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Lincoln MKC fire or smoke problems

24 of the 608 owner complaints about the Lincoln MKC describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 2016 model year.

owner complaints
24
worst model year
2016
typical mileage
96,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

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 Jul 3, 2026 · Engine · MD

I am thoroughly disappointed and overwhelmed. My vehicle has 122,000 miles on it. Yes that may be considered many for some but this vehicle has been taken care of extensively and all routine scheduled maintenance has been performed. I purchased from Preston Ford in Pittsville, MD and the vehicle had 48000 miles as a used vehicle. I have had many minor issues,(fuel flap), A/C issues and 2 recalls for back up camera and the vehicle had a recall stating the car may catch on fire so don't park near other structures. Supposedly both recalls were taken care of by the seller of my vehicle. Now I am told I need a new engine, my engine light came on and I thought it was the purge valve assembly. Now this is my first Ford product so I am sad to report this. I still owe on this car and was told a new engine would cost about 10,000. I use the car for work and is my livelihood. I do not know who to contact and would hate to see someone else with this same experience. I feel if you take care of your vehicle it should get more than 122,000 miles.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Engine · 96,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled and drove unusually rough. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle misfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced two Technical Bulletins, TSB 19-2346 and TSB 22-2133, which had similar failure descriptions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Engine · 135,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle idled roughly, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and the low coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine replacement was not required, but the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Aug 9, 2025 · Engine · CA

I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with the well known coolant intrusion complete engine failure. I need a new long block at a cost of 9500 dollars. I had no warning light or check engine light to warn me about this issue prior to taking it to Ford dealer in Buellton to ask why coolant was emptying so fast. I had previously taken it to Lincoln dealer while under warranty and was told no issues. Even though they had a specific service bulletin stating the problems I was having. I feel my safety was at risk because I drive alone into sketchy areas for my job and my car could have just stopped and I would be an elderly woman alone with a broken down car waiting for a tow. It also could have possibly caught on fire I’m told. Lincoln Concierge was no help. Said it was VIN specific and not enough vehicles affected to warrant a recall. Mechanic at Ford says 3 to 4 vehicles a month are being repaired at his shop and they are a rural dealership. I think we are all being fleeced. We spent 40000 plus for a luxury reliable vehicle. We still have car payments. Can’t use as trade in. Can’t afford to buy another car. I can’t do my job. The stress alone may be dangerous for my health. Pending lawsuit won’t begin until June of 2026. This is so wrong

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Engine · 120,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a low coolant level. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

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 4, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

1st Engine Failure Dec 2021 due to coolant intrusion and the long block engine needed to be replaced. After the repair I came to look at it & I found, Bolts were missing—including from the undercarriage, battery mount, & power steering reservoir, splash guard, inner wheel well shield. Tools (10mm Snap-on socket & unidentified loose bolts) were left inside the engine bay. The coolant hose came loose, which your team tried to charge $4,000 to fix, despite it being clearly related to poor installation of the engine. The engine mounts—normally last 10-14 yrs before needing to be replaced—suddenly failed. Wiring harnesses weren’t secured, not informed of new engine warranty coverage being only for 1 yr. 2nd Engine Failure (Dec 2024): Less than 22k miles later, the engine failed again—this time 4 months outside the so-called 1-yr warranty that I was never told about. Now, I’m expected to pay out of pocket for another engine, which would conveniently include a 3-yr warranty this time. Why wasn’t the 1st replacement engine covered under the same terms? Purchased with: 45,000 miles 1st engine failed at: 53,594 miles, Coolant hose/engine mount issues: 61,000 miles, 2nd engine failed at: 84,193 miles if inspection is needed, I have photos. It has been confirmed by northpark lincoln dealership. It was inspected by the manufacturer and other mechanics, not affiliated with dealership. No warning signs no warning lamps no codes thrown no nothing until the loss of acceleration and torque combined with the amount of white smoke coming out of the tailpipe in the middle of the summer. It was the only notification it was too late by that point the damage has been done. On both occasions, the exact same thing happened no warning lights no check engine lights no MIL lights, or codes thrown just simply a huge cloud of dust coming from the tailpipe, and you lose almost all power and acceleration. Symptoms appeared after the damage had been done so no way to tell that something wrong prior.

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 Aug 28, 2024 · Engine · MI

Lincoln/Ford knowingly designed an engine where the head gasket is unable to properly seal and overtime causes intrusion of coolant into the cyclinder causing overheating. This results in the need to replace the ENTIRE engine block. They are aware of the issue and continued to build these engines with the KNOWN safety issue from 2017 - 2020 on not only Lincolns but Fords. The dealerships are aware of the issues, the corporate companies are aware of the safety issues and still there is no recall on these. They wont even help pay for the new engine. My car only has 43,000 miles on it! I should not be replacing an engine already for this known safety issue. This should be recalled immediately. I was driving my young children 3 and 1 around when the coolant overheated and it could have or ceised as I am driving or caught on fire. Someone should not have to die in order for a recall to happen. Lincoln/Ford need to make this right before someone dies. They knew of this issue when they designed it and continued to make them until 2020.

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported January 9, 2015 · 11,144 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured August 20, 2013, to September 9, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Push-to Start/Stop (PTS) button that is located at the bottom of the shift transmission controls may inadvertently be pushed, causing the engine to shut off.
Risk
If the PTS switch is inadvertently pressed, the vehicle may stop unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. In the event of a crash with the vehicle turned off, the air bags and seat belt restaints may not function as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the PTS switch and reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S29.

Recall number 15V006000 · Recall details

Questions about the Lincoln MKC fire or smoke

Which Lincoln MKC years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2016 (8 complaints), 2017 (6 complaints) and 2018 (5 complaints).

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