CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Lincoln MKZ has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (13 reports).
2018 Lincoln MKZ recalls
Front brake hoses may rupture and leak fluid
Certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles may have front brake hoses that can rupture and leak brake fluid.
Steering Wheel Can Detach While Driving, Causing Loss of Control
The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen over time, allowing the steering wheel to detach while the vehicle is being driven.
Most common 2018 Lincoln MKZ problems
Problem areas named in the 36 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 13 |
| Power Train | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Lane Departure | 2 |
| Structure | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
What owners report
Around end of May or beginning of June 2026 a check engine light came on in our 2018 MKZ. The code showed cylinder 3 misfire. We called our local Ford dealership for diagnosis. We almost didn't get there as it started to overheat on the way. Once at Ford they diagnosed it with coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. They said this was a known issue and needed a new block. $11,500 for replacement. They said driving it could cause catastrophic problems to the vehicle and possibly the passengers in it. The vehicle had 65,873 miles on it at time and once home it has stayed in the garage since. They said warranty was over and to call Lincoln for assistance programs as it was a known safety defect. I did
Head gasket and long block. I was at risk along with the public. I was driving on [XXX] when the car suddenly started to overheat and would not accelerate anymore. The problem was diagnosed today the coolant is leaking into cylinder 3. The check engine light came on and gave me p303 for a code. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I recently have been losing antifreeze, The car stared to overheat, the P303 engine code came on. The car hasn't been inspected yet but my mechanic said it's a sign of a long or short block issue. I've been looking the problem up. It seems to be a problem with many of these cars, a known issue with the card from 2017-2020.
While driving, the car stalled. I could not restart it. It was towed to Lincoln Dealer and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and seized the engine. This is a known defect on the Ford EcoBoost Engine. Fully aware of the defect, Ford redesigned the engine in 2019 for later models. I am now faced with the huge expense of having Lincoln replace the engine. Ford needs to take responsibility and pay for this. Please help me.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder, which caused engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
2018 Lincoln MKZ questions
Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ: Front brake hoses may rupture and leak fluid; Steering Wheel Can Detach While Driving, Causing Loss of Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKZ?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (13), Power Train (9), Unknown Or Other (5).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Lincoln MKZ has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.