Before you buy
This 2018 Lincoln Mkc has 64 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Lincoln Mkc Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2018 Lincoln Mkc trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2018 Lincoln Mkc Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Lincoln MKC SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
LINCOLN MKC 2018 has 64 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems accounting for 47 reports. There are 4 recalls and 3 crash-related complaints. Buyers should prioritize engine inspection and recall verification. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Mkc
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 64
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Lincoln Mkc problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Back Over Prevention
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Back Over Prevention. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Lincoln Mkc?
The 2018 MKC may be worth considering if priced low and thoroughly inspected, but the high engine complaint count warrants caution. Only one model year is analyzed, so trends are uncertain.
Engine problems account for 73% of complaints, which could lead to costly repairs. Low confidence means these patterns may not represent the broader population.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who can negotiate a discount and are prepared for potential engine issues.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free ownership experience should avoid this year due to the high volume of engine complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Lincoln Mkc
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of problems, such as unusual noises or leaks.
- Check transmission operation for smooth shifting.
- Verify back-over prevention system functionality.
Before You Close the Deal
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine.
- Verify all 4 open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Lincoln Mkc, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Lincoln MKC shows 64 complaints, with engine problems dominating at 47 reports. There are 4 recalls and 3 crash-related complaints. Buyers should prioritize engine inspection and verify recall completion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only the 2018 model year is analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 47 of 64 total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 5 complaints.
- There are 4 recalls for the 2018 model year.
- Engine Problems: 47 complaints, the most reported issue.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 5 complaints.
- Back Over Prevention: 4 complaints.
Full breakdown
All 2018 Lincoln Mkc complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 47 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
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 it’s a flawed design. They are fully aware but greed i…
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 c…
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 ro…
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 fai…
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 rec…
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 coo…
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 fo…
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 kno…
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, iPa…
I am writing regarding my 2018 Lincoln MKC, VIN # [XXX] which is experiencing clear symptoms of coolant intrusion into the cylinders. These include low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, engine misfires, and a rough-running condition. According to **Technical Service Bullet…
Kirk Brothers ford supposedlly put a new engine in my vehicle. I've had issues with it ever since they supposedly put the engine in. I had another mechanic just look at it on 14AUG25 and he informed me that the engine was shot.
I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with the well known coolant intrusion complete engine failure. I need a new long block at a cost of 9500 dollars. I had no warning light or check engine light to warn me about this issue prior to taking it to Ford dealer in Buellton to ask why coolant wa…
Coolant is leaking into the cylinders and could cause the engine to seize while driving. The issue was identified at a Ford dealership and is a known issue on this engine and has been admitted by Ford/Lincoln as a problem. The only warning was a check engine light which appeare…
Dealer service technician states the a crack in the engine block is allowing coolant to enter the cylinder causing misfiring. This appears to require engine replacement with only 59000 miles on the vehicle. This is a common problem with the 2018 engine and could result in a fire…
The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine neede…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc.
Safety recalls
2018 Lincoln Mkc recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc. With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ENGINE
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Lincoln Mkc buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Lincoln Mkc reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 64 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 MKC may be worth considering if priced low and thoroughly inspected, but the high engine complaint count warrants caution. Only one model year is analyzed, so trends are uncertain. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Mkc?▾
#1: Engine Problems (47 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (5 complaints). #3: Back Over Prevention (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Lincoln Mkc?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Lincoln Mkc?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Lincoln Mkc, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 64 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Lincoln Mkc have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Lincoln Mkc. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Lincoln Mkc?▾
The 2018 MKC may be worth considering if priced low and thoroughly inspected, but the high engine complaint count warrants caution. Only one model year is analyzed, so trends are uncertain. Engine problems account for 73% of complaints, which could lead to costly repairs. Low confidence means these patterns may not represent the broader population. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Mkc reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.