DecodedCars2017 Lincoln MKZ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2.0l AWD 4dr Sedan, 3.0l AWD 4dr Sedan, Hybrid 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 40 combined · 41 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 194.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,878–4,200 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 49% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints158 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 6 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 40 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,909 lb (2.0l AWD 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (41 city / 38 highway), 49% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.7L 6-cyl
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 MKZ →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0l AWD 4dr Sedan | 194.1 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,909 lb | 59/41 |
| 3.0l AWD 4dr Sedan | 194.1 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,200 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 194.1 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,878 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 / 38 / 40 | +49% | $1,700 | 222 |
| MKZ FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 24 | -11% | $2,800 | 370 |
| MKZ AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -14% | $2,900 | 386 |
| MKZ FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -22% | $3,200 | 425 |
| MKZ AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -26% | $3,350 | 447 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
| 2017 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lincoln MKZ (this car) | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2017 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | Not rated | 16 |
| 2017 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 10, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V162000 · 1,280,726 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 recall is 23S12.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter · Jun 11, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V390000 · 25 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
- Risk
- If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16 (S2). Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-427.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · Mar 12, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V167000 · 1,301,986 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 recall is 18S08.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter · Jul 6, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V427000 · 6,026 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
- Risk
- If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.
Not every 2017 Lincoln MKZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Lincoln MKZ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 79 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 24 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 71,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKZ years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 MKZ | 41 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 MKZ | 41 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 23 |
| 2018 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 38 |
| 2016 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 71 |
| 2015 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 97 |
| 2014 MKZ | 38 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 117 |
| 2013 MKZ | 38 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 12 | 101 |
| 2012 MKZ | 38 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 195 |
| 2011 MKZ | 38 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 170 |
| 2010 MKZ | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 150 |
| 2009 MKZ | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 103 |
| 2008 MKZ | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 259 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →