2018 Lincoln MKZ Problems, Recalls & Reliability
40 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ, alongside 2 recall campaigns and 1 defect investigation. It scores 12/100 on the trouble index — one of this model's quieter years. Engine leads the reports.
One of the quieter years. Relative to its siblings, the 2018 Lincoln MKZ has drawn well-below-average complaint volume with at least four years on the road.
Better year
Where 2018 sits among all MKZ years
What owners report
Recalls (2)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
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…
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.
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…
Federal defect investigations
Led to recall campaign 23V162000.
Technical service bulletins
137 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on electrical and engine — are on file for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
The 2018 Lincoln MKZ drew 40 complaints in federal safety records — one of this model's quieter years. Its trouble index is 12/100, scored against the model's worst year (2007).
What are the most common 2018 Lincoln MKZ problems?
The top reported problems for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ are engine (13 complaints), transmission & drivetrain (9), and other (4).
Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?
2 recall campaigns apply to the 2018 Lincoln MKZ. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.