63 of the
728 complaints filed about the Lincoln MKC
are about the other systems —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2018 Lincoln MKC has an exhaust leak. Ford and the dealership told me it was safe to drive, but I did not drive it because exhaust leaks can cause carbon monoxide exposure. My vehicle has been at the dealership since January 19, 2026 waiting for a warranty exhaust part. I have an email showing the part was ordered, but Ford still has not supplied it. The vehicle has been out of service for over six months and Ford denied my buyback request.
NHTSA complaint #11754051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car has had I repaired recalls since I purchased it from the dealership last year. None of the dealerships want to provide alternate transportation or even take me home with my kids but want me to leave the car for several days and figure it out. There hasn’t been an incident yet but the recall states the car can catch fire while parked and I live in one of the hottest states.
NHTSA complaint #11745115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dear NHTSA Safety Defects Investigation Team, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Lincoln MKC involving a child entrapment incident. On 05/17/2026, my vehicle locked itself while the engine was running, the key fob was inside the vehicle, and my [XXX] child was still inside the car. I was unable to gain entry to the vehicle and had to call 911/emergency responders for assistance. It took around 30 minutes from the time the vehicle got locked and for me door to be opened by the towing company sent by the 911 operator. Thankfully, the AC was turned on and my child was unharmed. The vehicle should not have allowed itself to lock under these conditions with the key present inside the cabin. This created a serious safety hazard involving a trapped child. Compounding the issue, the LincolnWay remote access system no longer functions because the vehicle’s original 3G modem became obsolete after U.S. 3G cellular shutdowns. As a result, I no longer had access to remote unlock functionality that had previously been available with this vehicle. Vehicle Information: • Year/Make/Model: 2017 Lincoln MKC • VIN: [XXX] • Approximate Mileage: [INSERT MILEAGE] • Incident Date/Time: 05/17/2026 at 4.15pm • Location: [XXX] Additional Details: • Vehicle was running at the time • Key fob was left inside the vehicle • Doors became locked unexpectedly • Child was trapped inside • 911/emergency assistance was required • LincolnWay remote services were unavailable due to obsolete 3G modem support ending I believe this issue represents a significant vehicle safety concern and request that NHTSA investigate whether similar incidents have occurred in other Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with these systems. The 911 call was placed around 4.15pm and I have the receipt from the Towing Service company Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11738438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear camera recall is many many months overdue for a fix. My rear camera hasn’t worked probably in almost a year. Neither The dealership nor Ford have provided updates.
NHTSA complaint #11727638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle was recalled. I took the vehicle to the dealer where it was purchased. It was serviced. The engine issue was addressed, so we thought. The repair/replacement parts did not remedy the issue, despite it being in the shop for over 6 months. The problem persists. It is overheating in a 5 minute drive. The local service department is saying there is no other remedy. They keep asking we bring it in for another diagnosis, but the problem is the same as the 47,000 other vehicles that have been recalled by this same issue. We purchased the car and have not been able to use it.
NHTSA complaint #11725234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have been noticing that when my rear camera goes out that it takes out the heater controls, the maps and the radio and my screen goes totally blank, is this another issue or is it all related. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11723237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving home from work on December 24th 2025 and my 2018 lincoln mkc 2.3l shut off on me while I was in motion. There were several cars that had to swerve and not hit me. The car would not start but I was able to put the vehicle in neutral and roll to the shoulder of the road. I was very scared and angry because this vehicle only has 54,646 miles currently, give or take 50 miles. I had to get the towed to my home. This needs to be resolved and Fird/Lincoln needs to faithfully fix this dangerous defect, i could have died. Please please do something because I do not want anyone else to deal with this.
NHTSA complaint #11707235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hello my car has a shifting cable busing fault. It’s Campaign/NHTSA# 18S20/18V471 This is a previous recall issue on ford. But somehow it’s not showing up under my vin number. But I’m experiencing this exact issue and it’s a safety problem
NHTSA complaint #11692030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Symptoms consistent with TSB 19-2346 for 2.0L EcoBoost engines: coolant in cylinders, white exhaust smoke and check engine light is on. I have to keep topping off the coolant weekly, engine light comes and goes with same errors. Went to a general mechanic who got error codes PO301-00 AND PO316-00. Currently scheduled next week to see an engine mechanic. Available for inspection upon request. Has not put us in danger yet but is of major concern due to potential for failure, so we are having it seen to ASAP. We don't have a Ford dealership so nearby to go out there with a failing car just to have them verify that yes that is the issue and yes it will be a very expensive repair we could not afford if we did it with them. Despite very low mileage it is still past warranty date, so any goodwill would have to come after we go through the trouble of bringing our vehicle in and hoping for the best. We called and they couldn't even provide any kind of ballpark likelyhood of goodwill.
NHTSA complaint #11688019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BATTERY: THE BATTERY MONITOR SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE DAMAGED. IT KEEPS SHUTTING DOWN MY SYSTEMS SAYING TO PRESERVE BATTERY. AND WHEN AND IF MY SENSORS GO OFF, THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT SOUND AS IF IT'S NOT RECEIVING ENOUGH POWER TO NOTIFY ME OF POTENTIAL DANGER. ALSO, WHEN I'M LISTENING TO MY RADIO WITH THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR SHUTS DOWN EVERYTHING GIVING A DISPLAY INDICATION THAT THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALL SYSTEMS SEEM TO BE WEAKENED, AND LACKING FULL POWER AND FULLY ASSISTING IN WHICH IT WAS INTENDED AND DESIGNED. BACK-UP CAMERA: CAMERA CONSISTENTLY GOES BLACK OR BLANK WHEN I'M IN REVERSE. SOMETIMES IT DISPLAYS MOMENTARILY AND THEN BLACKS OUT UPON MY REVERSING. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I HAVE COME CLOSE TO HITTING SOMEONE BACKING OUT/UP/IN, AS THE REAR VIEW CAMERA WITH BLANK OUT WHILE DOING SO. ALSO AT TIMES THERE IS NO TOO CLOSE WARNING FROM THE CAMERA OR SENSORS AROUND. (NOTE) PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DOES NOT IN ANY WAY CONSTITUTE, OR IS LIMITED TO THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE AND OR EXPOSURE TO THE SAFTY ONGOING ISSUES THAT EXSIST. THANK YOU, FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11683429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The back up camera does not work. I don't know the exact date when it began not working, but it's been many months. This may be due to a faulty electrical or computer system. Occasionally, an error message will appear on screen which states the obvious -- that the camera is not working -- and to contact the dealer. I received a recall notice in the mail on May 9, 2025, but the repair parts are still not available (August 22, 2025), which is 15 weeks after I received the recall notice. This is an excessive amount of time to wait. Since so much time has passed, it seems quite possible that the manufacturer does not intend to ever repair this defect as it is an older vehicle. This is worthy of investigation. At the very least, a status update should be given to owners.
NHTSA complaint #11682329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA MALFUNCTIONS AT TIMES & DISPLAYS A BLUE SCREEN ON THE IN-CAR MONITOR THAT STATES "CAMERA UNAVAILABLE". OTHER TIMES THE IMAGE IN THE MONITOR WILL BE WAVY. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE EXACERBATED BY WARMER TEMPERATURES. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY ANYONE.
NHTSA complaint #11664762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Within 4 months, I’ve spent $12k on transmission replacement (refurb.) (Metallics in the fluid), Fuel injectors, etc. The check engine light is still on…Now Im told that coolant is leaking into my engine, and the engine needs replaced! (Coolant intrusion) Another $9k for parts and labor! i just paid the car off! Ive kept up with repairs and service! Ive done everything the dealer has suggested…except replace the engine! I’m still recovering from the cost of the transmission! The 2017 Lincoln MKC with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine has a known defect where coolant leaks into the engine cylinders, often causing misfires, overheating, or engine failure. This issue, linked to faulty engine block and cylinder head design, typically requires engine replacement ($5,000-$9,500). Ford issued TSB 22-2229 but no recall. A class-action lawsuit is ongoing. Check warranty status; report to NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #11664057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DearNHTSA, My rear camera is not working properly on my 2017 Lincoln MKC. I reported this incident to you earlier this month. As of yesterday Wednesday May 28, 2025 WXYZ NEWS IN DETROIT, stated a recall on rear view cameras. I truly hope my car will be included in the recall. Thank you very much!
NHTSA complaint #11663579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When placing the vehicle in Reverse, the camera image is distorted. This problem happens intermittently but when it does, I am unable to view any potential hazards as I back up.
NHTSA complaint #11663692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.