2017 Lincoln MKZ Powertrain & Transmission Problems

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 30 MPH, there was a rumbling sound and vibration coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission torque converter was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 107,000.

I drive a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equip with an Ecoboost 2.0L engine. A very widely known design flaw in the Engine Long block has caused coolant intrusion into the #1 cylinder. This can cause overheating issues and ultimately cause a fire and/or stall the car in a critical moment (i.e. highway) and cause an accident. I took the vehicle into my local dealership and they confirmed this issue and is consistent with TSB 22-2229 and needing a replacement of the Engine Long block. I called Lincoln Customer Support and they are refusing to assist at all with this repair, costing me over $10k. Also noting my car only has 61,000 miles.. as well as the dealership confirming this is not something that I could have prevented. I haven't noticed any issues other than the check engine light coming on, which is what initially led me to taking it into the dealership.

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to shift into third or fourth gear. Due to the failure, the contact made several stops while driving to the residence. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN); and associated the failure with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

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.

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.

The torque converter/flex plate is bad rattles and apoarently can cause an accident. There are recalls for this same year same motor and midel but my vehicle is not included but should be. I had it checked by undioendent mechanic who confirmed issue. I have read numerous post online with the same issue with theirs also saying it not included in recall how is thus posdible obviously there is an issue and others should be covered. After vehicle started making noise and i seen it could cause a crash it was parked til looked at. How do they decide which ones are included in recall when some others made at same time are having same issue. This is crazy they arent included too many of the same issues happening to the same vehicle.

Torque converter is going oitvluckly caught it in time before it locked up and caused a crash. There are numerous other vins recalled for the same year and same issue because the torque coverter welds were not done correctly. My vehicle does not show any recalls but should have also been included. I have seen on forums about this where numerous people had the same issue and all lincoln reps just give you a runaround because rhey know its an issue but dont want to acknowledge it. I was told this by a dealership mechanic.

Transmission slipping, side airbags deployed, seatbelt cut, TPMS light on, unsafe to drive.

I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select which has been a continuous source of mechanical problems. After recently having a new engine installed, the vehicle has now developed significant transmission issues, making it unsafe and difficult to drive. Despite being sold this car under the assumption it was reliable, I am struggling with costly repairs and reduced functionality, effectively driving a “lemon.” I believe the vehicle’s condition and recurring failures qualify it for protection under consumer lemon laws or warranties, and I am seeking resolution or compensation due to these defects that have severely impacted the vehicle’s usability and my safety.

I purchased my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select on November 11, 2024. The vehicle was determined to need a new engine, per Murgado Lincoln of Chicago. They had my car for over 48 days while putting in a new engine. After this was completed the car had to be sent back due to a mistake the mechanics made by not attaching a gasket properly. After this, I began experiencing odd noises underneath the hood and throughout the vehicle; delayed timing belt in both acceleration and deceleration, and so forth. I was then involved in a hit-and-run car accident (not my fault). All side airbags deployed and my passenger side rear wheel is destroyed. I had this car assessed just a few days ago by a certified Auto Care Company who said I needed a completely new transmission and that this car is not street legal at the moment... insurance is not helping me at all.

I purchased this vehicle on November 11, 2024. About one month later, I began experiencing severe problems. The engine started overheating, which marked the beginning of a downward spiral of issues. To address the overheating, a new engine was installed by Murgado Lincoln dealership, which took approximately 48 days to complete. While the new engine resolved the overheating, a serious transmission problem has persisted and worsened. Since I purchased the car, the transmission has been slipping constantly, shifting gears on its own unpredictably, making loud noises under the hood and throughout the entire vehicle. These issues create a major safety hazard, putting me and others at significant risk. On June 25, 2025, I was involved in a hit-and-run incident that likely worsened the vehicle’s condition. During this incident, the side airbags on both sides of my vehicle deployed, but the front airbag did not deploy at all, which is highly concerning and increased the danger during the impact. Additionally, the car has a cracked shock absorber head, likely from the accident, which has led to instability and potential fishtailing. I am now afraid to drive the vehicle due to unpredictable handling and further mechanical failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These problems have been confirmed and partially addressed by the dealer when the engine was replaced, but the transmission issues have never been fully resolved. There were no specific warning lamps for the transmission before the failure, but the slipping and erratic gear changes started about one month after purchase and have become progressively worse.

