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2019 Lincoln MKC: engine overheating

27 of the 123 complaints about the 2019 Lincoln MKC describe engine overheating.

owner complaints
27
of this car's complaints
22%
typical repair cost reported
$10,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 17 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · NJ

After my check engine light came on the dealership performed a cooling system pressure test and borescope inspection which confirmed a cylinder 2 misfire caused by structural coolant intrusion into the engine block. The dealership repair estimate is over $14,000. As an elderly and handicapped individual facing unstable housing, this catastrophic vehicle failure leaves me stranded, and the out-of-pocket cost is a severe and impossible financial hardship. •Known Inherent Defect: I learned that this exact failure—coolant leaking into cylinder 2 due to a recognized structural design flaw in the EcoBoost block—is a widely documented manufacturing issue. It is currently the subject of certified national class-action litigation (Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company), specifically naming the 2019 Lincoln MKC. •Prior Diagnostic History: The check engine light first illuminated at 100,700 miles. The vehicle has been treated with care. This is a catastrophic structural crack, not a wear-and-tear issue. •Extended Warranty Context: I previously invested in an Extended Service Warranty to protect against major failures. While Lincoln Client Services has initially denied coverage on a technical milestone, the underlying manufacturing defect was already present and actively failing before this point. This is a known, widespread engineering issue rather than a consumer maintenance failure. Given my current physical and housing hardships, I urgently require corporate assistance to resolve this so I can regain access to necessary medical transportation. I learned that this defect can lead to: •Sudden Engine Overheating •Engine Misfires and Stalling •Fire and Electrical Hazards •Catastrophic Engine Failure I am afraid to drive this vehicle but I have medical needs that I have to address. I submit this complaint to encourage investigation for a possible safety-related defect which should lead to a safety recall. I found out too late. I hope I can help others be informed and safe

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · TX

There is a coolant leak going into the cylinder 3 causing misfire and overheating and engine shutoff Car shut down and locked up on the highway and I had to coast to the shoulder and get it towed. The ford dealer said it needs an engine replacement specifically a long block assembly estimated at 10k. It was inspected by the ford dealership. there was a code p0303 saying misfire so I got all the spark plugs replaced and when i was driving home from work the car locked up and said overheating and had to coast off the highway. I have all the reports and documents from the ford dealership showing the coolant intrusion into the cylinder. this is a design flaw with this engine and has a TSB already on it but not recall. it's been going on since 2019 but they still produced these engines and make the customer pay for their flaws.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Engine · GA

Sept 2026. Coolant intrusion. Causes engine light to illuminate, engine to overheat, rendering vehicle unable/unsafe to drive, potential fire risk. The failure was diagnosed by Lincoln dealer as a known defect via technical service bulletin. My research revealed this defect is found in numerous Ford vehicles.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

The vehicle needs a complete engine replacement due to a coolant intrusion issue. The safety of myself and my family are of my utmost concern. Overheating of the system can cause sudden engine stalling, catastrophic power loss at highway speeds, a risk of collision, and toxic vapor exposure inside the vehicle. Furthermore, A leaking heater core vents sweet-smelling but toxic antifreeze vapors into the passenger compartment and prolonged breathing of heated glycol fumes can trigger dizziness, headaches, and nausea for the driver. All of which I have recently suffered from. I have taken the car back to the original dealership and was advised that I would need a new engine. The engine light came on and the coolant started spiking into the red which led me to take the car in for diagnostic testing.

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Engine · AR

To the federal safety agency: I am filing this complaint about a dangerous stall/overheat defect in my 2019 Lincoln MKC, VIN [XXX], currently at 79,820 miles. This vehicle was built 2018-10, before Ford's engine redesign, and it is now undrivable due to coolant intrusion into the engine, a known and documented defect covered under Ford TSB 22-2229 for the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. What happened: the car overheated on me at Church's Chicken. I came out with coolant to top it off, and cautiously drove it to Dr Underhood Repair Shop. They ran the codes and quoted a full engine replacement, but couldn't source an engine, so they sent me to the dealership. I paid them and limped the car across town to Randall Ford. Randall Ford confirmed the failure matched the TSB. I paid them too, and the car overheated again within 500 feet of leaving their lot. I had to park it at a strip mall and have it towed to our warehouse, where it sits undriveable today. Randall Ford's diagnosis (repair order XXX, dated XXX) is coolant leaking into the engine, requiring a new engine, quoted at $16,735.60. The codes pulled were P0217, P0303, P0316, P0420, and P06E9 - overheat, misfire, misfire, catalyst efficiency, and turbocharger coolant/fluid, all consistent with the coolant intrusion pattern described in TSB 22-2229. I confirmed rough running, and the car overheating with no visible external leak, which matches the pattern in Ford's own bulletin. I am aware Ford issued CSP 21N12 to extend coverage for coolant intrusion on the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, but no equivalent program or recall exists for the 2.0L EcoBoost engine in my Lincoln MKC, despite the same defect and the same TSB language applying. There has been no recall issued for this problem on my vehicle at all, even though Ford is well aware of the defect. I also want to note that this is not an isolated issue with this vehicle - I have separately experienced the documented purge-valve/fuel-system defect on this same car, which suggest INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine · MI

