Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Lincoln MKZ - part 1

Head gasket and long block. I was at risk along with the public. I was driving on [xxx] when the car suddenly started to overheat and would not accelerate anymore. The problem was diagnosed today the coolant is leaking into cylinder 3. The check engine light came on and gave me p303 for a code. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Lincoln MKZ 🔎.

I noticed on mid sept/2026 when I started my car the engine was idling rough for a few minutes, then went idling normal. Every morning after it repeated itself when first starting the car and my check engine light came on. I scheduled a a diagnostic with an auto shop and it was diagnosed as cylinder 2 misfire. Shop told me to check if coolant level is lower in the next morning, I checked it was low & had to add more coolant, also no coolant on the floor. Check engine light on almost every day, took it to another auto shop for 2nd opinion, had them do a coolant pressure test. The coolant pressure test showed cylinder 2 had coolant getting inside it. Shop found TSB 19-2208 pertaining to this issue. Repair for this was to replace engine. Found out about miller vs Ford class action suit online which stated Ford had a engine block design flaw on the 1. 0 l, 1. 6 l, & 2. 0 l ecoboost engines which allows coolant to leak directly into the combustion cylinders, which could cause severe overheating. My Lincoln Mkz has the 2. 0 l ecoboost engine. Eventually my engine will fail completely if I continue to drive the car. My Mkz engine was built on 08/2018.

See all problems of the 2019 Lincoln MKZ 🔎.

My 2017 Lincoln Mkz with only 52100 miles started leaking coolant into the engine cylinders which will require a new engine. Ford/Lincoln is aware of this problem with their 2. 0 liter ecoboost engine and has even issued a service bulletin and the necessary engine replacement. I have contacted Lincoln customer service and their response was they have no liability since the vehicle is out of warranty. I have noted there are several class action lawsuits in progress and I believe a recall has been issued on some Ford/Lincoln ecoboost engines. A recall should be issued for all affected engines and not just some models. Thank you for your attention in this matter. The engine replacement will cost at least $7000. Ford should be responsible for reimbursing my out of pocket costs as a result of their unwillingness to resolve this issue.

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The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,300.

In August 2026, my 2019 Lincoln Mkz equipped with the 2. 0l ecoboost engine, with approximately 39,000 miles, began experiencing repeated coolant loss, rough shaking during startup, engine misfires, temperature-gauge fluctuations toward hot, and an “engine coolant over temperature” warning while the vehicle was being driven. The warning appeared and then cleared, creating concern that the vehicle could continue operating without a persistent warning even though the engine was overheating. The climate-control system also began blowing hot air while the air conditioning was selected. Before the over-temperature warning, coolant had required frequent replacement, at times approximately once per week. An authorized Lincoln dealership performed diagnostic testing and confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The dealership advised that the failure matches the condition addressed in Ford’s technical service bulletin concerning coolant intrusion in certain 2. 0l ecoboost engines. The prescribed repair is replacement of the engine long-block assembly. This condition creates a safety concern because coolant entering the cylinders can cause misfires, overheating, severe engine damage, and potential loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Lincoln dealership, and the failed engine should remain available for inspection until it is replaced. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. The manufacturer declined repair assistance because the vehicle was outside the applicable time limit, and the estimated engine replacement cost is approximately $9,620.

Engine has rough idle and can stall. Ford says engine has coolant intrusion and needs a new engine. The repair will cost between 8500 and 10000 dollars.

While driving, the car stalled. I could not restart it. It was towed to Lincoln dealer and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and seized the engine. This is a known defect on the Ford ecoboost engine. Fully aware of the defect, Ford redesigned the engine in 2019 for later models. I am now faced with the huge expense of having Lincoln replace the engine. Ford needs to take responsibility and pay for this. Please help me.

My engine has failed at less than 40,000 miles due to coolant leaking into the engine.

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 mph, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder, which caused engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Coolant intrusion with eco boost engine.

