a flatbed. Parks Lincoln's Repair Order 2684839/1 documents DTC P0301. The technician states that, pursuant to TSB 22-2229, a coolant pressure test and cylinder inspection were performed; coolant intrusion was found in cylinder 1; and a long-block engine is required to properly repair the concern. Lincoln TSB 22-2229, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication No. 10214126, describes coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost vehicles including 2017-2019 Lincoln MKZ models. The bulletin identifies white exhaust smoke, rough running, and misfire codes, including P0301, and directs replacement of the long-block engine assembly when the condition is confirmed. Our safety concern is that coolant intrusion can progress from rough running and misfire to loss of engine performance or engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. In our case, the symptoms became severe enough that we did not consider continued driving appropriate and had the vehicle transported to the dealer. We ask NHTSA to add this complaint to its defect database and evaluate it together with other reports involving 2.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion, misfire, loss of power and engine failure. We can provide the complete dealer repair order, estimate and additional records upon request.
Engine has rough idle and can stall. Ford says engine has coolant intrusion and needs a new engine. The repair will cost between 8500 and 10000 dollars.
Coolant intrusion into my 2.0l eco boost engine requiring engine replacement
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion. On December 16, 2024, at approximately 95,354 miles, the vehicle was taken to Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago. The dealership documented diagnostic codes P0303 and P0316 and determined that coolant was entering cylinder No. 3. Pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229, the dealership replaced the long-block engine and related one-time-use components. The replacement service-engine assembly was identified on the repair invoice as part No. J2GZ-6006-E. The vehicle was returned to me on approximately January 30, 2025. After the engine replacement, the vehicle continued to experience serious problems. Within days, it stalled in an intersection, produced white smoke, lost cabin heat, and had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle later continued to exhibit hesitation, harsh shifting, loss of power, and other abnormal drivability symptoms. On September 4, 2025, while I was operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions in Chicago, I heard a sudden loud metallic grinding or mechanical noise coming from the engine area. Gray smoke then began coming from the vehicle and quickly progressed into heavy dark smoke. A fire developed in the engine compartment, forcing me to stop and exit the vehicle. The fire rapidly intensified and was followed by an explosion or explosive sound. There was no collision that initiated this incident. The vehicle sustained catastrophic fire damage and was rendered a total loss. The failure occurred only approximately seven months after the replacement long-block engine was installed and after I had repeatedly experien INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Coolant intrusion with eco boost engine.
I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. At approximately [MILEAGE] miles, the vehicle began experiencing loss of coolant, rough running/misfire, shaking/rough start, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford/Lincoln dealership as having coolant intrusion into the engine/cylinders and/or engine block failure, requiring engine/long-block replacement. The estimated repair cost was approximately $8000. This creates a safety concern because coolant intrusion can cause misfires, overheating, engine damage, and possible loss of power while driving. Ford/Lincoln has issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346 and superseding bulletin 22-2229 for 2017–2019 Lincoln MKZ vehicles equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. These bulletins describe low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running, misfire codes, overheating codes, and coolant intrusion into the cylinder, with the prescribed repair being long-block engine replacement. Despite this known documented condition, Lincoln/Ford denied assistance because the vehicle is outside warranty. I am reporting this as a potential safety defect because the failure can occur without adequate warning and may cause engine overheating, misfire, or loss of power while the vehicle is being operated.
Took car into Ford dealership service because the check engine light came on. The car was sounding a little rough also. When they called me, I was expecting a tune up or just a sensor issue, but I was told that I needed a new engine! The tech found dtc P0302 for misfire on cylinder number 2, found coolant on spark plug. Cylinder #2 was cracked and leaking coolant into it. Was told it would lead to catastrophic failure. Was told I needed a long block replacement at the tune of $9,000. The service tech called Ford to help with the costs, but since I didn't have an extended warranty, they wouldn't do anything. The car has been barely driven and taken well care of. I bought it in 2019 with 12k miles and now in 2026 it only has 69k miles. I have researched and found out that this is a systemic issue. Had I not replaced the engine it could of been catastrophic! I have been with Ford since I started driving in the early 80's. This is unacceptable. According to several reports, this has been reported many times (maybe thousands?). I wonder how many are NOT reported. Ford needs to reimburse for the defective engine.
2.0yt coolant intrusion. Needs long block replaced. So basically a motor. Ford knows about this.
Greetings, I am adding my name to what has to be thousands of complaints about engine failure do to antifreeze intrusion. Ford should be replacing these engines for free. I also own a 2019 and waiting to have to spend another 8 grand on it.
The vehicle lost power on the highway due to an overheating issue. Very dangerous when this happens while your going 70 mph. The vehicle was later determined to be a victim of Ford's known 2.0L Ecoboost engine that due to Ford's defective design, which Ford admits but refuses to issue a recall for. The ONLY fix for this problem is to have the long block replaced at a cost of over $9,000.00. Not exactly Ford looking out for the safety of their customers.
Coolent intrusion, coolent leaking into cylinder number 2 causing a misfire and excessive white smoke every time I start the vehicle, seems this is a manufacturing flaw from the research I've done with so many other people having the same complaints because the engine block is the cause of the problem the way they designed it ford acknowledged the problem saying it's the engine block because of a poor design only way to fix this is with a new redesigned engine block and that cost a lot of money I think Ford should be held accountable and should do a recalls on these and get these fixed this is not right.
