The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 16 of 38 complaints (42%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more crash reports (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 158 in 2017 to 38 in 2018.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 38
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $1,550–$3,100
- Combined MPG
- 20–40
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | vs. 2018 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,550–3,100 | 1,550–3,100 | 1,550–3,100 | 1,500–3,100 | 1,500–3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–40 | 20–40 | 20–40 | 20–41 | 20–41 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–41 / 24–39 | 17–41 / 26–38 | 17–41 / 26–38 | 17–42 / 26–39 | 17–42 / 26–39 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 227–450 | 222–447 | 222–447 | 217–447 | 217–447 | |
| Complaints filed | 71 | 158 | 38 | 23 | 3 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Lincoln MKZ?
Engine: 16 of 38 NHTSA complaints (42%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ get?
EPA rates it 20–40 MPG combined across 5 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Lincoln MKZ?
EPA estimates $1,550–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 21 mpg | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 41 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 40 mpg (high) | $1,550 (low) | 222 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 447 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 425 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
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.
- Consequence
- 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.
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.
- Consequence
- 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.