Model year
2018 Lincoln MKZ
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 35 complaints for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 2 complaints under MKZ HYBRID. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (12), POWER TRAIN (9), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA rated 3 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 20–40 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $1,700–$3,350, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2007 259 complaints
- 2008 281 complaints
- 2009 114 complaints
- 2010 170 complaints
- 2011 145 complaints
- 2012 146 complaints
- 2013 109 complaints
- 2014 97 complaints
- 2015 84 complaints
- 2016 64 complaints
- 2017 141 complaints
- 2018 35 complaints
- 2019 21 complaints
- 2020 2 complaints
Recalls
23V162000 · Mar 10, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
18V167000 · Mar 12, 2018
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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.
Complaints
35 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 1, fire flag on 0, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| MKZ HYBRID | 0 | 2 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ22004 | Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | Aug 8, 2022 | Mar 24, 2023 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR AWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.109 | — |
| 4 DR FWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.109 | — |
| HEV 4 DR FWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.109 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ FWD · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 31 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| MKZ AWD · 2L · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| MKZ Hybrid FWD · 2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Hybrid | 41 | 38 | 40 | — | — | $1,700 |
| MKZ AWD · 3L · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 26 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| MKZ FWD · 3L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2018 Lincoln MKZ at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.