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2018 Lincoln MKZ recalls and problems

The 2018 Lincoln MKZ has 2 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
36
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Lincoln MKZ recalls

Recall 23V-162: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Mar 10, 2023 · 1,280,726 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.

Recall 18V-167: Steering

Reported Mar 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.

2018 Lincoln MKZ problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine13
Power Train9
Unknown or Other5
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Electrical System2
Exterior Lighting2
Lane Departure2
Structure1
Back Over Prevention1
Air Bags1
Service Brakes1
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Bulbs — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Lincoln MKZ complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 22, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Sep 25, 2026
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)
Unknown or Other · reported Sep 23, 2026
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.
Engine · reported Sep 14, 2026
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 80,000 miles · reported Aug 14, 2026
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…

Other Lincoln MKZ years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ: 23V-162 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-167 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Lincoln MKZ?

Owners report engine problems most often (13 reports), followed by power train (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 miles.

Are Lincoln recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lincoln dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.