Lincoln MKC Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used Lincoln MKC options? We analyzed 5 model years (2015β2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns β they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Lincoln MKC has 579 owner complaints and 27 safety recalls across model years 2015β2019. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- MKC
- Model years analyzed
- 2015β2019 (5 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 579
- Safety recall campaigns
- 27
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Fire-related complaints
- 12
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (188 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (70 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Lincoln MKC: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe LINCOLN MKC has 579 NHTSA complaints and 27 recalls on record. 19 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 579 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 27 federal recall campaigns
- 19 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
27 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
ENGINE
SEAT BELTS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015β2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 579 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
579 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I am experiencing a coolant-intrusion problem with my 2018 Lincoln MKC, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has only 63,900 miles. β’The check-engine light repeatedly came on and went off over a two-week period. β’A Lincoln dealer performed a diagnostic evaluation and identified the same problem reported in other Ford and Lincoln vehicles with this engine. β’An independent automotive service provider confirmed the diagnosis and advised me that Ford had issued a service bulletin addressing this exact issue. β’Both assessments indicated that the engine needs to be replaced. When I asked the dealer what could happen if I did not replace the engine, I was warned of serious safety risks, including a possible fire or complete engine failure. This is not a routine wear-and-tear issue; it appears to be a known design defect. The problem has reportedly led to class-action lawsuits and has left many vehicle owners facing significant repair costs without financial assistance. Ford/Lincoln has stated that it will not cover the cost of replacing my engine because the vehicle is no longer under warranty.
My 2018 Lincoln MKC has an exhaust leak. Ford and the dealership told me it was safe to drive, but I did not drive it because exhaust leaks can cause carbon monoxide exposure. My vehicle has been at the dealership since January 19, 2026 waiting for a warranty exhaust part. I have an email showing the part was ordered, but Ford still has not supplied it. The vehicle has been out of service for over six months and Ford denied my buyback request.
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.
Misfiring and then smoke in tail pipe. Just hit 70,000 miles and the engine needs replacing. A defect that's been known since I bought the car.
I am thoroughly disappointed and overwhelmed. My vehicle has 122,000 miles on it. Yes that may be considered many for some but this vehicle has been taken care of extensively and all routine scheduled maintenance has been performed. I purchased from Preston Ford in Pittsville, MD and the vehicle had 48000 miles as a used vehicle. I have had many minor issues,(fuel flap), A/C issues and 2 recalls for back up camera and the vehicle had a recall stating the car may catch on fire so don't park near other structures. Supposedly both recalls were taken care of by the seller of my vehicle. Now I am told I need a new engine, my engine light came on and I thought it was the purge valve assembly. Now this is my first Ford product so I am sad to report this. I still owe on this car and was told a new engine would cost about 10,000. I use the car for work and is my livelihood. I do not know who to contact and would hate to see someone else with this same experience. I feel if you take care of your vehicle it should get more than 122,000 miles.
Check engine light came on. Next day had a diagnostic run on it and found the coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. A new TSB 19-2208 was recommended. Talked with dealership and they advised to contact Ford Customer Care, who had Roadside Assistance come and pick up the 2018 Lincoln MKC and take to dealership. Dealership called to advise that the cost to me would be $9400!!!. Called Ford Customer Care again and was told that there is no recall or program to assist with repair, BUT....if enough people make a call in then down the road there "might" be a recall. My info will go to Corporate, however, being as the car is years, 9 months old --there probably won't be any help. My vehicle ONLY has 59, 300 miles on it.!!!! While it is NOT a customer issue, but a FORD issue, and FORD has replaced OTHER TSBs, this one doesn't seem have enough "call-ins" yet to get FORD's attention.
Read 14 more owner reports
Dealer confirmed there is a coolant intrusion in the engine and the engine needs to be replaced due to a known defect.
The check engine light came on and car started to over heat when taken into shop was told need to replace entire engine this is a known issue in these make / model cars with these engines and it is not being addressed
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed displayed a distorted image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine maintenance; however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Ford is well aware of the scam and refuses to fix the faulty engine for millions of these vehicles. 2018 MKC is trash. Already rebuilt the engine, turbo is garbage and the coolant will continue to leak with new engine because itβs a flawed design. They are fully aware but greed is more important than safety or a satisfied customer. I pray the are held accountable eventually.
The check engine light came on and it would run rough when started. It was determined the number four cylinder head was cracked, allowing antifreeze to leak into the engine block. I bought the car new in January 2019. The problem appeared with under 57,000 actual miles. The car has always been serviced on time at the dealership. The cost to fix the problem with a new engine is approximately $10,000. I bought the car new so that I would not have problems. It is my only form of transportation. In researching, I have found this is a reoccurring problem on the echo boost four-cylinder engine since 2017. It didnβt matter whether it was low mileage or high mileage the cracks would appear. There had been a recall on later models, but no recall for the 2018. I believe it should be under recall.
I was driving home from work on December 24th 2025 and my 2018 lincoln mkc 2.3l shut off on me while I was in motion. There were several cars that had to swerve and not hit me. The car would not start but I was able to put the vehicle in neutral and roll to the shoulder of the road. I was very scared and angry because this vehicle only has 54,646 miles currently, give or take 50 miles. I had to get the towed to my home. This needs to be resolved and Fird/Lincoln needs to faithfully fix this dangerous defect, i could have died. Please please do something because I do not want anyone else to deal with this.
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 Sheriffβs 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. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of their driveway in the rain at approximately 2 MPH, the back-over prevention camera display of the rear view of the vehicle was distorted, and the contact was only able to see a black image. The contact was unable to identify what the image was, and the back-over prevention system did not notify the contact of any objects with its chime/alarm. The vehicle continued to move in reverse and ended up crashing into a tree. The vehicle's rear passenger side was damaged. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and had not received any physical injuries. The contact stated they had suffered anxiety as a result of the crash, and medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Coolant intrusion in engine
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 received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Car had engine light come on, was told from dealer need completely new engine despite only 70k miles. Is a known issue, please protect US consumers.
Check engine light came on. The engine has coolant intrusion and the engine would have to be replaced, quoted me $17,240.83 I called [XXX] Lincoln client relationship center and I was told there was nothing they can do to help me. After doing some research, this has been a known problem by Lincoln and they have not put out any recalls. They also have a class action lawsuit against them INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine light has appeared approximately in April 2025. The inspection advised that the engine code indicated a misfire in cylinder 4. The engine rough idles when started. The coolant loss is extensive due to an engine issue and must be constantly filled.vwe were told by, iPaul's Repair shop, that upon calling Ford, that there was a Lincoln technical service bulletin re: the 2 liter eco boost engine. It was re coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Service bulletin # 19-2346. We have also replaced the spark plugs and coils. The engine light still came on with the same issue. It did not solve the problem of a DEFECTIVE ENGINE.
Showing 20 of 579 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Lincoln MKC
These pages show model-year patterns across 5 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations β hereβs what each number actually tells you about a used Lincoln MKC, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Lincoln MKC has 579 complaints on record across 5 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Lincoln MKC has 27 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 19 of the Lincoln MKC's 579 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Lincoln MKC vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Lincoln MKC vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Lincoln MKC has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Lincoln MKC by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Lincoln MKC.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Lincoln MKC reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the Lincoln MKC reliable?
Poor. The Lincoln MKC has 579 NHTSA owner complaints and 27 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Lincoln MKC years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (188 complaints), 2015 (130 complaints), 2019 (113 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Lincoln MKC problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (312 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (67 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (63 complaints).
Does the Lincoln MKC have recalls?
Yes β 27 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Lincoln MKC. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.