2016 Lincoln MKC: check engine light

Filed May 15, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2016 Lincoln MKC with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine experienced coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, leading to engine misfire and check engine light to turn on. The dealership confirmed the issue for $176.55 and recommended a full long block engine replacement, estimated at over $11,000. This failure occurred at 98,000 miles. Two weeks before this, the check engine light illuminated and we took it to a repair shop where we paid $628 to repair the purge valve and fuel pressure sensor, while it was most likely this coolant intrusion both times! Ford and Lincoln (including concierge) have refused any assistance in this matter. The local dealership has also said that they cannot help us with any of the cost. I've found this to be a very well documented problem/engine design failure, Including HTSA ID Number: 10162062 Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 19-2172 entitled Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING The TSB acknowledges a design-related coolant leak into the engine cylinders that can cause white smoke, misfire, rough running, and warning lights. Ford’s recommended repair is to replace the long block assembly. In addition, this appears to be the exact issue described in Ford TSB 19-2346, which covers 2017–2019 model year vehicles with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, including the Lincoln MKC and MKZ. I believe this is a widespread design defect and request the federal safety agency’s investigation to ensure proper manufacturer accountability. I am so thankful that this car does not belong to one of my daughters as it poses a severe safety hazard on the road and it is going to be a huge financial setback that we may not recover from.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Engine · 60,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 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 that the supercharger-A and the under boost needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Engine · 158,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking, and the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that her brother had replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced with OEM parts, and the turbocharger, purge valve, vacuum line, long block, and fuel pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that her nephew replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils with OEM parts, and AAMCO replaced the fuel pressure sensor; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

While driving a short distance to work, my 2016 MKC check engine light came on. The previous week I noticed that the engine hesitated slightly when it first started, but it drove normally. However, when the light came on, my husband took the vehicle to the dealership where we bought it in Dec 2019. We were shocked when we were told this was a very common problem with this type of engine, a 2.0 eco boost, and that the engine would have to be replaced due to coolant intrusion, at the cost of $9300! The vehicle only has 57,000 miles on it and has always been maintained at Prater Ford Lincoln in Calhoun GA. After some research I've found this to be a very well documented problem/engine design failure. Ford and Lincoln have refused any assistance in this matter. The local dealership where we purchased it has told us they won't provide any assistance either. The vehicle is currently in the shop, and the engine is being replaced. It was supposed to be completed 5 days ago. Why hasn't there been a recall? Even though there were no deaths or injuries in my case as well as the others on this site, the financial burden is immense! Since this is such a well-documented problem, there should be a recall on the affected engines, or at the very least some assistance should be provided by Ford and/or Lincoln to the unfortunate owners of these vehicles. Thank you.

Filed Apr 1, 2025 · Engine · 162,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of coolant, and there were no signs of a coolant leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the turbos, spark plugs, and fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure persisted after the repair. The contact then scheduled an appointment with a local dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2025 · Engine · NV

We purchased the vehicle about a year and a half ago and about three months after we purchased it. The check engine light went on. We’ve had the vehicle into the dealership several times we’ve had the problem fixed supposedly twice we put in over $1000 in fixing it and now the check engine light came on again And the car stopped running saying it’s overheating. Took it to the dealership and now they say the car needs a whole new engine because they antifreeze is leaking leaked into the engine so they’re quoting us a $12,000 repair. This is a common problem in later models but obviously in the 2016 it’s also a problem.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

My 2016 Lincoln MKC has a recall. Recall was mailed to me and I called closest Lincoln dealership to begin process. Dealership stated part was on back order and I would get a call when it comes in. I called a few weeks later and still no luck. I attempted calling several times with no luck. Fast forward 2-3 months after calling, I’m driving with my son and out of nowhere the car begins to stall while driving and fumes start coming out from air vents. It was an awful and strong smell. As I pulled over the check engine and battery light came on. I had vehicle towed to dealership which they return with a catalytic converter code. I paid to get replaced and get a call that car is good to go, but recall part is still not available. Picked up my vehicle and didn’t make it more than .5 miles I realized my car is stalling and will not go past 40mph. Take it back, employees look dumbfounded and ask me to leave car and they will get back to me. I get a call a week later stating I need a pigtail connector and all will be fixed. They change it out, I go pick up my car and still same condition. Leave dealership and wait on another call stating it is a whole electrical wire harness which needs to be changed. I am Told last week that it would be $1900 to repair! I still do not have my car back and feel as if it is a guessing game at my expense!

Filed Dec 20, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · MO

A gasket failed which allowed coolant to leak into the engine. Due to lack of coolant, two of the cylinder heads cracked and warping of the engine block occurred. No coolant in the engine could result in a engine seizure or fire which poses an extreme risk to one's safety. The check engine light came almost immediately before the cylinders started to misfire. 11/25/2023. The vehicle and components have been inspected by the dealers service department and the warranty inspector. The car needs a full engine replacement which only half is covered under the warranty. I am out of pocket the other half. See link regarding a current lawsuit the describes EXACTLY what happened to my vehicle: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 17, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 82,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke entering the cabin through the vents. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown brake part had melted, and the electrical system was damaged. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2023 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a general failure with the transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Engine · 69,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that he turned on the A/C to cool down the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where the spark plugs, the two variable valve timing solenoids, and the turbo oil lines were replaced, and other unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the A/C started blowing hot air. The contact drove back to his residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · SC

My car has had an engine light that comes on goes off throwing a code for Cylinder One Misfire since January 2023. It was 'repaired' at the dealership that I bought it from and they replaced the spark plugs and the coil and that did not stop the light from coming on and going on. I took it to another service center in my town and had it checked one of the times that the engine light was on and they used a camera and ran it through the system and found nothing wrong. It has now started to consume large amounts of coolant but I am not seeing a leak on the ground. I do not know where the coolant is going, I am now worried that it is going into the engine. I did purchase a warranty on the engine with the car but the Lincoln Dealership nearest to me will not accept the warranty because it is not a Ford/Lincoln warranty. I don't know what else to do am at a loss.