I purchased a 2017 Lincoln Mkz and began experiencing serious engine problems, including repeated overheating and an engine misfire. The vehicle developed a check-engine light and a p0301 misfire code. I was advised by a repair shop that the vehicle has a serious engine problem and that the engine needs to be replaced. I am concerned that the overheating and engine problems could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power or suffer complete engine failure while I am driving. If the engine loses power unexpectedly while I am traveling in traffic, I could be unable to accelerate or safely move out of the way of other vehicles, creating a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other motorists. I contacted Lincoln regarding these problems and asked the manufacturer for assistance, but Lincoln refused to provide assistance with the issue. I am now left responsible for addressing a potentially serious engine and safety problem. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these engine, misfire, and overheating problems to determine whether they may be related to a safety defect affecting other 2017 Lincoln Mkz vehicles.

The engine light came on. The car suddenly wouldn’t go past 35 mph . Thankfully I was on a local road. I had it towed to the dealer and was told that the engine needed to be replaced because coolant leaked into the engine. There were no warning lights except the day of . The car did not give any indication of a leak. Nor was it running hot. Everything was functioning fine.

We are submitting this vehicle safety complaint regarding a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure in our 2017 Lincoln Mkz equipped with the 2. 0l ecoboost engine. The vehicle had approximately 60,063 miles when presented to parks Lincoln of longwood. The vehicle developed a check engine light, rough running, shaking, and recurring misfire symptoms. Two ignition coils had recently been replaced, but the symptoms returned. The vehicle also produced white exhaust smoke on startup after sitting for several days. Because the rough running was so severe, the vehicle was ultimately towed to the Lincoln dealership on a flatbed. Parks Lincoln's repair order 2684839/1 documents dtc p0301. The technician states that, pursuant to TSB 22-2229, a coolant pressure test and cylinder inspection were performed; coolant intrusion was found in cylinder 1; and a long-block engine is required to properly repair the concern. Lincoln TSB 22-2229, NHTSA manufacturer communication no. 10214126, describes coolant intrusion in certain 2. 0l ecoboost vehicles including 2017-2019 Lincoln Mkz models. The bulletin identifies white exhaust smoke, rough running, and misfire codes, including p0301, and directs replacement of the long-block engine assembly when the condition is confirmed. Our safety concern is that coolant intrusion can progress from rough running and misfire to loss of engine performance or engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. In our case, the symptoms became severe enough that we did not consider continued driving appropriate and had the vehicle transported to the dealer. We ask NHTSA to add this complaint to its defect database and evaluate it together with other reports involving 2. 0l ecoboost coolant intrusion, misfire, loss of power and engine failure. We can provide the complete dealer repair order, estimate and additional records upon request.

My 2018 Lincoln Mkz began misfiring on startups. Eventually the check engine light came on with a code of p0302. About a week later while driving, the engine temp gauge reached the hottest temp reading on the gauge. I had to immediately pull over. Upon pulling over I immediately checked the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and it was empty. After refilling with coolant I was able to drive the car home. Over the next few days I monitored the coolant level but at the same time the car was experiencing rough startups and smoke coming out of the exhaust upon startup. Sometimes turning the engine off and restarting it would stop the smoke, but sometimes it wouldn't. I began doing some research and discovered, technical service bulletin (TSB) 19-2346, which explains my exact experience with my 2018 Lincoln Mkz. I have yet to take my car to the dealership for repairs due to the costs that are expected to have this issue resolved. Documents in the legal case, miller, et al. V. Ford motor company (case no. 2:20-cv-01796) claim that Ford was aware of this defect in their vehicles dating back to 2010. I purchased my 2018 Lincoln Mkz back in 2019.

2. 0yt coolant intrusion. Needs long block replaced. So basically a motor. Ford knows about this.

Took car into Ford dealership service because the check engine light came on. The car was sounding a little rough also. When they called me, I was expecting a tune up or just a sensor issue, but I was told that I needed a new engine! the tech found dtc p0302 for misfire on cylinder number 2, found coolant on spark plug. Cylinder #2 was cracked and leaking coolant into it. Was told it would lead to catastrophic failure. Was told I needed a long block replacement at the tune of $9,000. The service tech called Ford to help with the costs, but since I didn't have an extended warranty, they wouldn't do anything. The car has been barely driven and taken well care of. I bought it in 2019 with 12k miles and now in 2026 it only has 69k miles. I have researched and found out that this is a systemic issue. Had I not replaced the engine it could of been catastrophic! I have been with Ford since I started driving in the early 80's. This is unacceptable. According to several reports, this has been reported many times (maybe thousands?). I wonder how many are not reported. Ford needs to reimburse for the defective engine.

Internal water pump failed causing immediate shutdown of vehicle. This water pump is internal to the engine and requires half of the engine be taken apart to be replaced. This affect all 3. 5 and 3. 7 Ford engines through 2021. Unlike traditional water pumps which are belt driven this one is driven by the timing chain. Thereby when failure occurs the engine shuts down. Coolant also leaks into the oil as a result possibly resulting in engine damage. Ford is fully aware of the defect and refuses to recall. Regardless of age or miles this is a defect especially with vehicles equipped with the internal plastic water pump.

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My check engine light came on, I took my car to the dealership that I have using for eight years with less than 38k miles on it and I was told by the service technician who gave the diagnose as, there was coolant in the cylinder where the spark plug #3 is housed. He stated that the car is misfiring and I was told I needed to get an new engine replace to correct the problem. I was given a service bulletin stating the manufacturer knew of the problem with this model. I talk to the dealership service manager and questioned why no indication, clue, or suggestion was told to me of the problem with that type of engine. I have not contact my insurance company and I don't if they have information on the problem of the engine problem. I did tell the service technician on routine maintenance for the car that is running "rich" in using gas. In may of this year is when the engine problem started, 3 weeks before actually being eight years officially, no other indication lights came. I drive to work on the streets and freeway everyday.

On xxx, the engine in my 2019 Lincoln Mkz (mileage 58,089) with the 2. 0l ecoboost engine suffered a catastrophic, sudden failure while driving. The vehicle began to overheat & run extremely rough, triggering multiple warning lights. It is now inoperable and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to a Lincoln dealership (tasca Lincoln in [xxx]) for diagnosis. The work order number is ro #xxx. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to a well-documented manufacturing defect known as "coolant intrusion," where the engine block cracks internally, allowing coolant to leak directly into the engine cylinders. The diagnostic trouble codes stored were p0217 (engine overheat condition), p0302 (cylinder 2 misfire detected), & p0316 (misfire detected on startup). This issue is specifically addressed in Ford's own technical service bulletin 19-2346. This coolant intrusion defect creates a critical safety hazard. The engine can lose its coolant and fail without any prior warning, leading to a complete loss of power while the vehicle is in motion. A sudden seizure of the engine at highway speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, endangering myself, my passengers, & other drivers on the road. Estimated cost for repair: $10,781. 40 (for complete engine replacement). I contacted Lincoln customer relations (case #xxx) to request assistance with this known manufacturing defect. I was informed that there is no goodwill assistance available & that my case was being forwarded to their internal vehicle safety division. This confirms that Ford is aware this is a serious safety issue. This is not a normal wear-and-tear failure; it is a fundamental defect in the engine's design that Ford has acknowledged internally through its service bulletins. An engine should not fail catastrophically due to a manufacturing defect on a [xxx] vehicle. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this defect to determine if a safety recall is warranted to protect the public. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(.

Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating.

Coolent intrusion, coolent leaking into cylinder number 2 causing a misfire and excessive white smoke every time I start the vehicle, seems this is a manufacturing flaw from the research I've done with so many other people having the same complaints because the engine block is the cause of the problem the way they designed it Ford acknowledged the problem saying it's the engine block because of a poor design only way to fix this is with a new redesigned engine block and that cost a lot of money I think Ford should be held accountable and should do a recalls on these and get these fixed this is not right.

