2017 Lincoln Mkz

2017 Lincoln MKZ was taken to Community Ford Lincoln of Bloomington (Auto Vest II LLC), Bloomington, IN for service on 05/01/2026. No ABS, Traction Control, or AdvanceTrac warning lights were present at drop-off. After the vehicle was returned, all three warning lights were illuminated. The ABS/stability control system had been damaged during the service visit. Diagnostic codes C0031:07 and C0031:15 (left front wheel speed sensor circuit fault) were confirmed in writing by the dealership service manager on 06/09/2026. The dealership denied responsibility. An independent Ford/Lincoln dealer (Tom Roush Lincoln) estimated repair at $310. The servicing dealer offered only partial reimbursement of $169.45. The ABS and stability control systems are safety-critical. Their failure compromises emergency braking performance and vehicle stability, putting driver and other road users at risk. The vehicle has been unavailable for normal use since [XXX]. The problem was confirmed by an independent Lincoln dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 to: 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.

I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select which has been a continuous source of mechanical problems. After recently having a new engine installed, the vehicle has now developed significant transmission issues, making it unsafe and difficult to drive. Despite being sold this car under the assumption it was reliable, I am struggling with costly repairs and reduced functionality, effectively driving a “lemon.” I believe the vehicle’s condition and recurring failures qualify it for protection under consumer lemon laws or warranties, and I am seeking resolution or compensation due to these defects that have severely impacted the vehicle’s usability and my safety.

WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND ACCELERATE, CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE "SEE MANUAL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH TOOL - FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST CAR OFF EXIT RAMP SAFELY AND PULL OVER, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE CHUGGED AND STALLED. FIRST RESTART "SEE MANUAL" LIGHT STILL ON, SPUTTERED AND STALLED. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. 2ND ATTEMPT SAME AS 1ST. 3RD CAME ON AND RAN WITHOUT ENGINE LIGHT AND SEEMED TO REV UP HIGHER THAN NORMAL, THEN CAME BACK DOWN. NO OTHER INDICATIONS APPEARED OTHER THAN "NO USE OF AUTO BRAKE AVAILABLE"

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PARKED CORRECTLY AND DECIDED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL DING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND DROVE OVER A CURB. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE CURB WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL DING NOISE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HINES PARK LINCOLN (40601 ANN ARBOR RD, PLYMOUTH, MI 48170, (734) 619-6272) WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE COULD FILE A SUBROGATION INSURANCE CLAIM. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/06/17*LJ *CN