2017 Lincoln Mkc

Routine

Owners filed 189 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
63,000 milesMedian miles at failure

59 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine101
110
Engine and Engine Cooling20
000
Electrical System15
010
Back Over Prevention15
000
Unknown or Other10
001
Power Train5
000
Air Bags3
201
Wheels2
000
Visibility/Wiper2
000
Service Brakes2
200

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater25V685000
Filed Oct 10, 202559,006 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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 to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. 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 blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera25V572000
Filed Sep 3, 20251,456,417 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk. A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

Engine23V378000Park outside
Filed May 26, 2023142,734 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S28.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 4, 2026IL

I own a Lincoln Mkc 2017 - purchased on 2/19/19 with 12miles I have replaced 4 batteries over the years so far. I drive every day. I am never sure if the car will start. Multiple times i have a dead battery. Lincoln has a problem with this module and the electrical system. parasitic drainage issues on the battery. I don't feel safe, because there is an "unknown" draining the battery, therefore I am scared to drive the car and don't want to keep getting stranded. They have discontinued this make and model, but I am seeing the same complaints with the Corsair. My car only has 53k miles, it is in excellent condition. But unfortunately, i cannot rely on this car. I don't know what to do.

Engine
Filed Aug 15, 2026FL

Check engine light on. Codes P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302. Technician confirmed via scope coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and 2. Technician stated it is known issue with this engine and recommends a new engine for $16,169.92. This has been an ongoing issue for the past two years.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 14, 2026MN

My husband and I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ that was purchase new in 2018. It is equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 69,000 miles. It has been meticulously cared for! Before the diagnosis, I noticed that when starting the vehicle and backing up, the engine would jerk slightly until I stepped on the accelerator to proceed. The check engine light then came on, which prompted me to take the vehicle to the Lincoln dealer for diagnosis. The servicing Ford/Lincoln dealer, Sugar Loaf Ford in [XXX], examined the vehicle and found coolant in a cylinder. We have been advised that the engine requires replacement. I am concerned because this appears consistent with reported coolant-intrusion problems involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine used in certain Ford/Lincoln vehicles. A vehicle with only approximately 69,000 miles should not require complete engine replacement because coolant is entering a cylinder. We contacted Lincoln Customer Service and opened case #XXX requesting assistance. Lincoln declined our request and closed the case. Sugar Loaf Ford also contacted Lincoln on our behalf, but Lincoln again declined assistance. I am filing this complaint because I am concerned that this may be a recurring engine defect rather than normal wear. I request that NHTSA document this failure and consider it together with similar complaints involving 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles, particularly failures involving coolant intrusion into the cylinders and resulting engine replacement.

Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2026MI

Coolant intrusion into number 2 cylinder requiring full engine replacement of my 2017 my 2.0l eco boost engine

Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2026IL

Head gasket failure where engine coolant leaked internally into the engine cylinders.

Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2026TX

For the last 17,000 miles, the engine light has been on. We got it checked out and there is coolant and cylinder three we change the cylinder thought it was a misfire, but the problem keeps occurring and we found out information that those engines are bad.

Engine
Filed Jul 25, 2026KS

Check Engine Light present. Took car to Ford dealership. Formal diagnosis from Ford dealership: Coolant intrusion present causing misfires, specifically in cylinder 4. P0304 and P0316 codes present. This is a known manufacturing issue; however, Lincoln customer service refuses to acknowledge the problem even exists. Upon talking to the Ford dealership service members, they stated that this is a common issue. One of the service members stated he has already dealt with multiple vehicles with this exact problem this week alone. Having an engine (misfire, steam, etc) go out due to a manufacturing/design flaw, especially while driving on the highway, is a major safety issue. Service team instructed me to no longer drive vehicle which would cause catastrophic damage.

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2026MI

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2017 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle has experienced a severe, progressive engine failure caused by internal coolant intrusion into Cylinder 1, directly matching the structural design defect detailed by the manufacturer in Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2229. This defect allows pressurized engine coolant to continuously leak directly into the combustion cylinders while driving and during engine rest. This creates an immediate safety risk of vehicle hydro-locking during ignition, sudden mid-drive engine stalls at highway speeds due to severe misfires (Fault Code P0301), and unexpected engine overheating. The manufacturer has knowingly built these open-deck engine blocks with narrow coolant grooves prone to fracturing, creating an ongoing risk of sudden thermal failure and power loss in active traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jul 6, 202636,000 milesMO

Contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rear cross traffic warning system of the vehicle was inoperable. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2026MD

Check engine Light P0302 Engine Misfire Cylinder 2. I noticed Low Coolant in the overflow tank. Went to dealer They did a pressure test found coolant Intrusion inside Cylinder 2 open TSB 22-2229 Car or SUV if coolant gets into cylinder can cause engine failure

Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2026MN

About 3 weeks ago, I was driving, and a red flashing light came on, signalling that my coolant was low. I bought radiator fluid and put it in up to the fill line. I visited my daughter, which is 11/2 hr. away. I checked the radiator reserve when I arrived at her house. The reserve was empty again. I brought it to a local mechanic shop. They diagnosed that I have coolant intrusion in the engine. They said I would need to pay for a new engine around $8800-$9200. I had purchased a lifetime extended warranty when I purchased the car. The Ford dealership diagnosed my car with the same problem as the local mechanic. They said the repair was not covered by the Powertrain warranty do to it being a manufacturing failure. I brought the car home and it has been parked since.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 1, 2026135,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle idled roughly, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and the low coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine replacement was not required, but the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed May 26, 2026TX

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received a second notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) stating that the part was currently available for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the rearview camera needed to be replaced; however, the part was not yet available and had been ordered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the part shipment was expedited; however, the dealer had not yet received the part. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 17, 2026MI

Dear NHTSA Safety Defects Investigation Team, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Lincoln MKC involving a child entrapment incident. On 05/17/2026, my vehicle locked itself while the engine was running, the key fob was inside the vehicle, and my [XXX] child was still inside the car. I was unable to gain entry to the vehicle and had to call 911/emergency responders for assistance. It took around 30 minutes from the time the vehicle got locked and for me door to be opened by the towing company sent by the 911 operator. Thankfully, the AC was turned on and my child was unharmed. The vehicle should not have allowed itself to lock under these conditions with the key present inside the cabin. This created a serious safety hazard involving a trapped child. Compounding the issue, the LincolnWay remote access system no longer functions because the vehicle’s original 3G modem became obsolete after U.S. 3G cellular shutdowns. As a result, I no longer had access to remote unlock functionality that had previously been available with this vehicle. Vehicle Information: • Year/Make/Model: 2017 Lincoln MKC • VIN: [XXX] • Approximate Mileage: [INSERT MILEAGE] • Incident Date/Time: 05/17/2026 at 4.15pm • Location: [XXX] Additional Details: • Vehicle was running at the time • Key fob was left inside the vehicle • Doors became locked unexpectedly • Child was trapped inside • 911/emergency assistance was required • LincolnWay remote services were unavailable due to obsolete 3G modem s

Engine
Filed May 15, 2026TX

Lincoln MKC 2017 Engine failure due to Coolant leak. Bought new Lincoln MKC 2017. The current mileage is 52, 500. Upon Starting, engine would shake for about 10 seconds. The Engine light would come ON. Engine light would turn OFF and ON for few weeks. The Dealership diagnostic indicated code P0301. I was advised Full Engine replacement. Currently the Engine is not starting at all. I have heard it's a design issue with the Engine. I have contacted multiple Lincoln dealerships, and each one has its own engine replacement costs. Lincoln Concierge declined my request to help in anyway although it seems to be a design issue with the Engine.

Engine
Filed May 13, 2026GA

I took my vehicle to the local Ford dealership for service due to a check engine light being on. They pulled the spark plug and found the cylinder full of coolant and found TSB-22-2229. I called Lincoln and was told they wouldn’t assist me because I fell outside their time and mileage limits. This issue should have been a recall due to their defective engine design. Engine replacement is very costly and the company should take responsibility for this flaw.

Engine
Filed May 12, 2026GA

My vehicle started stuttering & shaking when starting. Then the check engine light came on. It was diagnosed with cylinder 2 & 3 misfire. All spark plugs & coil packs replaced. It got better for about 3 months then the problem came right back. Have replaced coil packs multiple times. Took to dealer who said cylinder misfires were caused from coolant leaking & the only fix was to have engine replaced & quoted $11000. This started at about 95000 miles. Vehicle has had perfect maintenance, all oil changes done on Schedule. Dealer said motor can lock up at any moment & this was a manufacturer error.

Engine
Filed Apr 22, 2026NJ

Issue Description: The vehicle developed a check engine light and was diagnosed with a P0302 cylinder #2 misfire. The condition persisted after basic troubleshooting, and the vehicle was taken out of service to prevent further damage. The vehicle was subsequently brought to an authorized Lincoln dealership for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle requires a full engine replacement due to internal engine failure. The estimated cost of repair is approximately $9,500–$10,000. This failure occurred at approximately 64,000 miles, which is significantly earlier than expected for a major engine failure. Safety Concern: The engine misfire and internal failure can lead to loss of power while driving, creating a potential safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds or during acceleration. Additional Information: Manufacturer technical service bulletins describe coolant intrusion issues in 2.0L EcoBoost engines that can lead to misfires and engine damage. The symptoms experienced in this vehicle are consistent with those described conditions. The manufacturer was contacted for assistance but declined to provide support. Summary: Premature engine failure at low mileage requiring full engine replacement, with symptoms consistent with documented issues affecting this engine type. This condition presents a potential safety concern due to possible loss of power while driving.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed Apr 17, 2026OH

My rear view camera is displaying that the rear-view camera is unavailable and the screen keeps blinking off and on.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Apr 13, 202631,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2017 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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the back over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

20 of 189 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2019119320Routine
201873400Routine
2017 — this page189320Routine
201679570Routine
20151301210Routine

Compare every Mkc year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 10, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.