2016 Lincoln MKC: engine overheating

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · DE

shaking idling, coolant loss. Diagnosed at dealer with coolant intrusion.

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 Jan 22, 2026 · Engine · MO

I have a coolant leak and the dealership states that it's located in the engine.

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 · 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 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 May 18, 2023 · Engine · 82,400 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he heard a sputtering and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle started to overheat. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure and that the vehicle had begun to consume an abnormal amount of coolant. The contact stated that the A/C had also begun to blow hot air while activated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be running at reduced power. The contact stated that for the vehicle to run normally he had to be sure that the coolant reservoir was full. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coolant hoses and a valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that he contacted the dealer and was advised the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2346 Coolant in Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,400.

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.

Filed Sep 26, 2022 · Engine · 78,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak into cylinder #3 and the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall, and the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.