DecodedCars2018 Lincoln MKZ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 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
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 42 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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), 47% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 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 | +47% | $1,700 | 222 |
| MKZ FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 24 | -12% | $2,800 | 370 |
| MKZ AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -15% | $2,900 | 386 |
| MKZ FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -23% | $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 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
| 2018 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln MKZ (this car) | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (2)
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.
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.
Not every 2018 Lincoln MKZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lincoln MKZ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 158 |
| 2016 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 71 |
| 2015 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 10 | 97 |
| 2014 MKZ | 38 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 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 →