2018 Lincoln MKC engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

56 owners have reported engine problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKC, 79% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 58,500 mi.

Engine complaints
56
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
58,500 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine47
Engine and engine cooling10

Engine complaints across Lincoln MKC years

3020154420161232017562018972019
Engine complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k730k–60k760k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 7, 2026FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Rough idle at start up persisted as I got onto the road and caused near complete loss of drivability as "check engine" light appeared for the first time. Had towed to mechanic who replaced coils and plugs. One month later, check engine light appeared again. Brought back to mechanic who looked it over and said it was fine. Two weeks later, third apperance of check engine light. This time, I took to Lincoln dealership who ran appropriate diagnostics and confirmed one week…
    NHTSA complaint #11769542 · source
  2. Filed Sep 18, 2026CAEngine
    Engine has a known defect causing coolant to leak into cylinders. Car is not safe to drive as car can overheat, blow gasket, loose power, catch fire while operating.
    NHTSA complaint #11765368 · source
  3. Filed Sep 16, 202673,617 miILEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the engine misfired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had resulted in the engine failure, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 73,617.
    NHTSA complaint #11764723 · source
  4. Filed Sep 11, 2026NCEngine
    I own a 2018 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 72,326 miles. The check-engine light initially illuminated and an OBD scan produced code P0303, indicating a misfire in Cylinder 3. No other diagnostic codes were reported. Following mechanical evaluation, all four spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Approximately 145 miles later, the check-engine light returned with the same P0303 code. The code was cleared to…
    NHTSA complaint #11763701 · source
  5. Filed Sep 1, 2026NMEngine
    My engine failed. At the time I did not know this. I was driving to work, and although I knew I was not out of gas according to the gas gauge, I thought maybe something was wrong with the gauge when my Lincoln began to putter like when you are running out of gas. I was approaching a stop light in the left turn lane when the car died. Which could have caused a multi car pileup considering the intersection in my town I was at. I got the car to start again but it smelt terrible…
    NHTSA complaint #11761460 · source
  6. Filed Aug 3, 2026SCEngine
    I am experiencing a coolant-intrusion problem with my 2018 Lincoln MKC, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has only 63,900 miles. •The check-engine light repeatedly came on and went off over a two-week period. •A Lincoln dealer performed a diagnostic evaluation and identified the same problem reported in other Ford and Lincoln vehicles with this engine. •An independent automotive service provider confirmed the diagnosis and advised me that Ford had issued a…
    NHTSA complaint #11754417 · source
  7. Filed Jul 31, 202637,500 miCAEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 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 and determined that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing a misfire. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact not to drive the vehicle out of town and stated that the vehicle might stall while driving. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11754060 · source
  8. Filed Jul 3, 2026MDEngine
    I am thoroughly disappointed and overwhelmed. My vehicle has 122,000 miles on it. Yes that may be considered many for some but this vehicle has been taken care of extensively and all routine scheduled maintenance has been performed. I purchased from Preston Ford in Pittsville, MD and the vehicle had 48000 miles as a used vehicle. I have had many minor issues,(fuel flap), A/C issues and 2 recalls for back up camera and the vehicle had a recall stating the car may catch on…
    NHTSA complaint #11748159 · source
  9. Filed Jul 3, 2026NYEngine
    Misfiring and then smoke in tail pipe. Just hit 70,000 miles and the engine needs replacing. A defect that's been known since I bought the car.
    NHTSA complaint #11748109 · source
  10. Filed May 28, 2026MOEngine
    Check engine light came on. Next day had a diagnostic run on it and found the coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. A new TSB 19-2208 was recommended. Talked with dealership and they advised to contact Ford Customer Care, who had Roadside Assistance come and pick up the 2018 Lincoln MKC and take to dealership. Dealership called to advise that the cost to me would be $9400!!!. Called Ford Customer Care again and was told that there is no recall or program to assist with repair,…
    NHTSA complaint #11740666 · source
  11. Filed Mar 10, 2026FLEngine
    The check engine light came on and car started to over heat when taken into shop was told need to replace entire engine this is a known issue in these make / model cars with these engines and it is not being addressed
    NHTSA complaint #11723290 · source
  12. Filed Jan 30, 2026MIEngine
    Ford is well aware of the scam and refuses to fix the faulty engine for millions of these vehicles. 2018 MKC is trash. Already rebuilt the engine, turbo is garbage and the coolant will continue to leak with new engine because it’s a flawed design. They are fully aware but greed is more important than safety or a satisfied customer. I pray the are held accountable eventually.
    NHTSA complaint #11714419 · source

Other 2018 Lincoln MKC problem areas

  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Other / Unknown (5)
  • Wheels & Tires (4)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4)
  • Electrical System (2)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)
  • Brakes (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Steering (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)

Back to all 2018 Lincoln MKC problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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