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Lincoln MKC loss of power problems

20 of the 610 owner complaints about the Lincoln MKC describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2017
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Engine failure 12Check engine light 10Misfire 7Stalling 6Overheating 6

Trouble codes mentioned

P0304 4P0316 2P0302 1P0301 1P0300 1

What owners say

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · NJ

Coolant intrusion into the cylinder and requires a replacement of the long block engine assembly which was a known issue by Ford/Lincoln with no recalls issued. The problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford/Lincoln dealer and independent service center. Warning lights illuminated when car was brought to dealer for inspection. It poses significant safety risk that actively endanger me and passengers while driving due to sudden loss of power, engine stalling, engine fire, loss of braking and steering assistance.

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 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SC

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: Engine / Powertrain (Engine Block & Cooling System). The vehicle suffered an internal engine failure caused by coolant intrusion into Cylinder #4, requiring a full engine long block replacement per Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request. ​2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: The engine suffered a sudden and complete loss of power without warning in the middle of active, moving traffic, leaving the vehicle dead in a live travel lane. Because the engine stalled abruptly due to coolant flooding the cylinder, the vehicle became an immediate, stationary obstacle in harm's way, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed rear-end collision or chain-reaction pileup that easily could have resulted in severe injury or a fatality for myself and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes. The problem was confirmed by a certified technician who pulled active diagnostic trouble codes P0304 and P0316. The technician performed a borescope inspection through spark plug #4 and visually verified coolant intrusion inside Cylinder 4. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: Inspected and diagnosed by a servicing dealer/technician who generated an official repair estimate (#9,496.97) confirming the defect and recommending engine replacement per Ford TSB 22-2229. (Note: Mention if inspected by insurance/police, otherwise leave as dealership/facility only). 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages? Answer: The Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated immediately before or during the engine shutdown. The diagnostic codes (P0316 and P0304) indicate startup misfires caused by coolant accumulating in the cylinder while parked.

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 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 30, 2026 · Engine · MI

The engine on my 2019 Lincoln MKC (2.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden internal failure without warning shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expired. The vehicle had no prior drivability issues, no warning lights, and had been maintained on schedule. While driving, the engine began running roughly and quickly lost power. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and had to be towed. The dealership diagnosed the engine as having internal mechanical failure requiring complete engine replacement. I was told the failure was not due to maintenance and that the engine could not be repaired. The failure occurred only weeks after the 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty period ended. This appears consistent with other reported EcoBoost engine failures involving internal defects such as coolant intrusion, low-tension piston rings, or block-related issues. A sudden loss of power while driving presents a safety hazard, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency is aware of this engine failure pattern and the safety risk associated with unexpected engine shutdowns on these vehicles.

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 Dec 16, 2025 · Engine · KS

2019 Lincoln MKC with 96K mileage suddenly started running rough around 30mph and I was losing power as I was entering a highway on a ramp. RPM needle was fluctuating between 2K and 3K. Immediately drove back home and towed it to Lincoln shop. They said its an issue with Coolant Intrusion into the engine compartment and would have to replace the engine block. Estimated at $11K. Extended warranty company said claim is likely to be denied as these Ecoboost 2.0L engines are notorious for these issues. It is a faulty manufacturing and there is no recall. Costing consumers thousands of dollars and also putting lives of passengers at risk.

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 loss of power

Which Lincoln MKC years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (10 complaints), 2019 (7 complaints) and 2016 (3 complaints).

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