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or driving there was a misfire. Additionally, while driving 30 mph, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound. The contact slowed down to 5 mph and continued driving. The check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

The car has been experiencing a persistent cylinder #2 misfire. We replaced the coils and spark plugs, only to learn that this is a common issue with the 2. 0 Mkz engines. The problem has worsened to the point where the car sometimes can barely move in traffic, creating a serious safety risk if other drivers don’t notice the vehicle slowing to a crawl. It also puts my family at risk if we ever have to exit the car in busy traffic. Ford has diagnosed the issue, but they stated there is no recall associated with this VIN. The check engine light remains on.

I own a 2017 Lincoln Mkz equipped with the 2. 0l ecoboost engine. At approximately [mileage] miles, the vehicle began experiencing loss of coolant, rough running/misfire, shaking/rough start, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford/Lincoln dealership as having coolant intrusion into the engine/cylinders and/or engine block failure, requiring engine/long-block replacement. The estimated repair cost was approximately $8000. This creates a safety concern because coolant intrusion can cause misfires, overheating, engine damage, and possible loss of power while driving. Ford/Lincoln has issued technical service bulletin 19-2346 and superseding bulletin 22-2229 for 2017–2019 Lincoln Mkz vehicles equipped with the 2. 0l ecoboost engine. These bulletins describe low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running, misfire codes, overheating codes, and coolant intrusion into the cylinder, with the prescribed repair being long-block engine replacement. Despite this known documented condition, Lincoln/Ford denied assistance because the vehicle is outside warranty. I am reporting this as a potential safety defect because the failure can occur without adequate warning and may cause engine overheating, misfire, or loss of power while the vehicle is being operated.

So I bought this car in February of last year. Since I've had it June I had to do a head gasket. Another time the high speed fuel pump had bolt come loose and oil went everywhere causing a fire. Had transmission intercooler line do the same thing. Additional fire. And just recently I problem that was supposedly fixed already wasn't and flywheel broke leaving me stranding in a parking lot for 4 days dropping transmission. The dealer didn't put back all the parts correctly either.

My 2017 Lincoln Mkz experienced a sudden and severe engine failure consistent with the known Ford/Lincoln coolant intrusion defect affecting 1. 5l, 1. 6l, and 2. 0l ecoboost engines. While driving, the vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leak, followed by rough running, misfires, and complete engine shutdown. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to a Ford dealership. At the dealership, technicians were unable to start the vehicle at all, and could not even pull it into the service bay to perform diagnostics. The service department told us the symptoms match the known coolant?intrusion issue documented in Ford’s technical service bulletin 19?2346, which applies to 2017–2019 2. 0l ecoboost engines. They advised us not to pay for diagnostic testing, because the failure pattern is already known and documented by Ford, but not covered under any recall. They referred us to Lincoln corporate. Lincoln corporate then informed us that they have no programs available to assist with this defect, even though it is a known issue. They stated that even if a program existed, they “wouldn’t be able to assist with even half the cost. ” they also suggested that we consider installing a junkyard engine as a more cost?effective option. This was their only recommendation for a catastrophic engine failure caused by a known defect. This is extremely concerning for a safety?related failure. The symptoms match Ford’s documented defect exactly: • coolant loss with no external leak • white smoke prior to failure • engine misfires and rough running • overheating • engine unable to start • potential for engine seizure or fire this is the same failure pattern described in recall 25v685 and the January 2026 recall, which involve coolant intrusion, overheating, and fire risk in similar Ford/Lincoln engines. My VIN is not included, but the failure mode is identical. My vehicle is now completely disabled due to this defect, and Lincoln has refused any assistance.

The vehicle lost power on the highway due to an overheating issue. Very dangerous when this happens while your going 70 mph. The vehicle was later determined to be a victim of Ford's known 2. 0l ecoboost engine that due to Ford's defective design, which Ford admits but refuses to issue a recall for. The only fix for this problem is to have the long block replaced at a cost of over $9,000. 00. Not exactly Ford looking out for the safety of their customers.

Head gasket failure. Coolant leak into engine block. Replaced engine at a cost of $3900.

Check engine light came on. Error code 0302 and 0316 on odb at dealer. Was advised that engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 which cause the vehicle to overheat. Engine has 3200 miles on it. Safety hazard due to engine seizing at high speed and causing an accident due to loss of power. Also possible engine fire due to loss of coolant/overheating.

