Oct 2016, purchased 2012 Lincoln MKZ used for my wife with 110,000 km on it. Car was in excellent shape with only maintenance expenses over the last 18 months.

May 9th, returned from work and found a puddle on the driveway after my wife took her car out. Puddle corresponded to front passenger side of engine. Puddle wasn't very large (6" in diameter) and was fresh, thin, oily smelled like coolant.

I alerted my wife of the issue and told her I would check the car when she got home. My wife reported no problems driving, no dash warning lights, engine temperature stayed in normal operating range.

I checked the car when she got home. The engine compartment seemed hotter than normal when I opened the hood and on checking coolant reservoir it was empty. A check under the car revealed wetness and dripping from bottom of front passenger side of engine.

In the morning I contacted local Ford Lincoln dealer and made an appointment to bring the car in. With no warning lights and my wife's report of temperature staying in range I though coolant leak from a hose and using my car, drove to get a jug of OEM Ford coolant. I filled the reservoir and turned the car on. No issues, no change in engine noise, no dash lights. I drove to dealer with no issues, engine temperature stayed in normal range. Still suspected a coolant hose leak and expected a repair bill of no more than $200-400.

The dealer called later that day to report a water pump failure. Because 3.5L Duratec engines are built with water pumps inside the engine as part of the timing assembly, the repair was expected to take 3 days with a total cost of $4000 + tax.

We are still waiting to learn if coolant leaked into the crankcase. I will update when final information is available.