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Lincoln MKC misfire problems

92 of the 610 owner complaints about the Lincoln MKC describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
92
worst model year
2017
typical repair cost reported
$9,000
typical mileage
82,193
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 62Engine failure 44Overheating 40Stalling 12Loss of power 7Shudder 3

Trouble codes mentioned

P0304 5P0316 4P0302 4P0303 3P0301 2P0300 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 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 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 11, 2026 · Engine · NC

I own a 2018 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 72,326 miles. The check-engine light initially illuminated and an OBD scan produced code P0303, indicating a misfire in Cylinder 3. No other diagnostic codes were reported. Following mechanical evaluation, all four spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Approximately 145 miles later, the check-engine light returned with the same P0303 code. The code was cleared to confirm recurrence, and approximately 111 miles later the check-engine light illuminated again. I subsequently took the vehicle to a Ford/Lincoln dealership for further diagnosis. The dealership determined that coolant is leaking into Cylinder 3 and advised that the required repair is replacement of the engine/long-block assembly, at an estimated cost of approximately $8,900. I have since learned that Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346 addressing certain 2017–2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine that may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinders, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and misfire diagnostic codes including P0303. The prescribed repair under the bulletin may require replacement of the long-block engine assembly. A search of the federal safety agency's recall database using my VIN does not presently identify my vehicle as subject to a safety recall for this coolant-intrusion condition. I am submitting this complaint so that the federal safety agency has a record of another 2018 Lincoln MKC 2.0L EcoBoost experiencing a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure consistent with Ford's published technical guidance. I am particularly concerned about whether this failure mode has safety implications and whether the population of potentially affected vehicles has been adequately identified. The vehicle had not exhibited significant drivability problems, rough cold starts, or other obvious warning symptoms before the recurring P0303 check-engine indication.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine · 95,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Service Soon” was displayed on the app, and the failure was caused by a misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that new spark plugs were previously installed, and maintenance was performed on the vehicle, and the dealer suggested coming back at 100,000 miles for a tune-up but had not informed the contact of any issues with the engine. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin Number: 22/2229/the federal safety agency ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in Technical Service Bulletin Number: 22/2229 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

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 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 Aug 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

For the last 17,000 miles, the engine light has been on. We got it checked out and there is coolant and cylinder three we change the cylinder thought it was a misfire, but the problem keeps occurring and we found out information that those engines are bad.

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 misfire

Which Lincoln MKC years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (38 complaints), 2019 (25 complaints) and 2018 (22 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix misfire or rough idle on the Lincoln MKC?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $9,000 (median of 33 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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