Coolant intrusion into my 2. 0l eco boost engine requiring engine replacement.

While driving vehicle the engine shut down for no apparent reason. Light came on said do not attempt to drive, not safe. Was able to get car to a safe area. Was able to restart and get the car home. Brought the car to the dealer, said battery was dead, found water in the truck where the battery is located.

See all problems of the 2015 Lincoln MKZ 🔎.

I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln Mkz select, equipped with a 2. 0l ecoboost engine, VIN [xxx]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion. On December 16, 2024, at approximately 95,354 miles, the vehicle was taken to murgado Ford Lincoln of chicago. The dealership documented diagnostic codes p0303 and p0316 and determined that coolant was entering cylinder no. 3. Pursuant to Ford technical service bulletin 22-2229, the dealership replaced the long-block engine and related one-time-use components. The replacement service-engine assembly was identified on the repair invoice as part no. J2gz-6006-e. The vehicle was returned to me on approximately January 30, 2025. After the engine replacement, the vehicle continued to experience serious problems. Within days, it stalled in an intersection, produced white smoke, lost cabin heat, and had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle later continued to exhibit hesitation, harsh shifting, loss of power, and other abnormal drivability symptoms. On September 4, 2025, while I was operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions in chicago, I heard a sudden loud metallic grinding or mechanical noise coming from the engine area. Gray smoke then began coming from the vehicle and quickly progressed into heavy dark smoke. A fire developed in the engine compartment, forcing me to stop and exit the vehicle. The fire rapidly intensified and was followed by an explosion or explosive sound. There was no collision that initiated this incident. The vehicle sustained catastrophic fire damage and was rendered a total loss. The failure occurred only approximately seven months after the replacement long-block engine was installed and after I had repeatedly experien information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information.

Incident summary – vehicle fire date of incident: Thursday, September 4, 2025 context: I was driving to a scheduled service appointment for my car at murgado Lincoln dealership of chicago events leading up to the fire while driving, I heard loud metal noises coming from under the hood. The sound was either metal pieces falling off or grinding/chomping metal against metal. Concerned by the noises, I pulled over to the side of the road. Smoke and fire once stopped, the car began emitting gray smoke, which quickly turned into black smoke. The black smoke entered through the dashboard, filling the interior cabin. I realized the vehicle had caught on fire. Immediate actions taken I quickly gathered personal belongings from inside the car. I was lucky to have evacuated the vehicle immediately to ensure my safety, despite inhalation of potentially hazardous chemicals due to the fire/ plastic of the car. I then called 911 to report the fire and request emergency assistance. The car continued to catch fire and then there was a minor explosion, as the chicago fire department battled the fire.

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2017 Lincoln Mkz select that resulted in a catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle was in operation. Prior to the incident, the vehicle underwent a long block engine replacement performed by murgado Ford Lincoln of chicago pursuant to Ford technical service bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The repair involved removal and replacement of the engine assembly and related components. After the vehicle was returned to me following this repair, the engine later experienced a sudden catastrophic mechanical failure while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly began emitting smoke from the engine compartment and subsequently caught fire. The fire escalated quickly and rendered the vehicle a total loss. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was being operated under normal driving conditions. There was no collision or external cause that would have triggered the fire. The event appears to have originated within the engine compartment following the recent engine replacement. The vehicle was subsequently towed and is currently stored at city of chicago auto pound no. 6 following the fire incident. The vehicle has not been repaired or altered since the event and remains available for inspection. Given that this vehicle had recently undergone a major engine replacement under a manufacturer technical service bulletin, I believe the circumstances warrant review to determine whether the incident may be related a defect in the replacement engine assembly improper installation of the engine or related components fuel, oil, or electrical system issues associated with the repair. This incident presented a serious safety risk to the driver and could have resulted in severe injury or loss of life. I was fortunate to escape the vehicle safely before the fire fully developed. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA may evaluate whether this type of failure represents a broader safety concern.

Faulty engine, head gasket failure and needing total engine replace at 83,000 miles.