Transmission complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The coolant/ transmission fluid is found to be leaking into the engine. Now I to pay for a new engine when I have had the car 1 year and 8 months. I still owe $22,000 on the vehicle, and while it's said that Lincoln knew about this problem, no recall was ever issued. I am 3,000 miles over the warranty, but there are no security message popping up to say this is a problem. The dealership said nothing is firing of to warn of a problem in the computer either. I had the oil changed 1 month ago but was not told or warned of an engine defect either ( I was under mileage that time). I am asking for assistance to replace this engine. I feel there should have been a recall to replace the models effected. Others have had their engines replaced free of charge I asking to extended that same courtesy free of charge. …
The vehicle needs a complete engine replacement due to a coolant intrusion issue. The safety of myself and my family are of my utmost concern. Overheating of the system can cause sudden engine stalling, catastrophic power loss at highway speeds, a risk of collision, and toxic vapor exposure inside the vehicle. Furthermore, A leaking heater core vents sweet-smelling but toxic antifreeze vapors into the passenger compartment and prolonged breathing of heated glycol fumes can trigger dizziness, headaches, and nausea for the driver. All of which I have recently suffered from. I have taken the car back to the original dealership and was advised that I would need a new engine. The engine light came on and the coolant started spiking into the red which led me to take the car in for diagnostic testing.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle revved and then the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's brother was following the contact and assisted with traffic. The Sheriff's Department assisted with traffic control. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the flywheel had fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was later informed that the steering power harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The contact stated that afterwards, oil stains were found on the ground in the driveway. …
Engine light came on and showed misfire in cylinder 4. Changed spark plug and engine coil. Still had engine light on and misfiring. Car drove in power safety mode. After much diagnosis and inspection, master mechanic found coolant leaking into the cylinder walls due to a faulty (poorly manufactured) head gasket. Coolant intrusion caused white exhaust smoke, damage to the engine block and risk of fire. Shop replaced head cylinder and gasket with current oem parts that appeared to be revised. Vehicle remains to drive in poor condition with 54k miles. Powertrain warranty did not cover this expense being the vehicle met the 6 year mark in March 2024.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty shop and was diagnosed with torque converter failure, which caused transmission failure. The torque converter was replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, days after the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused the cylinder head to crack, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle from second to third gear, there was an abnormal banging sound heard. The transmission was slipping gear while driving at various speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the transmission was slipping when shifting from second to third gear. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,100.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that she started the vehicle and when she shifted the gear shifter into drive, the gear shifted into neutral instead. The contact stated that she noticed that the park mode light was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to drive the vehicle to her destination. The contact stated when leaving her destination, the gear shifter would not shift into any gear and was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed cable shifter bushing. The contact was informed that the cable shifter bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,524.
2016 LINCOLN MKC parked on driveway for over 24 hours, when my father was outside gardening he noticed smoke and flames coming from under the hood, the Fire Department was called who out the fire out and stated it was "totaled". Fire Department conducted their own investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The report returned indicating the "Engine" was the origin of the fire. Thank the lord my father was outside or our garage and house could have burnt down with all of us in it. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!! I opened two claims with CarMax MaxCare Warranty which were denied. I have one case open with Ford Motor Company which is still pending. Car is currently at autoshop undergoing another diagnosis of the the orgin of fire for my CarMax MaxCare Warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKC years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (18), 2016 (12), 2017 (10), 2018 (6) and 2019 (6) model years. Transmission complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Lincoln MKC transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Lincoln MKC model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lincoln MKC transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 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.