LincolnMKZ2018Overview/lincoln/mkz/2018/base/

2018 Lincoln MKZ

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 MKZ.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2018 Lincoln MKZ is a passenger‑car sedan whose engine calls for an oil capacity of 4.5 to 6.0 quarts and accepts either 5W‑30 or 5W‑20 viscosity. In its model year it generated 31 owner complaints, with the engine being the most frequent trouble spot, and it was subject to two recalls. When placed against the MKZ’s complaint record from 2006 through 2020, the 2018 figure is markedly lower than the 2008 peak of 281 complaints and close to the 2020 low of just two, reflecting a period of improved reliability for the line.

Model year202020192018201720162015201420132012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5-6.0OEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque150 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Cabin air filterDG9Z19N619D

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length194.1 in
Overall width73.2 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase112.2 in
Curb weight3909 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the MKZ of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.8–9.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.80 sec — 2017 Reserve 3.0T Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Reserve 3.0T Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V64.80 sec13.40 sec400 hpAWD
2017Reserve 3.0T Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.20 sec13.70 sec400 hpAWD
2017Hybrid Reserve 2.0H Sedan 2.0L I-4 + Elec8.70 sec16.60 sec188 hpFWD
20143.7 Sedan 3.7L V66.50 sec14.80 sec300 hpAWD
2014EcoBoost Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-47.40 sec15.80 sec240 hpAWD
2014Hybrid Sedan 2.0L I-4 + Elec8.80 sec16.70 sec188 hpFWD
20133.7 Sedan 3.7L V66.30 sec14.80 sec300 hpAWD
20133.7 Sedan 3.7L V66.40 sec14.70 sec300 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5-6.0 of 5W-30 / 5W-20 engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0-11.8
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.0-1.3
Engine Coolant Capacity8.5
Engine Coolant Capacity11.4-11.5
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity4.5-6.0

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)3.5 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs133.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)Stage 1: 30 lb.ft
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)8.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts150 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub148.0
Front Wheel Hub148.0
Rear Wheel Hub148.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.051 in
Spark Plug Torque9 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug GapEcoboost: .030 in
Spark Plug TorqueEcoboost: 9 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.15-1.25 lbs
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity5.20-5.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca
Standard BCI Group Number90
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum46.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum80.0 psi
RPM46.0-80.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum65.0 psi
RPM51.0-65.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum46.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum80.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 22; Rear: 21
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 111; Rear: 66
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 41; Rear: 21
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 111; Rear: 66
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.043; Rear: .374
Maximum Rotor Runout.002
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.201; Rear: .374
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
162.0 inch lbs.62 in
2142.0 inch lbs.142 in
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
160
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
2Back off bolts 360.0 degrees360 degrees
321.0 ft. lbs.21 ft. lbs
490.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
124.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
324.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
490.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360 degrees, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 270166 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
2loosen two full turns.
337.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
4180 degrees180 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
137.0 ft. lbs.; Step 2; 59.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
383.0
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
1Install New Studs12.5 ft. lbs
237
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
1Install New Studs12.5 ft. lbs
241
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 6 stages
1Bolt 144 ft. lbs
2Bolt 244 ft. lbs
3Bolt 327 ft. lbs
4Bolt 144 ft. lbs
5Bolt 244 ft. lbs
627
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
144.0 inch lbs.44 in
218.0 ft. lbs.18 ft. lbs
390.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
4180.0
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
245.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 35,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Lincoln MKZ recorded 31 complaints, a drop from 129 in 2017 but slightly higher than 17 in 2019, while its recalls fell to 2, lower than 4 in 2017 and on par with 1 in 2019. The federal data shows a steady decline in complaints and recalls after the 2013 peak, with only a brief 2017 spike, placing 2018 at the low point of that downward trend. The vehicle’s primary complaint areas are Engine and Power Train, each accounting for six of the reported issues, and there was one crash‑related complaint but no fire complaints. Given the low overall complaint volume and minimal recall activity, 2018 can be viewed as a relatively safe purchase year, provided the vehicle’s service history is reviewed.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
137
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
31
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 31 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine6
Power Train6
Power Train,Engine3
Unknown Or Other3
Engine & Engine Cooling2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Unknown Or Other,Engine1
Wheels1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V167000Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle BarReported 12/03/2018

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. Remedy: 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…

23V162000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 10/03/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 137 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB 25-25702025-11-26Electrical SystemThis article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
SSM 531742024-11-26Unknown Or OtherVarious vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt…
SSM 530402024-10-10Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a…
TSB 24-21652024-05-27Unknown Or OtherThis article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific MKZ. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 MKZ take?

4.5-6.0 of Turbo: 5W-30 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent., Non-Turbo: 5W-20 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 MKZ have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.