The Lemon Index

All cars · Lincoln MKZ · 2018

2018 Lincoln MKZ. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index–100 = average car
Complaints8NHTSA, first 3 years

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 45,000 miles. Median 12,368, from 6 complaints with a mileage.

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Transmission & drivetrain25%
Electrical25%
Lane assist25%
Lights12%
Body structure12%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
800100

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 23V162000 Mar 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

    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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 18V167000 Mar 2018 Steering / Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

    Defect. 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.

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

    Remedy. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023
ClosedFront brake jounce hose failures20222023

Manufacturer communications 137

Lincoln filed 137 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Inoperative remote features via Ford

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lincoln MKZ HEV 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalOptional

Engines and drivetrains 5

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cyl hybridAuto (variable gear ratios)FWD41 / 38 / 40Regular$1,550
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD21 / 31 / 24Regular$2,600
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)AWD20 / 28 / 23Regular$2,700
3.0L 6-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD18 / 27 / 21Regular$2,950
3.0L 6-cyl turboAuto (S6)AWD17 / 26 / 20Regular$3,100

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2015822630,901Electrical
2016621930,534Airbags
2017702127,387Engine
2018–8–Transmission & drivetrain
2019–2–Electrical
2020–1–Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data

Spot a mistake or have an idea? Tell us

How can we make Lemon Index better?