What is the common problem with Lincoln MKZ?
The Lincoln MKZ’s most frequently reported issue centers on transmission problems, particularly in older models, with electrical glitches and HVAC concerns following closely.
The Lincoln MKZ, a mid-size luxury sedan from Lincoln, was produced in its first generation from 2006 through 2012 before evolving into later iterations. As a used-car proposition, the MKZ has earned a mixed reliability track record, with certain model years experiencing more frequent faults than others. This article examines the problems most commonly reported by owners, how they manifest, and practical guidance for buyers and current owners.
Top issues reported by MKZ owners
Below is a snapshot of the issues most frequently cited by owners and reflected in service records and consumer reporting sites.
- Transmission problems: rough shifting, shudder at low speeds, hesitation between gears, and, in some cases, transmission failure or leaking fluid.
- Electrical system glitches: battery charging/alternator concerns, intermittent dashboard warnings, power window regulator failures, and infotainment system instability.
- HVAC and climate-control issues: air conditioning not cooling properly or heater not producing heat, weak or inconsistent airflow due to blower motor or duct problems.
- Suspension and steering concerns: worn front-end components, noisy suspension, alignment drift, and occasional steering feel irregularities.
- Interior wear and trim: rattles, loosened trim pieces, and leather wear in higher-mileage cars.
These patterns reflect owner reports and service records observed across the MKZ’s production span. The exact frequency of issues varies by year, engine choice, and how well the vehicle has been maintained.
Why these issues tend to appear on MKZ models
While not every MKZ experiences these problems, certain design choices and shared components with other Ford vehicles have led to common fault modes, especially in older examples with higher mileage. Transmission control software, electrical harness routing, and HVAC blower components have been common focus areas for dealers and independent shops.
Context: recalls, reliability data, and maintenance priorities
Reliability reporting for the Lincoln MKZ varies by model year and powertrain. Earlier first-generation cars (2006–2010) show more owner-reported transmission and electrical issues, while later updates and recall campaigns addressed some of these concerns. Prospective buyers should review the vehicle’s recall history and ensure any open campaigns have been completed before purchase.
In practice, owners and buyers should budget for potential transmission work, electrical diagnostics, and HVAC repairs if the car has higher mileage. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can identify issues not yet evident to a non-specialist.
Maintenance tips for prospective buyers and owners
To minimize the risk of the MKZ experiencing these common problems and to extend reliability, consider the following practices. The following list provides a practical checklist you can use before buying or during ownership.
- Obtain and review the complete service history, focusing on transmission service, software updates, electrical work, and any recall-related repairs.
- Inspect for transmission symptoms: look for hard shifts, slipping, shudder, or delayed engagement and seek a professional evaluation if any are present.
- Test the HVAC system and electrical accessories: confirm proper A/C cooling, heating operation, all blower speeds work, and no warning lights remain after startup.
- Check for wiring harness or sensor fault codes with a comprehensive OBD-II scan and, if possible, Lincoln/Ford-specific codes, especially related to the transmission and body electrical systems.
- During a test drive, assess suspension feel, steering response, braking performance, and listen for unusual noises or vibrations that could indicate wear or alignment issues.
A proactive maintenance approach and a documented repair history can help mitigate some of the MKZ’s more common problems.
Summary
The Lincoln MKZ’s most frequent faults tend to cluster around transmissions, electrical systems, and HVAC. Reliability varies considerably by model year and maintenance history, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection and detailed recalls/service history essential for prospective buyers. For current owners, timely maintenance and addressing any warning signs early can help manage these common issues.
How many miles can a Lincoln MKZ last?
A Lincoln MKZ can last an average of 142,921 miles, though many owners report exceeding 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The lifespan depends heavily on consistent maintenance, as common issues like transmission problems, power steering leaks, and coolant leaks can arise, particularly in older models.
Factors affecting longevity
- Regular Maintenance: Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, especially for oil changes, is crucial for reaching higher mileage.
- Common Problems: Be prepared for potential issues that can shorten the lifespan if not addressed, such as:
- Transmission shifting problems
- Power steering fluid leaks
- Coolant leaks, particularly from the heater core, in some models
- Driving Habits: Driving habits, like aggressive acceleration, can impact longevity.
What owners report
- High Mileage: Despite potential common problems, many owners report their MKZs reaching well over 200,000 miles, with some even surpassing 300,000 miles.
- Hybrid Models: The hybrid version has shown a potentially longer lifespan, with some 10-year-old models having a potential lifespan of over 177,000 miles.
What are the bad years for the Lincoln MKZ?
You should be wary of 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZs due to potential 6-speed automatic transmission issues, including hard shifting and slippage, particularly when the transmission is hot. Additionally, late 2016 to mid-2018 models with the 2.0T engine are known for potential coolant intrusion that could cause engine failure, says Reddit users and Endurance Warranty. The 2013-2016 models can have issues with the Sync 2 infotainment system where touch controls become unresponsive.
This video explains why some people might avoid the Lincoln MKZ: 49s321verykind AUTOSYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Years with common problems
- 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ: These models often suffer from a problematic 6-speed automatic transmission that can cause hard shifts and slippage, according to RepairPal.
- 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ: These years are known for issues with the Sync 2 infotainment system, where the touchscreen controls for the radio and HVAC can become unresponsive.
- Late 2016 to mid-2018 Lincoln MKZ (2.0T engine): A specific concern for this range is coolant intrusion into the engine, which can lead to engine failure. This is particularly true for engines manufactured between April 2016 and January 2017, say YouTube and Reddit users.
- Early 2017 models: Some early 3.0L twin-turbo models had cylinder head failures, which can result in total engine failure.
Other potential issues to consider
- Panoramic roof: If the vehicle has a panoramic roof, the sunshade is known to break, and the repair is very expensive, notes a Reddit user.
- Daytime running lights: Faulty daytime running lights are a known problem in some models, says Endurance Warranty.
- Oil pan leaks: Some 3.0L twin-turbo engines have experienced oil pan leaks.
Do Lincoln MKZ have transmission problems?
MKZ owners often face transmission slipping and erratic RPM fluctuations during acceleration. RPM surges between 2000-3000 rpm can indicate transmission fluid degradation or torque converter issues. Start by checking transmission fluid level and condition--dark or burnt-smelling fluid suggests a flush is needed.
What is the recall on the Lincoln MKZ engine?
For 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles with 2.0L engines and 6-speed automatic transmissions, a recall was issued to deal with faulty welds on torque converter studs. If the studs fail, the torque converter loses its connection to the engine and the vehicle won't move.