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the place of employment. The contact stated that after work, the vehicle was started, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that the vehicle instead rolled backward. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. Additionally, after shifting to drive, the vehicle erroneously lunged forward, and while shifting into reverse the vehicle jerked backwards. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter and engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while at a stop, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the flex plate and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact referenced Ford Campaign Number: 17S16. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

After some research I noticed that the 2017 Lincoln MKZ was part of a recall for faulty torque converters (Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Edge Torque Converter Recall (fordauthority.com Ford Recall Number: 17S03-). My dad took his car to Napleton Lincoln Mercury River Oaks, Illinois and they confirmed he needs to replace the torque converter and transmission. However, my dad whose 85 years-old, was informed his car does not fall under the recall for various reasons. How can that be when it’s the same, year, make, model and issue? My dad has taken his car to the dealer for all appropriate service appointments and has less than 100,000 miles on his car. It's obvious the issue is a defect and is not an issue associated with regularly wear and tear. He's faithfully purchased Ford products and routinely got over 200,000 miles without any problems. This issue puts my dad's life and any other owner of this car at extreme risk due to the uncertainty of the transmission operation. I feel Ford Lincoln Mercury should be held accountable for repairing his car.

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the transmission and torque convertor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,200.

I have a 2017 Lincoln mkz 2.0L 6 speed automatic transmission. The torque converter weld studs. The torque converter is on longer connected to the engine flex plate causing its ability to move. If you look at recall 17S16 it is an expansion of recall 17V427. my car is available I was driving on a 4 lane highway going about 60mph when car cut off. I was very afraid for my life. But also the life if others when I had no control of my speed. Personal mechanic. I first heard some noise under the car that would come and go, on this day I heard a thump and the vehicle lost its ability to move. which cause a very dangerous situation, cars where going around my car at speeds of 70 to 80mph. I am lucky to be alive!

1) Every used miz I test drove had a super hard jerk out of first gear including the one I purchased, I was told it was fine, went to another dealership and was told the transmission clutch was gone, repaired under warranty. 2) Gas tank door spring failed, saw its a common problem with Ford Lincoln vehicles, dealer replaced entire door housing sleeve, not covered under warranty, had to be installed twice after coming out after incorrectly installed. 3) Front headlights lens spider web cracking. When purchased I saw small stress cracks at top by hood 3 to 7 months later entire lens/globe housing look like shattered glass but still in tacted, not covered under warranty, now passenger light starting to look the same. Only had the car 13 months. Dealer service rep ask do I drive car alot or drive in the rain, I was shocked. 4) Rear trunk tail light across entire back end full of moisture. Not covered under warranty. Every since 2007 this seem to be a common problem with every car I had to poor designed product that consumer have to pay for and shouldn't. It will cost thousands of dollars to replace.

OIL PAN LEAK RTV LEAK. THIS MKZ IS LEAKING UP TO 1/4 QUART OF OIL A DAY.

VEHICLE JERKS AGGRESSIVELY FROM PARK TO REVERSE THEN REVERSE TO DRIVE AT COLD START. AND FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THEN THERE IS A DELAY IN ENGAGEMENT WHERE THERE IS NO MOVEMENT AT ALL AS YOU SIT IN THE ROADWAY WITH TRAFFIC. NO CODES DISPLAYING AFTER AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP AND ALTHOUGH I PROVIDED VIDEOS OF ISSUE OCCURRING THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE ISSUE AND I MUST COME BACK, WEEKS LATER. AS SOON AS I LEAVE ISSUE OCCURS AGAIN.....