The Lemon Index
201720192nd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 19,852 in the U.S. in 2018 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 8 complaints in its first 3 years.
8 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–40 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 BMW 3 Series 262018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 542018 Audi A4 45
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2018 Lincoln MKZ
- Coolant leak / overheating8 complaints
Specific parts named in the 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 6 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 23V162000 (brakes) and 18V167000 (steering) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the lane-keeping warnings work without false alerts?
- Lincoln sent dealers 137 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Inoperative remote features via Ford”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Lincoln's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 8 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 45K miles (5K to 72K km) on the car (6 of all 8 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 137 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Inoperative remote features via Ford
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Brakes · recall issued 2023
The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Steering · recall issued 2018
The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedFront brake jounce hose failures2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKZ HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1,500–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Lincoln MKZ year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lincoln-mkz/?y=2018" title="Lincoln MKZ reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="399" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/lincoln-mkz/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Lincoln MKZ reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
We can't score it: only 19,852 were sold in the U.S. in 2018 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2018 Lincoln MKZ problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (25%), electrical (25%) and lane assist (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have?
2 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ get?
20 to 40 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ cost in fuel a year?
About $1,500 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Lincoln MKZ year is better than the 2018?
Nearby, the 2016 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works