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Lincoln MKC engine failure problems

119 of the 608 owner complaints about the Lincoln MKC describe engine failure, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
119
worst model year
2017
typical repair cost reported
$9,500
typical mileage
98,690
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Check engine light 59Misfire 44Overheating 38Loss of power 12Stalling 9Fire or smoke 7Jerking 3Transmission failure 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P0302 5P0301 5P0316 4P0304 3P0300 3P0303 2P06E9 1P0420 1P0217 1

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 Oct 8, 2026 · Engine · 45,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Rough idle at start up persisted as I got onto the road and caused near complete loss of drivability as "check engine" light appeared for the first time. Had towed to mechanic who replaced coils and plugs. One month later, check engine light appeared again. Brought back to mechanic who looked it over and said it was fine. Two weeks later, third apperance of check engine light. This time, I took to Lincoln dealership who ran appropriate diagnostics and confirmed one week later this is the coolant intrusion defect that will require a long-block engine replacement for $12,500. Car has 55,000 miles.

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 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding a severe Ford/Lincoln EcoBoost engine defect, fraudulent recall reporting, and the illegal refusal of repair on my vehicle, which has only around 20,000 miles. Since this vehicle is under an active safety recall, the manufacturer and dealership have a strict legal obligation to perform the recall repair at no cost to the consumer.My vehicle recently experienced a major engine failure with the Check Engine Light illuminated The authorized dealership diagnosed the issue as an inherent EcoBoost engine defect, specifically confirming a Cylinder #1 Misfire caused by Coolant Intrusion into the engine cylinders. They stated that the engine is severely damaged and provided a repair estimate of $12,000 for a complete Long Block Engine Replacement.However, they are completely refusing to cover this repair, telling me that they cannot help me and that I must pay out of pocket to fix it myself. To evade their legal safety obligations, the manufacturer sent an official letter falsely claiming that the recall service was already successfully completed at Norm Reeves Lincoln on April 24, 2024. This is a complete lie. I have NEVER received, authorized, or brought my vehicle in for this recall service.They have fraudulently marked this safety recall as completed in their system to strip away my consumer rights and leave me with a dangerous vehicle and a $12,000 bill. Operating a vehicle with coolant intrusion poses an immediate risk of sudden engine stalling, catastrophic failure, or fire on the highway. I formally request the federal safety agency to investigate this fraudulent recall reporting and unlawful refusal of repair, and compel Ford/Lincoln to perform the actual safety recall and long block engine replacement immediately at no cost as required by federal law.

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Engine · WV

My 2017 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost has recently experienced a serious engine failure and requires engine replacement. It developed an engine problem while driving on at least two occasions and is no longer reliable or safe to operate. No prior warning messages were observed on the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to pull over on the side of the road and I observed smoke coming from the engine. I was then concerned about the safety of an unexpected engine failure while driving, which might cause the vehicle to stop in traffic. I have now observed green/milky contamination on the engine oil dipstick. The vehicle requires further diagnostic evaluation and engine replacement by a Ford dealership. Ford issued technical service information concerning coolant intrusion into the cylinders of 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles with 2.0L EcoBoost engines. I am reporting because I believe the engine failure may be related to this condition and may represent a safety defect. I am in the process of having the Ford dealership inspect the vehicle and likely replace the engine. I can request the engine be retained for possible inspection. Ford Lincoln has been contacted regarding this problem. They denied any post-warranty financial assistance. I am concerned the failure may be related to the coolant-intrusion condition described in Ford's technical service information.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Engine · 101,989 miles · OH

The contact's wife owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the #3 cylinder and spark plug had seized and there was water intrusion into the engine. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: DP26008. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced by an independent mechanic with parts from the local authorized dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 101,989.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Engine · 73,617 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the engine misfired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had resulted in the engine failure, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 73,617.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Coolant intrusion into the engine at 20000miles. complete engine failure. lincoln dealership diagnosed that a long-block engine replacement is required. serious safety hazard due to potential sudden stalling while driving.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Engine · 76,131 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle unexpectedly jolted. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine block, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 76,131.

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

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported March 31, 2016 · 1,543 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Risk
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

Recall number 16V183000 · Recall details

Questions about the Lincoln MKC engine failure

Which Lincoln MKC years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (48 complaints), 2019 (35 complaints) and 2018 (26 complaints).

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

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $9,500 (median of 34 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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