Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ, the most recent reported on March 10, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKZ?

Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (13 complaints), followed by power train (9).

How many 2018 Lincoln MKZ complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 36 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Lincoln MKZ recalls and problems

2 recalls and 36 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Lincoln MKZ recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 23V162000 · reported March 10, 2023 · Ford Motor Company · 1,280,726 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

NHTSA campaign 18V167000 · reported March 12, 2018 · Ford Motor Company · 1,301,986 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine13
Power train9
Unknown or other5
Engine and engine cooling3
Electrical system2
Exterior lighting2
Lane departure2
Air bags1
Back over prevention1
Fuel system, gasoline1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 22, 2026 · Engine
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…

Sep 25, 2026 · Engine
Head gasket and long block. I was at risk along with the public. I was driving on […] 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…

Sep 23, 2026 · Unknown or other
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…

Sep 14, 2026 · Engine
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…

Aug 14, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 80,000 miles
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…

MKZ model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2015	10	84	4	0
2016	6	64	8	0
2017	4	141	6	4
2018	2	36	1	0
2019	1	21	2	0
2020	1	2	0	0

Across all years, the 2008 MKZ has the most complaints (281). All Lincoln MKZ years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ, the most recent reported on March 10, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKZ?: Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (13 complaints), followed by power train (9).
How many 2018 Lincoln MKZ complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 36 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 22, 2026.