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Engine coolingPart report

2018 Lincoln MKZ Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
8%of 36 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2018 Lincoln MKZ, 8% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11618089, filed 2024-10, 46,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11756956, filed 2026-08, 80,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine light illuminated. While the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11612211, filed 2024-09, 65,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201838%
2017118%
201612%
201311%
201143%
200810%
200710%

Other parts of the 2018 Lincoln MKZ

Engine
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology