26 of the
728 complaints filed about the Lincoln MKC
are about the fuel system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
When I first submitted the VIN# just one hour ago, it responded with 2 open recalls, now it is responding with only one! The one that magically dropped was a major safety issue , a possibility of a cracked fuel injector , which of course could start a fire at any time ! Why did it suddenly disappear?!
NHTSA complaint #11754387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11749860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the fuel pump was struggling and lacked the power to adequately deliver fuel to the engine while the vehicle was idling. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an engine misfire while accelerating. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V005000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Related to previous recall [XXX] I had the recall repair done. But my car with only 86,744 miles now has coolant in cylinder 3 and it's misfiring so badly the car shouldn't/can't be driven. Dealership says the entire engine needs to be replaced. I have NEVER had a car this low of mileage that an entire engine needed replacement. This is a design flaw in the 2.0 ecoboost and I now have a probably $20,000 or whatever it may have been worth when it ran... Paperweight. It's just sputtering and spitting out loads of smoke as described in original TSB. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11723701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As far as everybody did and shut down three times in a major intersections as far as to completely shut off or keep up with the camera activity and it seems to not be able to empower through the cabin or central part of the cabin where the computer is stored when I had my f****** completely turn itself off and ran or red lights just to barely make it to my house and in the car would not start I had various problems with his car and I admit paid thousands at this point to see it keep up with it and I've seen it the under several recalls and just now seeing that my car is reaching some of the max amount that I've ever even been issue. I've never received an email on this car having a recall because I moved a few years ago and although I pick up my mail there I've never received anything from Lincoln or have I had any things in the middle for you guys my main concern is getting this rental car in place while all these updates I haven't paid for are completely addressed immediately and in their entirety no longer putting my life safety and the lives of others at risk around me
NHTSA complaint #11704024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A few months ago, the engine light came on. Multiple diagnostics confirmed a vapor leak. We were told if we didn’t fix it, it would affect nothing. Now, if we put gas in, the car struggles to start or won’t start. This happens all the time since April 2025. We looked at recalls and there were 2 with the fuel system that were apparently done. We feel that they may have been improperly repaired? The dealer service said this problem happens all the time with Lincolns. We’re afraid to put gas in the tank. We don’t know what will happen next? Car stopping at lights? Too much vapor coming out now? Repair is all over the place price wise wherever we check…but we don’t want to be stuck at a gas station or have someone light a cigarette near the car with gas vapor leaking out!
NHTSA complaint #11700866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving a short distance to work, my 2016 MKC check engine light came on. The previous week I noticed that the engine hesitated slightly when it first started, but it drove normally. However, when the light came on, my husband took the vehicle to the dealership where we bought it in Dec 2019. We were shocked when we were told this was a very common problem with this type of engine, a 2.0 eco boost, and that the engine would have to be replaced due to coolant intrusion, at the cost of $9300! The vehicle only has 57,000 miles on it and has always been maintained at Prater Ford Lincoln in Calhoun GA. After some research I've found this to be a very well documented problem/engine design failure. Ford and Lincoln have refused any assistance in this matter. The local dealership where we purchased it has told us they won't provide any assistance either. The vehicle is currently in the shop, and the engine is being replaced. It was supposed to be completed 5 days ago. Why hasn't there been a recall? Even though there were no deaths or injuries in my case as well as the others on this site, the financial burden is immense! Since this is such a well-documented problem, there should be a recall on the affected engines, or at the very least some assistance should be provided by Ford and/or Lincoln to the unfortunate owners of these vehicles. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11683109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On or about July 29, 2025, the check engine light illuminated in my 2019 Lincoln MKC Sport with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. A mechanic inspected the vehicle on August 4, 2025, and confirmed coolant is entering cylinder one, likely due to a blown head gasket or, less likely, an engine block crack. Symptoms include coolant loss, potential misfiring, and the check engine light activation. The issue was identified through diagnostic testing (e.g., borescope inspection or compression test, pending specific results). No external coolant leaks were observed, indicating an internal engine failure. The vehicle has 89,516 miles and was purchased three months ago on May 5, 2025, from Ford City in Champaign, Illinois. Safety Concerns: Coolant intrusion into cylinder one risks engine misfiring, rough idling, or sudden power loss, which could cause engine stalling or failure during operation. This poses a serious safety hazard, as it may lead to loss of vehicle control, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic, endangering the driver, passengers, and other road users. The defect compromises the reliability of the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and requires costly repairs. Additional Context: • No known history of severe overheating exists, but maintenance records prior to purchase are unavailable. • The vehicle has no aftermarket modifications. • No crashes or injuries have occurred, but the issue emerged shortly after purchase, suggesting a possible pre-existing defect. • Similar coolant intrusion issues have been reported in earlier 2.0L EcoBoost engines (e.g., 2013–2016 Ford models), and this may indicate a recurring defect in the 2019 MKC. • I urge NHTSA to investigate whether this engine issue warrants a recall due to its potential safety impact.
NHTSA complaint #11678637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Purchased 2016 Lincoln MKC from a Ford dealer in October with approximately 133k miles. Was a trade-in from August. The beginning of January on a very cold day while warming the MKC, the air stayed cold. Drove to work and back. That night added antifreeze as it was low. Next day on the way to work, shortly after leaving home the MKC started losing power and shaking. Couldn't pinpoint where the shake was coming from. A friend's husband is a master tech at the Ford dealership where I purchased it. I described the issues to him. He looked under hood. The antifreeze that was filled up the day before was completely empty. He could tell what the issue was. I called the dealership. Was initially told it would cost $10k-$12k to replace engine. Talked to several managers at the dealership. Called Lincoln Concierge. There was no recall for my vin. The design of my long block with the 2.0 Ecoboost was the same design as the vehicles recalled in 2017-2019. After a second call to Lincoln concierge, was told the vin specifics are based on the plants where the vehicles are made. I did get the MKC to the Ford dealership to do an official diagnosis and it was confirmed that there was coolant intrusion. This has been very disheartening. I'm not understanding why, if the engine is the same design flaw, there is no recall or assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11644184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The coolant/ transmission fluid is found to be leaking into the engine. Now I to pay for a new engine when I have had the car 1 year and 8 months. I still owe $22,000 on the vehicle, and while it’s said that Lincoln knew about this problem, no recall was ever issued. I am 3,000 miles over the warranty, but there are no security message popping up to say this is a problem. The dealership said nothing is firing of to warn of a problem in the computer either. I had the oil changed 1 month ago but was not told or warned of an engine defect either ( I was under mileage that time). I am asking for assistance to replace this engine. I feel there should have been a recall to replace the models effected. Others have had their engines replaced free of charge I asking to extended that same courtesy free of charge. And a recall should be issued for theses bad engines when the problem was known prior to sale. I have purchased Ford vehicles in the past and but I was married at the time but he too has a LMKC right now. Please advise on some type of assistance. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11605245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My engine kept misfiring upon starting and not accelerating while I was driving it. A coolant leak into the cylinder caused the engine to malfunction. I had to replace the entire engine block which cost over $7,000.00. The Ford repairman & service center told me that Ford had issued a service bulletin regarding this issue but then refused to pay for the engine damage. I only have 70K miles on the Lincoln.
NHTSA complaint #11599592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There's a fuel system gas delivery malfunction. Vehicle can be inspected per request. Car won't turn on right after having gas pumped. In one occasion while stopped at a red light the vehicle started making this strange loud noise on and off. I had to pull over at a parking lot nearby. The car also had a rolling motion feeling, the speed dial would be moving from 0-2 on its own while being stopped. My husband inspected the car and with a diagnostic device got error code P1450. There are existing recalls for same fuel gas problem for the same make and model and year as our vehicle but our VIN number isn't included in those recalls. My check engine light first showed up mid or late February 2024 and early this month is when my car started showing problems, once while on the road and the other instances after pumping gas.
NHTSA complaint #11578507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that she had refueled the vehicle at the gas station. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered while starting and shut off independently. The contact stated that she restarted the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated turned on the hazard lights and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V005000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 14V525000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11564565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After driving the car for several hours, the car will all of a sudden stall after waiting a a stop light or idle. When pushing the accelerator taking off from a stop, the the car bucks and stalls. The code the Ford dealer read off the diagnostic tablet was P0087... I just got my car back from the Ford dealer without a repair, because they could not replicate the problem. The tech only drove it 22 miles, and I told the service manager that I expect it to stall again, which it did after 2 days of driving. The car has to be running for a while for this to occur. Stalling in an intersection is dangerous! Oxygen sensors have been changed 4 times, and each time black and sooted. MAS, MAF, fuel pressure sensors have been changed. Something is causing the O2 sensors to go bad. Fuel injection cleaning was suggested. One mechanic mentioned PCV valve could be an issue. I drive about 1200 miles per week city driving.
NHTSA complaint #11540843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times; however, the failure recurred after each visit. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11528961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11477621 *DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
NHTSA complaint #11477613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not immediately start. The driver had to turn the ignition key and depress the accelerator pedal simultaneously to start the vehicle. Additionally, while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel nozzle would constantly click off and on. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced a fuel system line and the failure was remedied. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11477621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle year is listed as recalled under NHTSA recall 15V005 but not included based on production date. After starting vehicle and navigating into moving traffic, vehicle exhibited identical symptoms (stopping unexpectedly while in motion, no force to gas pedal, slowing to a stop/locking up as if in acc mode). Check engine light illuminated, vehicle restarts after full shut down and drives. Upon next subsequent start up vehicle stops unexpectedly at random and requires full restart all while in motion. Evaluation by licensed technician reviewing vehicle code lists fuel pump failure identical to recall specifications. High risk as shut down is unexpected and occurs while in motion among other vehicles at speeds at or above 5mph
NHTSA complaint #11455926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The fuel pump/sensor. My vehicle died (steering column locked as well) while in motion on a busy highway. I took it to the Ford dealership and they replaced the sensor. After I picked it up from the dealership, my car died again on the same highway only this time I was in the middle of turning into oncoming traffic. I could not start my vehicle for several minutes. On both occasions, there were no signs or indications of pimp failure. The check engine light came in after the car stalled and. died. This time the dealership installed the whole control unit, sender and pump ASY and gasket. I have copies of invoices and parts.
NHTSA complaint #11431782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.