2018 Lincoln Mkz: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Lincoln Mkz: 2 recalls, 35 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #18V167000 · 2018 · 1,301,986 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel retaining bolt May loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Why it matters: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V162000 · 2023 · 1,280,726 vehicles
What's wrong: The front brake hoses May rupture and leak brake fluid.
Why it matters: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (12): the most common themes are leaks (7), warning light on (6), fire / smoke (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are leaks (6), stalls / loses power (3), hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Other / unknown (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (3): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 2018 Lincoln Mkz has 35 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 15 Mkz model years for complaints (well below the 111 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 33,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (141 complaints, 4 recalls), 2019 (21 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Lincoln Mkz.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Lincoln Mkz have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Lincoln Mkz. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Lincoln Mkz problems?
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (12), transmission & drivetrain (9), other / unknown (5).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Lincoln Mkz get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Lincoln Mkz repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.