48 of the
728 complaints filed about the Lincoln MKC
are about the transmission —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
48
Complaints
7%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11756258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 NHTSA in determining the necessity of a mandatory safety recall.
NHTSA complaint #11725771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving you could smell fumes, it would jerk, and kick in and out of gear and would have no heat. Coolant was always low with no visible leaks to the mechanic.
NHTSA complaint #11717638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle unresponsive after sitting idol at traffic light. When trying to accelerate, no power. Vehicle was still running, but unable to accelerate. Finally able to accelerate after RPMs up to nearly 3000 rpms, and slow to respond and accelerate. Engine warning code on dashboard soon after. Error code is P0751, shift solenoid A performance stuck or off. Similar issue when under warranty in 2022 with 22,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11716753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11713672 — 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.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle revved and then the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's brother was following the contact and assisted with traffic. The Sheriff’s Department assisted with traffic control. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the flywheel had fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was later informed that the steering power harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The contact stated that afterwards, oil stains were found on the ground in the driveway. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11702721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty shop and was diagnosed with torque converter failure, which caused transmission failure. The torque converter was replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, days after the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused the cylinder head to crack, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I got out of work and went to start my car. At first it did not want to start, and it acted like the alarm system had an issue. I locked my car, then unlocked it with the key fob, and when it started, it ran rough and was smoking out of the exhaust. I turned it off and quickly checked the fluids. I noticed the antifreeze was low, and since I always carry fluids in the car, I filled up the reservoir and then tried to restart my car. It did the same thing, not wanting to start until I locked and unlocked with the key fob. I drove home, but the check engine light was on the entire time. The following morning, I started my car and it was blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. I turned it off and contacted a local auto repair shop. It had to be towed to the shop so as to not cause damage. The auto shop said it was the head gaskets and since there was a known problem with the coolant leaking, I would have to get a whole new (used) engine. The total would be over $8000. I called another repair shop to see if they would be willing to replace the head gaskets, and after they agreed, I had it towed to their shop. After diagnostics, (no negligence on my part) this shop also refused to just replace the gasket citing an ongoing class action lawsuit due to a known head failure, and the repair with a new engine would be over $9000. I had purchased an extended warranty (power train) when I purchased this vehicle, and it included seals and gaskets...so I thought I was covered for this problem. The warranty company refused to cover it since it was a head problem. I still have 2 years of payments left on this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11687785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At 85,000 miles I was experiencing a grinding noise coming from my front end when making sharp turns to left or right. Took car to my mechanic immediately for diagnosis. They found the motor mounts and rear differential is binding and close to failure. My mechanic contacted FOMOCO to see about a replacement for the rear differential and was told that there were not any available due to a REDESIGN of the product. He was asked to check back in two weeks! Two weeks w/o my transportation! I replaced the motor mounts, (85Kmi?) After researching on line, several ford & lincoln sites the problems I am experiencing are not unique or infrequent on Lincolns and ford Edges. It would seem to me that these problems are frequent enough to have the manufacturer ininitiate a recall on these products! My mechanic also works on our Sherriff department vehicles and their Ford Edge units are experiencing same problems. I would hope these problems will initiate an investigation into this matter!
NHTSA complaint #11685464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine light came on. Took it to mechanic. Was told there is a well documented mechanical issue affecting my 2017 , MKC. My vehicle is experiencing a misfire and cylinder three accompanied by signs of colon intrusion into the engine, as well as transmission slippage. I have heard these are known and widespread issues in 2015 to 2019 Lincoln MKC models equipped with the 2.0L Eco boost engine. I am aware of several technical service bulletins, including TSB 19-2346 and TBS 22-2229, that detail this defect. Numerous Lincon customers have reported identical issues at similar mileage, often requiring full engine or transmission replacement. My trusted mechanic has verified that my vehicle exhibit symptoms consistent with this engine defect.
NHTSA complaint #11680398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was at the Drive-thru ordering speaker and the car would not shift out of park and could not manually be shifted into neutral so the car could be moved. Drive-thru ordering window was blocked for 16 hyrs. Had to have the car towed with dolly. Vehicle was inspected by independent mechanic and found that the bushing was damaged.
NHTSA complaint #11678022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11658724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission torque converter needs replacement i brought it to the dealer for inspection after feeling repeated hard shifts and feeling as though there is a severe vibration when accelerating. The dealer stated the torque converter needs to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11642505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine light came on and showed misfire in cylinder 4. Changed spark plug and engine coil. Still had engine light on and misfiring. Car drove in power safety mode. After much diagnosis and inspection, master mechanic found coolant leaking into the cylinder walls due to a faulty (poorly manufactured) head gasket. Coolant intrusion caused white exhaust smoke, damage to the engine block and risk of fire. Shop replaced head cylinder and gasket with current oem parts that appeared to be revised. Vehicle remains to drive in poor condition with 54k miles. Powertrain warranty did not cover this expense being the vehicle met the 6 year mark in March 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11623435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car was vibrating and shifting weird. I recently repaired the brakes thinking that was the source of the vibration however the vibration escalated and the car shakes violently when stopped and jerk forward after releasing the brakes. My mechanic said this was a known issue with my model and pointed me to Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07. I spoke with Ford who indicated my VIN was not eligible for this CSP.
NHTSA complaint #11621457 — 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.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that after driving at undisclosed speeds, pulling into a gas station, and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The instrument cluster warning lights were illuminated. The lights on the shifter cable failed to turn off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact there was no recall coverage for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 51,445.
NHTSA complaint #11574493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Out lf nowhwere with 68,000 miles on my vehicle the transmission basically failed about 12 miles from my house. A wrench came on and by the time I made it home I could barelt make it up the driveway. For this mileage this is ridiculous and I have read online about many other people reporting the same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11568713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.