Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Lincoln MKC owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire coming from ignition coil #3. The dealer replaced the ignition coils; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic trouble codes were cleared. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact then drove to the nearest Auto Zone, where coolant was added to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred a week later. The contact stated that the vehicle also experienced excessive fuel consumption. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal coolant odor inside the cabin of the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking onto the ignition coil #2. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs, and the ignition coil #2 was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the battery warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had 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 dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part was shipped to the dealer to perform the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that when the vehicle was cold-started, the vehicle shuddered, shook abnormally, and idled roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was still running rough after the engine had reached normal operating temperatures. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a slight hesitation in the response of the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the coolant level was low and that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, causing a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the failure was due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. In addition, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V685000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing a misfire. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact not to drive the vehicle out of town and stated that the vehicle might stall while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,500.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the message "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was traded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that there was a misfire coming from the engine while starting the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the coolant level was extremely low. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed of coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,349.
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 complaints in other MKC years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Lincoln MKC?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Lincoln MKC, 74% of the model year's 76 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Lincoln MKC engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-378 (engine, May 26, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Lincoln MKC engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles.
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.