2016 Lincoln MKC: engine failure

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 May 1, 2025 · Engine · TN

I purchased a 2016 Lincoln MKC 2.0 with 96k miles on it 2 months ago, and we just discovered a coolant leak into the first cylinder, causing a cracked head gasket. The engine needs to be replaced, and will cost $15k. Many other drivers have experienced this problem and reported it, and Ford has done nothing to correct the main issue. This problem is causing overheating of the engine, and could potentially cause injury if not fixed.

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 Feb 21, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · KY

Purchased 2016 Lincoln MKC from a Ford dealer in October with approximately 133k miles. Was a trade-in from August. The beginning of January on a very cold day while warming the MKC, the air stayed cold. Drove to work and back. That night added antifreeze as it was low. Next day on the way to work, shortly after leaving home the MKC started losing power and shaking. Couldn't pinpoint where the shake was coming from. A friend's husband is a master tech at the Ford dealership where I purchased it. I described the issues to him. He looked under hood. The antifreeze that was filled up the day before was completely empty. He could tell what the issue was. I called the dealership. Was initially told it would cost $10k-$12k to replace engine. Talked to several managers at the dealership. Called Lincoln Concierge. There was no recall for my vin. The design of my long block with the 2.0 Ecoboost was the same design as the vehicles recalled in 2017-2019. After a second call to Lincoln concierge, was told the vin specifics are based on the plants where the vehicles are made. I did get the MKC to the Ford dealership to do an official diagnosis and it was confirmed that there was coolant intrusion. This has been very disheartening. I'm not understanding why, if the engine is the same design flaw, there is no recall or assistance.

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 Jan 23, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MA

In 2019 I bought a used 2016 Lincoln MKC Reserve 2.0 Ecoboost Engine w 34K miles. In 4 years I've driven 11,400K miles. A few weeks ago my vehicle would not start. I had a tow to a Ford Retailer because the Service Tech at a Lincoln Retailer informed me they were backed up having 10 vehicles waiting to replace failed Ecoboost engines all with coolant leaks most likely I would need the same. After the $400 diagnostics I was told that I needed a new engine! Unlike the Lincoln Tech, Fords would not discuss anything about all the news, recalls or TSBs on Failed Ecoboost Engines. My Powertrain Warranty had recently expired well under mileage I would be responsible to pay. My MKCs decline happened suddenly and rapidly went downhill. First I noticed it was loud at start up which was odd and was running very rough. I checked underside and the rear to see if something was hanging and noticed a bluish gray smoke come out of exhaust for under a minute then then all symptoms cleared. Next for the 1st time a Check Engine Light came on which indicated a Misfire in Cylinder 4. Finally I had no heat in the cabin yet the engine was starting to overheat this time the Check Engine Light was blinking rapidly while driving at night in the freezing cold with my young daughter with me. It was very dangerous with supercold tempuratures being Winter in the NorthEast with icy roads. I started to smell a chemical burning odor. I have never experienced an overheating engine before in my life. I was scared and panicking not wanting to risk my engine blowing up or catching fire especially with my young child. I had no choice but to put all the windows down and pull over on the side of the road which had no sidewalks. The hood was very hot to touch. Next I am under the hood with a flashlight to check the fluids when I first became aware of the Coolant Reservoir was near empty, which explained the lack of heat and overheating. I owe $10k and it will cost $10k to replace Fords FAULTY Engine.