What weaknesses does the Lincoln MKZ 2 have?

	Weakness	Cost
!	6F35 Transmission: Torque Converter Shudder The 6F35 six-speed in the MKZ II develops torque converter shudder in lock-up mode at high mileage. Fluid changes every 60,000 km are recommended as a preventative measure. Symptoms: Vibration or shudder between 40–65 mph, jerky shifts, hesitation pulling away from a stop. from 80,000 km Ad 6F35 Transmission Fluid Lincoln MKZ Torque Converter 6F35 MKZ shudder	High

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Below average

171 complaints · 2013–2020 · 13 recalls

Electrical

42 ⚠ 1

Powertrain

38 ⚠ 1

Engine

Body

Steering

15 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (42 complaints)

⚠ Powertrain (38 complaints)

⚠ Engine (35 complaints)

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 26 weaknesses have been documented for the Lincoln MKZ 2 (2013–2020) — 18 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Interior.

MKZ (EcoBoost-2.0-Edge, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders (EcoBoost Defect), Coolant Loss from Engine Block Hairline Crack, 6F35 Transmission: Torque Converter Shudder. Power: 240 PS.

MKZ (Duratec-37, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Chain-Driven Water Pump Failure (Internal), Cam Phaser Rattle on Cold Start. Power: 305 PS.

MKZ (BQWA, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Recall 24S55: Brittle Intake Valves (Silchrome Lite), Recall 21S34: AC Compressor Wire Harness Fire Risk, Cam Phaser Noise at Cold Start. Power: 300 PS.

MKZ (Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: Recall: High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk (LG Cells), Recall 20B51: Hard Brake Pedal / Unintended Braking, Vehicle Shutdown from PHEV Deep-Sleep Mode. Power: 203 PS.

What to watch out for with the Lincoln MKZ? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Lincoln MKZ 2 have? +

The Lincoln MKZ 2 has 18 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Lincoln MKZ 2? +

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Which engine is recommended? +

Be careful: BQWA (3.0L EcoBoost V6), Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape (2.5L Atkinson PHEV), EcoBoost-2.0-Edge (2.0L EcoBoost I4), Duratec-37 (3.7L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the BQWA (3.0L EcoBoost V6).

Which Lincoln MKZ 2 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Lincoln MKZ 2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 300 hp twin-turbo V6 in a midsize luxury sedan — the MKZ's surprise option. AWD plus strong mid-range thrust make this an impressively capable car in understated clothing. If you can find the 3.0T variant, it delivers genuine performance value.

Is the Lincoln MKZ 2 worth buying used? +

The Lincoln MKZ 2 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Lincoln MKZ 2? +

The Lincoln MKZ 2 is available with engine variants from 205 to 500 hp. Petrol: BQWA (3.0L EcoBoost V6), Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape (2.5L Atkinson PHEV), EcoBoost-2.0-Edge (2.0L EcoBoost I4), Duratec-37 (3.7L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee