Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MKC vs FORD F 150
How the Lincoln MKC and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Lincoln MKC vs FORD F 150: The MKC has 598 complaints over 5 years (about 120 per year), while the F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years (about 1,162 per year). The MKC's top issue is engine coolant leaks; the F-150's is power train problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MKC or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MKC
The Lincoln MKC is a compact luxury SUV that, based on NHTSA data, shows a concerning pattern of engine problems. Over five years, owners filed 598 complaints, with more than half about the engine, often describing coolant leaking into the engine and requiring a long block replacement. Electrical issues like folding mirrors and back-over prevention camera problems also appear. With 27 recalls, including for brakes and engine block heaters, living with an MKC means staying on top of recalls and being alert to engine warning signs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a high volume of complaints—11,621 over ten years—with power train and electrical issues dominating. Owners frequently report transmission problems such as limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts. Electrical gremlins, including rear window defroster shorts that shatter glass, are also common. With 151 recalls, including for seat belts and air bags, F-150 ownership demands vigilance for safety recalls and transmission symptoms.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MKC | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 598 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Lincoln MKC
- 01ENGINE321
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM68
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION51
- 05POWER TRAIN51
Owners report coolant leaking into the engine, leading to engine failure and costly long block replacements. This is the most common complaint and can leave you stranded, so a pre-purchase inspection for coolant loss is critical.
Complaints include side view mirrors folding inward unexpectedly and staying folded, which can impair visibility. Electrical glitches like this may be intermittent and frustrating to diagnose.
Owners describe rearview camera failures, sometimes tied to recall 25V572000 where parts were unavailable. A non-functioning camera increases the risk of back-over accidents, so verify the recall was performed.
Some owners report power train issues, though fewer than engine complaints. These can include transmission or drivetrain problems that affect driveability and may require expensive repairs.
“1st Engine Failure Dec 2021 due to coolant intrusion and the long block engine needed to be replaced. After the repair I came to look at it & I found, Bolts were missing—including from the undercarriage, battery mount, & power steering reservoir, splash guard…”
“I purchased the automobile on [XXX] with 44,175 miles. When the engine light came on recently, I took it to the Lincoln dealer here in Las Vegas, paid $205 for the computer to be assessed, and was told the problem was coolant leaking into the engine. They wer…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems such as limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and often recur even after repair.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting transmission sensors and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can be unpredictable and costly to fix.
Owners report exterior lighting failures, which can reduce visibility and safety. This is a common complaint area, so check all lights function properly.
Some owners report engine problems, though less frequently than power train issues. These can include various engine malfunctions that may lead to costly repairs.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Lincoln MKC — 27 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8,…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Lincoln MKC or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKC has far fewer complaints per year (about 120) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but the MKC's complaints are heavily concentrated in serious engine failures. The F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity and a broader range of issues, especially transmission and electrical problems. In practice, the MKC may have fewer overall problems, but when they occur, they can be severe; the F-150 may have more frequent but sometimes less catastrophic issues.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MKC's most common complaint is engine coolant intrusion leading to engine failure, while the Ford F-150's top issue is power train problems like transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The MKC has 27 recalls over 5 years, including brakes and back-over camera; the F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, including seat belts and air bags.
- F-150 owners report electrical issues such as rear window defroster shorts causing glass to shatter, while MKC electrical complaints include folding mirrors.
- The MKC averages about 120 complaints per year; the F-150 averages about 1,162 per year, but the F-150 is far more numerous on the road.
- Check for coolant loss or white smoke from the exhaust, as engine coolant intrusion is a frequent and serious complaint.
- Verify that recall 25V572000 for the rearview camera has been completed, as owners report parts unavailability and camera failures.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for transmission shudder, limp mode, or getting stuck in gear, which are common power train complaints.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or shattering, as defroster shorts have been reported to cause glass to break.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine for the MKC and transmission for the F-150.
- For the MKC, ask for records of any engine coolant repairs or long block replacement.
- For the F-150, ask for transmission service records and whether the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Test all electrical features, including mirrors, rearview camera, lights, and rear defroster, during the test drive.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Lincoln MKC | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 122 | 52 |
| 2018 | 74 | 79 |
| 2017 | 191 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Lincoln MKC or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MKC vs FORD F 150
- Lincoln MKC total complaints
- 598
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Lincoln MKC total recalls
- 27
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Lincoln MKC avg complaints/year
- 119.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKC
- Lincoln MKC top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN