MYRModel Year Report

2018 Lincoln MKZ

▲ Better than typical
2018 Lincoln MKZ
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:41.434Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
36
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

2007: 259 complaints 2007 2008: 281 complaints 2009: 114 complaints 2009 2010: 169 complaints 2011: 145 complaints 2011 2012: 146 complaints 2013: 109 complaints 2013 2014: 97 complaints 2015: 80 complaints 2015 2016: 65 complaints 2017: 139 complaints 2018: 36 complaints 2018 36 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 2 complaints
2007: 259 complaints 2007 2008: 281 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009 2010: 169 complaints 2010 2011: 145 complaints 2011 2012: 146 complaints 2012 2013: 109 complaints 2013 2014: 97 complaints 2014 2015: 80 complaints 2015 2016: 65 complaints 2016 2017: 139 complaints 2017 2018: 36 complaints 2018 36 2019: 21 complaints 2019 2020: 2 complaints 2020
2007: 259 complaints 2007 2008: 281 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009 2010: 169 complaints 2010 2011: 145 complaints 2011 2012: 146 complaints 2012 2013: 109 complaints 2013 2014: 97 complaints 2014 2015: 80 complaints 2015 2016: 65 complaints 2016 2017: 139 complaints 2017 2018: 36 complaints 2018 36 2019: 21 complaints 2019 2020: 2 complaints 2020

2018: 36 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20060
2007259
2008281
2009114
2010169
2011145
2012146
2013109
201497
201580
201665
2017139
201836
201921
20202

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

36% · 13 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-22

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-25

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-14

Power train

25% · 9 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Torque converter stuck off pcm code 6f35 transmission vin look up doesn't show recall but it has same transmission installed with the same problem as 2017…

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-05

Upon driving the vehicle, it has stalled seven times. Two of those incidents involved vehicle going into park without touching the park button.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-10

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 3 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-14

Electrical system

6% · 2 reports

Lane departure

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing warning and blind spot detection.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2018-04-30Steering18V167000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2022-08-08Recall queryClosed 2023-03-24 Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
  3. R
    2023-06-27Service brakes, hydraulic23V162000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Lincoln MKZ — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V167000 · Steering
  • Recall 23V162000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Lincoln MKZ is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKZ?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.