Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Lincoln MKC owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (ENGINE) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle started, the interior lights and lights on the instrument panel failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to an electrical system failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic; however, the independent mechanic referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). …
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was later informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the battery monitor sensor message was displayed approximately every five minutes, and the battery warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
First incident: My daughter was in the vehicle in our driveway in March 2022 and was leaving. She came running inside and told me she hit the start button and that the vehicle did not start, but started to roll down the driveway with the steering wheel locked in position. She was stepping on the brakes and the vehicle continued to roll out into the street until it finally stopped when it hit the curb across the street. She stated the brakes did not work. She hit the start button again and the vehicle started and she drove it back into our driveway to tell me about the incident and the loss of brakes and steering. Second incident: 5/9/22, my daughter was parked at the gas station with 2 friends. After putting gas in the car, she hit the start button and the car did not start, but instead started rolling forward with the steering wheel locked and no brakes. …
At approximately 64,000 miles my engine light came on and I took it to a shop. Cylinder 2 was misfiring so we changed the spark plugs and coils. At 67,000 miles light came on again with same issue and while having my oil changed they noted it was unusually dirty. I changed out plugs and coils again. At 72,000 miles light came on again and I took it to a different shop and learned I had a crack engine block, a problem with these vehicles with ECO boost. I was told I needed a new engine and the only thing I could do was add sealant to buy time. I took it to Lincoln to trade and they refused because of the issue and told me to reset the light and sell to Carmax. I couldn't do that, it was wrong. I sold it for $1,000 to Nissan because I could no longer afford to be driving my grandson in this unsafe car. …
Battery drain issues - causing faulty modules on driver side door which include the safety belts modules, rear lift gate as well as black panel screen. Poor engine performance and warning lights like the check engine light come on and off intermittently. I have replaced the battery several times and having various modules problems some have come up as air bags, and ABS brakes modules. Lincoln knows about the problems and so far, is not able to fix the problems that causes the battery to drain, which causes all the faulty modules. Really don't expect anything like a recall, but this is now documented to warned others. if the modules don't work properly, the sensors will not work correctly either in the vehicles. There are over 20+ modules in the MKC that work with the sensors. Thank you for at least reading.
I own a Lincoln Mkc 2017 - purchased on 2/19/19 with 12miles I have replaced 4 batteries over the years so far. I drive every day. I am never sure if the car will start. Multiple times i have a dead battery. Lincoln has a problem with this module and the electrical system. parasitic drainage issues on the battery. I don't feel safe, because there is an "unknown" draining the battery, therefore I am scared to drive the car and don't want to keep getting stranded. They have discontinued this make and model, but I am seeing the same complaints with the Corsair. My car only has 53k miles, it is in excellent condition. But unfortunately, i cannot rely on this car. I don't know what to do.
The battery sensor module is faulty. I have to go out every morning and jump start my car. I have replaced the battery twice withing 7 months so I know it's not the battery. When I took it to the dealer ford/lincoln dealer near me and asked about the sensor recall, they said that it was likely the cause. This way back in June and they still say the parts are on back order for over 7 months. I have full warranty on the vehicle and have to jump start it if it hasn't been drove withing 8-10 hours. Even let it run yesterday for 45 minutes so it would be okay this morning. Lights won't even come on. Had to manually unlock the doors with the key to even get the cars eat out of the car.
Now on my 3rd Battery in 3 months. A section in front of the battery gets very hot. It's a section with a lot of thick wires coming together. Most of the time my car will not start, I just have to keep moving wires until I get a connected for the car to start. I expecting the car to start a fire or a battery explosion pretty soon. l researched 2017 Lincoln MKC's and it seems this is a car with a lot of electrical problems. There needs to be some type of recall to redo the battery connections before someone gets hurt. I will print this notice in case of a battery or electrical issue arrives in a casualty so I can sue that this has been reported. Thanks
Recall was issued on May 31, 2023 for this problem. As of this date, Jan 19, 2024 this recall has not been completed. All I get from factory and dealers is that the part is not available. The recall says that parts ARE available. As the recall notice states, "park vehicle outside until repairs are completed". As it has been approx 8 months, this became a nuisance long ago. I would just like to know when and if this recall, repair will be made. Thank you, [redacted]
Electrical complaints in other MKC years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2017 Lincoln MKC?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Lincoln MKC, 10% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Lincoln MKC electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2017 Lincoln MKC, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Lincoln MKC electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.