Home · 2016 Lincoln Mkc · Complaints

What 77 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Lincoln Mkc

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (77)Crash / fire / injury (8)Engine (41)Transmission & drivetrain (11)Electrical system (10)Engine & cooling (7)Backup camera & sensors (4)Steering (4)Fuel system (3)Lights (3)Body & structure (2)Brakes (2)

41 of 77 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Jul 8, 2026Engine

2.0 Ecoboost coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 issue with block defect. Ford Motor Company wont cover issue.

NHTSA ODI 11749189

May 15, 2026Engine

My 2016 Lincoln MKC with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine experienced coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, leading to engine misfire and check engine light to turn on. The dealership confirmed the issue for $176.55 and recommended a full long block engine replacement, estimated at over $11,000. This failure occurred at 98,000 miles. Two weeks before this, the check engine light illuminated and we took it to a repair shop where we paid $628 to repair the purge valve and fuel pressure sensor, while it was most likely this coolant intrusion both times! Ford and Lincoln (including concierge) have refused any assistance in this matter. The local dealership has also said that they cannot help us with any of the cost. I've found this to be a very well documented problem/engine design failure, Including HTSA ID Number: 10162062 Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 19-2172 entitled Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING The TSB acknowledges a design-related coolant leak into the engine cylinders that can cause white smoke, misfire, rough running, and warning lights. Ford’s recommended repair is to replace the long block assembly. In addition, this appears to be the exact issue described in Ford TSB 19-2346, which covers 2017–2019 model year vehicles with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, including the Lincoln MKC and MKZ. I believe this is a widespread design defect and request NHTSA’s investigation to ensure proper manufacturer accountability. I am so thankful that this car does not belong to one of my daughters as it poses a severe safety hazard on the road and it is going to be a huge financial setback that we may not recover from.

NHTSA ODI 11738186

May 6, 2026Engine

I have Coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 91000 miles this should be a recall it's a problem that's well documented There's a recall for the back up camera hope the camera can see through the white smoke!

NHTSA ODI 11736199

Apr 28, 2026Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the supercharger-A and the under boost needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11734365

Feb 12, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

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 ODI 11717638

Jan 22, 2026Engine

I have a coolant leak and the dealership states that it's located in the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11712783

Oct 16, 2025Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking, and the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that her brother had replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced with OEM parts, and the turbocharger, purge valve, vacuum line, long block, and fuel pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that her nephew replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils with OEM parts, and AAMCO replaced the fuel pressure sensor; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

NHTSA ODI 11693918

Sep 6, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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 ODI 11685464

Aug 26, 2025EngineFuel system

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 ODI 11683109

Aug 5, 2025Engine

Engin light came on, was diagenosed as coolent leaking in spark plug , or Bad head gasket.

NHTSA ODI 11678445

May 1, 2025Engine

I purchased a 2016 Lincoln MKC 2.0 with 96k miles on it 2 months ago, and we just discovered a coolant leak into the first cylinder, causing a cracked head gasket. The engine needs to be replaced, and will cost $15k. Many other drivers have experienced this problem and reported it, and Ford has done nothing to correct the main issue. This problem is causing overheating of the engine, and could potentially cause injury if not fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11658213

Apr 1, 2025Engine

We purchased the vehicle about a year and a half ago and about three months after we purchased it. The check engine light went on. We’ve had the vehicle into the dealership several times we’ve had the problem fixed supposedly twice we put in over $1000 in fixing it and now the check engine light came on again And the car stopped running saying it’s overheating. Took it to the dealership and now they say the car needs a whole new engine because they antifreeze is leaking leaked into the engine so they’re quoting us a $12,000 repair. This is a common problem in later models but obviously in the 2016 it’s also a problem.

NHTSA ODI 11652126

Feb 21, 2025EngineFuel system

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 ODI 11644184

Jun 12, 2024EngineFire1 injury

The contact owned a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the employee observed flames emanating from the engine compartment. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The employee was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for injuries to his right shoulder, right elbow, and right hip that he sustained while fleeing the vehicle. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine), and the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11593936

Jun 3, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11592125

Mar 6, 2024Electrical systemSpeed controlEngine

My 2016 Lincoln MKC has a recall. Recall was mailed to me and I called closest Lincoln dealership to begin process. Dealership stated part was on back order and I would get a call when it comes in. I called a few weeks later and still no luck. I attempted calling several times with no luck. Fast forward 2-3 months after calling, I’m driving with my son and out of nowhere the car begins to stall while driving and fumes start coming out from air vents. It was an awful and strong smell. As I pulled over the check engine and battery light came on. I had vehicle towed to dealership which they return with a catalytic converter code. I paid to get replaced and get a call that car is good to go, but recall part is still not available. Picked up my vehicle and didn’t make it more than .5 miles I realized my car is stalling and will not go past 40mph. Take it back, employees look dumbfounded and ask me to leave car and they will get back to me. I get a call a week later stating I need a pigtail connector and all will be fixed. They change it out, I go pick up my car and still same condition. Leave dealership and wait on another call stating it is a whole electrical wire harness which needs to be changed. I am Told last week that it would be $1900 to repair! I still do not have my car back and feel as if it is a guessing game at my expense!

NHTSA ODI 11575787

Dec 29, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11562542

Nov 17, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke entering the cabin through the vents. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown brake part had melted, and the electrical system was damaged. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11555583

Nov 8, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11554210

Oct 25, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that he turned on the A/C to cool down the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where the spark plugs, the two variable valve timing solenoids, and the turbo oil lines were replaced, and other unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the A/C started blowing hot air. The contact drove back to his residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11551828

Oct 24, 2023Electrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, a message displayed on the instrument panel “Battery disconnected” and the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11551546

Oct 17, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and a secondary dealer, Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field (7767 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209) were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11550394

Sep 8, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11543363

Sep 5, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11542635

Aug 10, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11537596

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Working with the data? Download all 77 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 27, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Lincoln Mkc verdict →