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2018 Lincoln MKC: engine overheating

16 of the 79 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKC describe engine overheating.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
20%
typical repair cost reported
$9,800
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 19 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Engine · CA

Engine has a known defect causing coolant to leak into cylinders. Car is not safe to drive as car can overheat, blow gasket, loose power, catch fire while operating.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Engine · 37,500 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 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 and determined that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing a misfire. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact not to drive the vehicle out of town and stated that the vehicle might stall while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,500.

Filed Sep 23, 2025 · Engine · FL

The engine light has appeared approximately in April 2025. The inspection advised that the engine code indicated a misfire in cylinder 4. The engine rough idles when started. The coolant loss is extensive due to an engine issue and must be constantly filled.vwe were told by, iPaul's Repair shop, that upon calling Ford, that there was a Lincoln technical service bulletin re: the 2 liter eco boost engine. It was re coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Service bulletin # 19-2346. We have also replaced the spark plugs and coils. The engine light still came on with the same issue. It did not solve the problem of a DEFECTIVE ENGINE.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Engine · OK

Loosing Coolant resulting in coolant leaking into the engine. White smoke coming from exhaust m. Repair garage states only fix is to replace with revised engine causing over $10,000 in repair costs.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Engine · CA

2018 Lincoln MKC with 112,700 miles hesitating with accelerating. There have been no check engine lights activated. Took to Ford dealership for inspection and they found coolant level low and confirmed shuddering/jerking when accelerating. Found that cylinder 1 misfiring and upon further inspection found coolant intrusion in cylinder 1. Recommended long block replacement. I found that this year model with Ford Ecoboost 2L engine has had frequent issues with the coolant leaking into cylinders due to poor design of this engine. Contacted Ford and asked for help with the cost to replace the engine block and was denied any assistance.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Engine · OK

Engine failure due to coolant leak. Causing vehicle to overheat without warning while traveling down highway Issue has been reported to service center No other inspection No warning indicated.

Filed Feb 15, 2025 · Engine · SC

It was almost time for an oil change when the check engine light came on. The engine was idling roughly when the car was first started. I decided to take the car in early for the oil change and to get them to check the check engine light that’s when they told me of the known problem with the cracked engine block, and the engine coolant leaking into the engine. I took the car to another place for a second opinion and the mechanic told me he had repaired five of these vehicles recently. In my research, I have found that Ford was aware of this problem with Ford vehicles and Lincoln vehicles, but has not offered a solution to the problem. I don’t find a recall notice or anything Ford is doing about this problem, except replacing the engine, as instructed by Ford and charging me full price for the replacement of the engine. I would not have purchased this vehicle had I known of this problem. This vehicle has had every scheduled maintenance performed by the Lincoln dealership except two oil changes that were done at a Ford dealership.

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · Engine · 99,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire coming from ignition coil #3. The dealer replaced the ignition coils; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic trouble codes were cleared. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact then drove to the nearest Auto Zone, where coolant was added to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred a week later. The contact stated that the vehicle also experienced excessive fuel consumption. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MD

Engine light came on and showed misfire in cylinder 4. Changed spark plug and engine coil. Still had engine light on and misfiring. Car drove in power safety mode. After much diagnosis and inspection, master mechanic found coolant leaking into the cylinder walls due to a faulty (poorly manufactured) head gasket. Coolant intrusion caused white exhaust smoke, damage to the engine block and risk of fire. Shop replaced head cylinder and gasket with current oem parts that appeared to be revised. Vehicle remains to drive in poor condition with 54k miles. Powertrain warranty did not cover this expense being the vehicle met the 6 year mark in March 2024.

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Engine · NV

I purchased the automobile on [XXX] with 44,175 miles. When the engine light came on recently, I took it to the Lincoln dealer here in Las Vegas, paid $205 for the computer to be assessed, and was told the problem was coolant leaking into the engine. They were not able to start any repairs at that time. I was not told what it would cost to repair or the time involved. I assumed it was an air conditioning problem. I drove it a few days and the engine light went off, only to come back on. I then took it to AAA ($177 for the diagnosis), reporting that cylinder 3 had coolant leaking. Tech found TSB 19-2172 TSB. 19-2172 is for current symptoms of misfire at start-up. It was suggested that I take it to the Lincoln dealer. While driving the car home on [XXX], the engine was missing, chugging. I was afraid it would stall. I am thankful it did not stall on the freeway and that I made it home safely. When I called the Lincoln dealer to make an appointment to take the car in for service, I was told it would take three or four weeks to get it repaired, that the engine would have to be replaced for $7,800 - $9,800, and that Lincoln Motor Company will not take any responsibility. He said there were two other vehicles in line with the same problem. Due to being afraid to drive it, I had the car towed by AAA on Monday, October 7, 2024, to the Lincoln dealer and was told the estimate to repair it would be $8,493. This is a coolant intrusion issue due to a faulty design in the engine block where the cooling channels will crack and leak coolant into the piston chambers. As gleaned from the Internet, this appears to have been an ongoing problem with this model. I've observed so far from the Internet that Lincoln Motor Company is not taking responsibility for this faulty design affecting many Lincoln owners. I am [XXX], and living on a fixed income. I had to rent a car and put up a $735 deposit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Engine · 80,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal coolant odor inside the cabin of the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking onto the ignition coil #2. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs, and the ignition coil #2 was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Sep 26, 2024 · Engine · SC

2018 Lincoln MXC -2.0L- 47,000 mile Need engine long block replacement Coolant leaking into cylinders

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported May 26, 2023 · 142,734 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 23V378000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Lincoln MKC overheating

Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2018 Lincoln MKC?

16 of 79 owner complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKC (20%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2017.

How much does it cost to fix engine overheating on the 2018 Lincoln MKC?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $9,800 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Lincoln MKC?

There is 1 recall and 19 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Check engine light 36Engine failure 27Misfire 22Fire or smoke 5

All model years of the Lincoln MKC

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