Car started shaking roughly when started, check engine light came on for cylinder misfire. Known engine problem where coolant leaks in to the engine block due to a known defect from Ford for these 2.0L engines. There is a TSB 22-2229 ([XXX]) already issued for this. Dealer inspected and confirmed the problem. Now the entire engine long block needs to be replaced resulting in $10,000 repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Engine · UT

Component: Engine (2.0L EcoBoost) — coolant intrusion into cylinders What failed: The engine in my 2019 Lincoln MKC (2.0L EcoBoost, approximately 83,000 miles) failed due to internal coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This is a known defect in this engine, documented by the manufacturer in TSB 22-2229 (superseding TSB 19-2346), which acknowledges coolant leaking into the cylinders on 2.0L EcoBoost vehicles and specifies complete long block engine replacement as the only repair. My vehicle and the failed engine are available for inspection upon request. The car/engine is currently at the [XXX] Ford in Draper, UT. Safety risk: Coolant intrusion causes engine misfires and can cause sudden loss of engine power while driving, hydro-locking of the engine, and — per the manufacturer's own bulletins and pending litigation — overheating, cracked cylinder heads, and engine fires. The check engine light began flashing while I was on the highway. I am also a dialysis patient awaiting a kidney transplant, and a sudden engine failure or stall while driving to medical treatment poses a serious safety risk. Confirmed by a service center: Yes. On or about XXX, [XXX], a franchised Lincoln dealership, performed a borescope inspection of the engine and confirmed the failure, stating the engine must be replaced at a quoted cost of $7,897.45. I have the written diagnosis and repair estimate. Inspected by the manufacturer or others: No police or insurance inspection was involved, as this was a mechanical failure rather than a collision. Warning signs before failure: Unexplained low coolant level requiring repeated top-offs; white smoke from the exhaust, especially at cold start; check engine light, steady or flashing; rough running or misfire, often with codes P0300–P0304 or P0316; sweet coolant smell. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · LA

The vehicle was recalled. I took the vehicle to the dealer where it was purchased. It was serviced. The engine issue was addressed, so we thought. The repair/replacement parts did not remedy the issue, despite it being in the shop for over 6 months. The problem persists. It is overheating in a 5 minute drive. The local service department is saying there is no other remedy. They keep asking we bring it in for another diagnosis, but the problem is the same as the 47,000 other vehicles that have been recalled by this same issue. We purchased the car and have not been able to use it.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Engine · FL

Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost engine has seen recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) primarily for coolant intrusion leading to engine failure, affecting models like the 2017-2019 MKC with issues stemming from a block design flaw and faulty head gaskets that allow coolant into cylinders, causing overheating, corrosion, and potential engine fires. This vehicle is confirmed to have coolant intrusion in the cylinders, resulting in premature engine failure.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Engine · TX

Vehicle overheated, due to collant entering #1 cylinder. This coolant intrusion is apparently a well documented issue, from an acknowledged engine defect. (TSB 19-2346, TSB 22-2133) Ford dealership recommended an $11,000 + tax engine replacement, with no relief, as car is past its warranty. The vehicle has 58540 miles. Lincoln customer service also declined any goodwill repair. Independent Service Dealer (Craig’s Auto Repair Service 281‑469‑5949) first diagnosed the issue, recommended taking the vehicle to Ford Dealership (Tomball Ford).

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine · IL

My car misfired, then the heat wouldn't work then started to overheat. The car is 2019 MKC 2.0L engine. Only 64k miles on it. I am the original owner. Took it to the dealership and they said the coolant has back up into the engine. I read that this has been a known issue with these engines and was never notified. It is going to cost 10k to replace this engine.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Engine · MI

My initial reason I took the car to the dealership, was because the vehicle would not want to start or stay running after fuel was put in. I aIso had a check engine light on. After the dealership performed diagnostics on it, they said the purge valve was bad which was the cause of it not starting. The check engine light was on because it was low on coolant. So I scheduled another appointment with Wyatt Ford in Manistee MI 49660 on Dec 1, 2025. They performed a coolant pressure test and determined that it is losing pressure after shutdown. They cannot find a leak. They removed the spark plugs, but #3 spark plug is "stuck" and they are attempting to remove it. If the spark plug breaks, they will take more of the engine apart to access it and attempt to "tap" out the threads of it. The technician (Sherman) told me that the cause of it being stuck could be due to the fact of the coolant leaking into that cylinder. Sherman was able to remove the #3 spark plug and found coolant in that #3 cylinder. They are now saying that the engine does need replaced and it is not safe to drive. The service department (Ava) gave me Ford Customer Service number to call to start a case. I called 800‑392‑3673 and spoke with Alex. She told me she will do some further research and call me back in about two hours. It is now 12:30 pm east coast time. After returning a call from her, she said that there are no programs at this time with Ford to assist with replacing the engine. Only if there is a recall on this is when they would be able to replace it for us.

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 2019 Lincoln MKC overheating

Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2019 Lincoln MKC?

27 of 123 owner complaints about the 2019 Lincoln MKC (22%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2017.

How much does it cost to fix engine overheating on the 2019 Lincoln MKC?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $10,000 (median of 8 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 2019 Lincoln MKC?

There is 1 recall and 17 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Engine failure 35Check engine light 32Misfire 25Stalling 10Backup camera 7Loss of power 7

All model years of the Lincoln MKC

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