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select that resulted in a catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle was in operation. Prior to the incident, the vehicle underwent a long block engine replacement performed by Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The repair involved removal and replacement of the engine assembly and related components. After the vehicle was returned to me following this repair, the engine later experienced a sudden catastrophic mechanical failure while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly began emitting smoke from the engine compartment and subsequently caught fire. The fire escalated quickly and rendered the vehicle a total loss. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was being operated under normal driving conditions. There was no collision or external cause that would have triggered the fire. The event appears to have originated within the engine compartment following the recent engine replacement. The vehicle was subsequently towed and is currently stored at City of Chicago Auto Pound No. 6 following the fire incident. The vehicle has not been repaired or altered since the event and remains available for inspection. Given that this vehicle had recently undergone a major engine replacement under a manufacturer technical service bulletin, I believe the circumstances warrant review to determine whether the incident may be related to: a defect in the replacement engine assembly improper installation of the engine or related components fuel, oil, or electrical system issues associated with the repair. This incident presented a serious safety risk to the driver and could have resulted in severe injury or loss of life. I was fortunate to escape the vehicle safely before the fire fully developed. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA may evaluate whether this type of failure represents a broader safety concern.
The car has been experiencing a persistent cylinder #2 misfire. We replaced the coils and spark plugs, only to learn that this is a common issue with the 2.0 MKZ engines. The problem has worsened to the point where the car sometimes can barely move in traffic, creating a serious safety risk if other drivers don’t notice the vehicle slowing to a crawl. It also puts my family at risk if we ever have to exit the car in busy traffic. Ford has diagnosed the issue, but they stated there is no recall associated with this VIN. The check engine light remains on.
My 2017 Lincoln MKZ experienced a sudden and severe engine failure consistent with the known Ford/Lincoln coolant intrusion defect affecting 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. While driving, the vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leak, followed by rough running, misfires, and complete engine shutdown. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to a Ford dealership. At the dealership, technicians were unable to start the vehicle at all, and could not even pull it into the service bay to perform diagnostics. The service department told us the symptoms match the known coolant‑intrusion issue documented in Ford’s Technical Service Bulletin 19‑2346, which applies to 2017–2019 2.0L EcoBoost engines. They advised us not to pay for diagnostic testing, because the failure pattern is already known and documented by Ford, but not covered under any recall. They referred us to Lincoln corporate. Lincoln corporate then informed us that they have no programs available to assist with this defect, even though it is a known issue. They stated that even if a program existed, they “wouldn’t be able to assist with even half the cost.” They also suggested that we consider installing a junkyard engine as a more cost‑effective option. This was their only recommendation for a catastrophic engine failure caused by a known defect. This is extremely concerning for a safety‑related failure. The symptoms match Ford’s documented defect exactly: • Coolant loss with no external leak • White smoke prior to failure • Engine misfires and rough running • Overheating • Engine unable to start • Potential for engine seizure or fire This is the same failure pattern described in recall 25V685 and the January 2026 recall, which involve coolant intrusion, overheating, and fire risk in similar Ford/Lincoln engines. My VIN is not included, but the failure mode is identical. My vehicle is now completely disabled due to this defect, and Lincoln has refused any assistance.
Faulty engine, head gasket failure and needing total engine replace at 83,000 miles
So I bought this car in February of last year. Since I've had it june I had to do a head gasket. Another time the high speed fuel pump had bolt come loose and oil went everywhere causing a fire. Had transmission intercooler line do the same thing. Additional fire. And just recently I problem that was supposedly fixed already wasn't and flywheel broke leaving me stranding in a parking lot for 4 days dropping transmission. The dealer didn't put back all the parts correctly either.
Head gasket failure. coolant leak into engine block. Replaced engine at a cost of $3900
I am paying on a 2017 Lincoln MKZ with total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it. I am aware that NHTSA in early October 2023 there was an investigation into more than 700000 late model Ford due to catastrophic engine failure. Why was people not informed on this matter, or a recall established.
Total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it. 2023 investigation on this same situation, whats the outcome
Incident Summary – Vehicle Fire Date of Incident: Thursday, September 4, 2025 Context: I was driving to a scheduled service appointment for my car at Murgado Lincoln Dealership of Chicago Events Leading Up to the Fire While driving, I heard loud metal noises coming from under the hood. The sound was either metal pieces falling off or grinding/chomping metal against metal. Concerned by the noises, I pulled over to the side of the road. Smoke and Fire Once stopped, the car began emitting gray smoke, which quickly turned into black smoke. The black smoke entered through the dashboard, filling the interior cabin. I realized the vehicle had caught on fire. Immediate Actions Taken I quickly gathered personal belongings from inside the car. I was lucky to have evacuated the vehicle immediately to ensure my safety, despite inhalation of potentially hazardous chemicals due to the fire/ plastic of the car. I then called 911 to report the fire and request emergency assistance. The car continued to catch fire and then there was a minor explosion, as the Chicago fire department battled the fire.
Leasing a 2017 Mkz with total engine failure due to coolant leaking into the engine. Other issues are evolving, while unable to get it fixed
Lemon Was sold a car with a class action lawsuit in progress, still was leased to me stuck with payments with a blown engine. Now can't even open it
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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