repaired · 2025 Q1
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
2018 Lincoln MKZProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKZ, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-162 the manufacturer reports only 39% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Lincoln MKZ has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Engine
9Power train
3Engine and engine cooling
2Exterior lighting
2Lane departure
2Electrical system
1Air bags
1Wheels
1Back over prevention
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Lincoln MKZ recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk. A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other MKZ year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKZ median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Lincoln MKZ safety ratings
2018 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Lincoln MKZ, and the recalls they led to.
- Front Brake Jounce Hose FailuresLed to recall 23V-162
In owners' words
What MKZ owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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.…
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.…
Own a 2018 MKZ?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.