Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Lincoln MKC owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had replaced the battery and the alternator twice due to battery drainage failure; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle required to be jumpstarted regularly. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger's side running light and side-view mirror light, and the tailgate release button were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) was performed; however, the failure persisted, and the windshield wiper motors failed after the recall repair. The contact stated that the electric parking brake engaged intermittently while driving. The contact stated that the failure caused him to pull to the side of the road, to shut off and to jump-start the vehicle to continue driving. …
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine). The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
On multiple occasions when filling the car with gas the entire vehicle begins to shake and shuts off. There is no light or warning that comes on prior to this happening. During the malfunction a light on the left side of the control panel says to push the break for full power. However despite pressing on break it takes several attempts ( 5-10 ) to restart the vehicle. It stutter starts several times before starting and being forced into Drive. This only happens when re fueling. I have added gas treatments as suggested with no relief. Last night the car powered down completely when I arrived home. The lights would not come on nor would the key unlock the doors and the power locks would not work to unlock the doors. Although this did not happen on the road while driving, I am afraid for the possibility that it can. …
After driving the car for several hours, the car will all of a sudden stall after waiting a a stop light or idle. When pushing the accelerator taking off from a stop, the the car bucks and stalls. The code the Ford dealer read off the diagnostic tablet was P0087... I just got my car back from the Ford dealer without a repair, because they could not replicate the problem. The tech only drove it 22 miles, and I told the service manager that I expect it to stall again, which it did after 2 days of driving. The car has to be running for a while for this to occur. Stalling in an intersection is dangerous! Oxygen sensors have been changed 4 times, and each time black and sooted. MAS, MAF, fuel pressure sensors have been changed. Something is causing the O2 sensors to go bad. Fuel injection cleaning was suggested. One mechanic mentioned PCV valve could be an issue. …
A few months ago, the engine light came on. Multiple diagnostics confirmed a vapor leak. We were told if we didn't fix it, it would affect nothing. Now, if we put gas in, the car struggles to start or won't start. This happens all the time since April 2025. We looked at recalls and there were 2 with the fuel system that were apparently done. We feel that they may have been improperly repaired? The dealer service said this problem happens all the time with Lincolns. We're afraid to put gas in the tank. We don't know what will happen next? Car stopping at lights? Too much vapor coming out now? Repair is all over the place price wise wherever we check...but we don't want to be stuck at a gas station or have someone light a cigarette near the car with gas vapor leaking out!
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal burning smell detected. The check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, AutoNation Ford Jacksonville (10720 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256), who was unable to determine the failure but changed a fuse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine ). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the dealer had replaced the battery twice within four years. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and other unknown dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and was not able provide an appointment because parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Related recalls
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles. The battery monitor sensor may short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will add an in-line fuse to the battery monitor sensor power circuit, free of charge.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016.
Engine complaints in other MKC years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Lincoln MKC?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Lincoln MKC, 25% of the model year's 131 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Lincoln MKC engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-378 (engine, May 26, 2023); NHTSA recall 16V-183 (engine, Mar 31, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2015 Lincoln MKC engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.