Abstract The 8YSZ-C/MoS2 composite coating was fabricated to improve its tribological properties by introducing a novel and simple method. The C/MoS2 composite lubricants were synthesized in defects of 8YSZ coating via hydrothermal reaction connect with vacuum pressure impregnation. Results indicate that the porous C/MoS2 flower-like microsphere powders consist of interconnected ultrathin nanoflakes. The C and MoS2 are uniformly attached to the defects of 8YSZ coating and unable to assemble into microspheres due to the limitation of the size of pores and cracks. The tribological behaviors of the composite coating are significantly improved, which are devoted to the formation of the lubricating film. This preparation technique provides a novel approach to establish self-lubricating ceramic composite coatings with temperature-sensitive solid lubricants.