2017 Lincoln MKC: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

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)

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · NJ

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.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IL

The engine in my 2017 Lincoln MKC (2.0L EcoBoost) has a documented manufacturing defect where the cylinder block design allows coolant to leak into the combustion chambers. This has caused persistent, unexplained coolant loss and rough engine performance on cold starts since February 2025, matching the diagnostic criteria in Ford TSB 19-2346. The defective engine assembly is available for inspection. This condition creates a significant safety hazard, including sudden power loss (Limp Mode) in traffic and a risk of engine fire from cracked cylinder heads. While Ford provided a service program (21N12) for 1.5L engines, they have failed to issue a safety recall for the 2.0L variant despite identical failure modes. This vehicle is part of the class in the consolidated litigation Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company (Case No. 2:20-cv-01796). I am filing this to assist the federal safety agency in determining the necessity of a mandatory safety recall.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · FL

After a repair/service visit at a national auto repair chain, my 2017 Lincoln MKC developed ongoing severe drivability and safety issues. The check engine light began flashing (active misfire), and the vehicle was unsafe for highway travel due to risk of loss of power/engine damage. Independent shop documentation reports cylinder #4 misfire (P0304) and additional engine timing-related code(s), low oil condition, and notes indicating internal engine damage and that the engine may require replacement. The vehicle also had a vacuum/brake booster line issue that affected brake assist until corrected. The problem has been confirmed by independent service centers and the vehicle is available for inspection. There was a near crash, but no fire, injury, or police report occurred.

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · MN

I own a 2017 Lincoln MKC 2.0L EcoBoost that suffered a complete engine failure caused by coolant intrusion into the combustion chambers. The vehicle began to misfire, emit thick white smoke, lose power, and quickly became almost undriveable. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2346 (June 2019), which describes coolant entering cylinders due to a flaw in the cylinder head/block design. This failure is not the result of neglect or normal wear and tear — my vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Despite this, the engine requires complete replacement at a cost of approximately $9,500. The failure occurred well before what should be the normal service life of an engine, and it matches the same defect pattern reported by many other Lincoln and Ford owners with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine in multiple model years. The coolant intrusion defect creates a serious safety hazard because it can cause sudden, unpredictable loss of engine power while driving. If the defect manifests at highway speeds, the driver may experience immediate power loss, inability to accelerate, or complete engine shutdown — increasing the risk of a collision. Ford/Lincoln have issued internal bulletins to dealers acknowledging this problem but have not initiated a public recall. Many owners have been denied coverage due to warranty expiration, despite this being a manufacturing defect. The result is that numerous vehicles with a dangerous and well-documented engine flaw remain in circulation without corrective action. I believe this defect warrants investigation as it poses both a safety risk to drivers and passengers, and a broader consumer protection concern. Premature catastrophic engine failures on relatively low-mileage vehicles undermine public trust and place owners in severe financial hardship. An the federal safety agency investigation could compel Ford/Lincoln to issue a recall to address this hazard before more vehicles experience unsafe sudden failure

Filed Aug 9, 2025 · Engine · OH

The Engine light periodically came on. The coolant was low, but no evidence of a leak. We took the car into be evaluated and to was identified as error code P0304 for cylinder #4. The only way to repair is a new engine. The car has 71000 miles on it. During our research it was identified that this is a known issue to Ford, but this has not been acknowledged as a defect/recall. It was recommended to immediately repair as the engine can stop or the car can lose power /control while driving. The car is no longer under warranty. There are tons of reports of this issue, and 130 reported on this site. This is a danger to those driving or if something would happen on a highway, this could cause an accident at high speeds to the other cars trying to avoid a stopped car. Dealers recommend calling to complain to Ford to attempt to get resolution. And there is a class action lawsuit.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Engine · ND

Vacuum pump, 2.3 ecoturbo charger not available for inspection. Dealer in ND replaced vacuum pump twice and car ran worse than when I brought it in so they then decided it was the turbocharger and replaced it. My check engine light and ABS light were on. Could not drive over 55 mph and was on highway when lost power and slowed way down significantly with traffic congested. Had to pull off to side. Thick Smoking from tailpipe they said oil got lnto the catalytic convertor it would eventually wear off and ok to drive. Took to different dealer and they replaced the vacuum pump again (this was the 3rd one)it has 73000 miles on it. I Drove for 20000 without trouble. Now I'm at dealership in TN and they are replacing the entire engine. Without any help from Lincoln and the car has 91000 miles on it

Filed Dec 26, 2024 · Engine · 80,000 miles · PA · fire

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving, a burning odor was detected as the vehicle lost power. Upon the contact's arrival at home, her fiancé called AAA service. Where upon inspection the AAA technician diagnosed the vehicle with a battery issue stating that the was about to explode. No warning lights were illuminated. The battery was replaced by the however the contact stated that the vehicle continued to have electrical problems. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer or dealer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Engine · MI

The head gasket leaked resulting in having to put in an entirely new engine. The dealer suggested that this was a known issue and that the gasket breaks in the corner. After the replacement, I was told that the manufacturer improved the gasket and I should not see this issue happen again. When the gasket blew, there was an immediate loss of power going down the expressway.

Filed Feb 16, 2019 · Engine · MS

The engine light came on and then the vehicle started to lose power