Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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 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 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving, a burning odor was detected as the vehicle lost power. Upon the contact's arrival at home, her fianc called AAA service. Where upon inspection the AAA technician diagnosed the vehicle with a battery issue stating that the was about to explode. No warning lights were illuminated. The battery was replaced by the however the contact stated that the vehicle continued to have electrical problems. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer or dealer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
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 owned a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the employee observed flames emanating from the engine compartment. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The employee was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for injuries to his right shoulder, right elbow, and right hip that he sustained while fleeing the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he heard a sputtering and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle started to overheat. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure and that the vehicle had begun to consume an abnormal amount of coolant. The contact stated that the A/C had also begun to blow hot air while activated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be running at reduced power. The contact stated that for the vehicle to run normally he had to be sure that the coolant reservoir was full. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coolant hoses and a valve needed to be replaced. …
Related recalls (2)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKC years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (129), 2019 (98), 2018 (56), 2016 (46) and 2015 (33) model years. Engine complaints make up 67% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Lincoln MKC engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 23V-378 (engine, May 26, 2023); 16V-183 (engine, Mar 31, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lincoln MKC engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › other fuel types › turbo/supercharger (1 mentions), followed by the engine › oil/lubrication › seals/gaskets (1).
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.