2017 Lincoln MKC problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Lincoln MKC, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
176
Recalls
3
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Median mileage
73,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 123 of 176 complaints (70%).
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (25) and electrical system (17) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 73,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury.
  • The 2017 Lincoln MKC has 3 recalls on file.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 5 Lincoln MKC model years we track.
  • That is 159% more complaints than the 2016 model year (68).

2017 Lincoln MKC problems by category

  • Engine · 1 crash
    123 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    25 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    17 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    16 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    9 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    3 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine105
Engine and engine cooling22
Electrical system16
Back over prevention16
Unknown or other16
Power train9
Air bags3
Fuel/propulsion system3

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k1330k–60k2360k–100k10100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Lincoln MKC complaints that list mileage.

2017 Lincoln MKC recalls (3)

  • Recall 25V685000Oct 10, 202559,006 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

  • Recall 25V572000Sep 3, 20251,456,417 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

  • Recall 23V378000May 26, 2023142,734 vehiclesPark outside
    ENGINE

    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.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2017 Lincoln MKC SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2017 Lincoln MKC SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2017 Lincoln MKC complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 26, 2026WVEngine
    My 2017 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost has recently experienced a serious engine failure and requires engine replacement. It developed an engine problem while driving on at least two occasions and is no longer reliable or safe to operate. No prior warning messages were observed on the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to pull over on the side of the road and I observed smoke coming from the engine. I was then concerned about the safety of an unexpected engine…
    NHTSA complaint #11767096 · source
  2. Filed Sep 17, 2026101,989 miOHEngine
    The contact's wife owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the #3 cylinder and spark plug had seized and there was water intrusion into the engine. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: DP26008. The contact stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11764929 · source
  3. Filed Sep 4, 2026ILElectrical System
    I own a Lincoln Mkc 2017 - purchased on 2/19/19 with 12miles I have replaced 4 batteries over the years so far. I drive every day. I am never sure if the car will start. Multiple times i have a dead battery. Lincoln has a problem with this module and the electrical system. parasitic drainage issues on the battery. I don't feel safe, because there is an "unknown" draining the battery, therefore I am scared to drive the car and don't want to keep getting stranded. They have…
    NHTSA complaint #11762103 · source
  4. Filed Aug 15, 2026FLEngine
    Check engine light on. Codes P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302. Technician confirmed via scope coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and 2. Technician stated it is known issue with this engine and recommends a new engine for $16,169.92. This has been an ongoing issue for the past two years.
    NHTSA complaint #11757136 · source
  5. Filed Aug 14, 2026MNEngine
    My husband and I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ that was purchase new in 2018. It is equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 69,000 miles. It has been meticulously cared for! Before the diagnosis, I noticed that when starting the vehicle and backing up, the engine would jerk slightly until I stepped on the accelerator to proceed. The check engine light then came on, which prompted me to take the vehicle to the Lincoln dealer for diagnosis. The servicing…
    NHTSA complaint #11756940 · source
  6. Filed Aug 9, 2026TXEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11755783 · source
  7. Filed Jul 25, 2026KSEngine
    Check Engine Light present. Took car to Ford dealership. Formal diagnosis from Ford dealership: Coolant intrusion present causing misfires, specifically in cylinder 4. P0304 and P0316 codes present. This is a known manufacturing issue; however, Lincoln customer service refuses to acknowledge the problem even exists. Upon talking to the Ford dealership service members, they stated that this is a common issue. One of the service members stated he has already dealt with…
    NHTSA complaint #11752832 · source
  8. Filed Jul 12, 2026MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11749860 · source

Compare the 2017 Lincoln MKC with another vehicle →

Other 2017 Lincoln models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology