Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Lincoln MKC owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shudder. The engine overheated warning light and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's son was able to drive the vehicle to the contact's residence. The contact then stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately two days, she started the vehicle and the vehicle started to shudder with the engine overheated warning light, and the check engine warning light illuminated was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery and unknown wiring harnesses and sensors had failed and an in-line fuse to the battery monitor sensor power circuit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. …
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Soon" was displayed on the app, and the failure was caused by a misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that new spark plugs were previously installed, and maintenance was performed on the vehicle, and the dealer suggested coming back at 100,000 miles for a tune-up but had not informed the contact of any issues with the engine. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin Number: 22/2229/NHTSA ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling). …
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down and restarted the vehicle; however, the temperature level immediately registered from cold to hot. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred three times and the process was repeated; however, the vehicle remained inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that when the temperature level was hot, coolant was leaking into the oil, which caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed to pay a portion of the cost to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle however, the battery failed. The vehicle started getting hot and the battery terminal was disconnected. The vehicle was towed to the residence and remained their inoperable. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the manufacturer only provided 2 parts per week per dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled and drove unusually rough. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle misfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced two Technical Bulletins, TSB 19-2346 and TSB 22-2133, which had similar failure descriptions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a misfire in cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 58,555.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly vibrated, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 83,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the messages "Service Advancetrac", "Hill Start Assist Not Available", "System Off - To Save Battery Please Turn Off Ignition or Start Engine" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery and the battery monitor sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The parts were ordered to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, the following day, he attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the contact notified a friend, and the vehicle was jumpstarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a rough start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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 2019 Lincoln MKC?
NHTSA has 98 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2019 Lincoln MKC, 80% of the model year's 122 complaints. The component named most often is engine › other fuel types › turbo/supercharger (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Lincoln MKC engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-378 (engine, May 26, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2019 Lincoln MKC engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires 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.