Problems · by component

2015 Lincoln MKC engine problems

33 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Lincoln MKC cite engine, 25% of all 131 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
33
25% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11716753
“A few months ago, the engine light came on. Multiple diagnostics confirmed a vapor leak. We were told if we didn’t fix it, it would affect nothing. Now, if we put gas in, the car struggles to start or won’t start. This happens all the time since April 2025. We looked at recalls and there were 2 with the fuel system that were apparently done. We feel that they may have been improperly repaired? The dealer service said this problem happens all the time with Lincolns. We’re afraid to put gas in the tank. We don’t know what will happen next? Car stopping at lights? Too much vapor coming out now? Repair is all over the place price wise wherever we check…but we don’t want to be stuck at a gas station or have someone light a cigarette near the car with gas vapor leaking out!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 21, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11700866
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11687785
“Coolant is being blown out of the cars tailpipe.Opon cranking .There's a lot of white smoke.Lately every three days I have to add antifreeze to the coolant reservoir. Car was inside of my yard and parked.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2025EngineODI 11646366
“At 120000 miles the #3 cylinder on my 2.3 AWD 2015 Lincoln MKC blew the rings, causing the dealer to require an engine replacement for $11,000. I have spoken to several others with same engine defect. A class action lawsuit is in the works. Engine fires and unsafe driving conditions is what I was told to expect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2024EngineODI 11606946
“On multiple occasions when filling the car with gas the entire vehicle begins to shake and shuts off. There is no light or warning that comes on prior to this happening. During the malfunction a light on the left side of the control panel says to push the break for full power. However despite pressing on break it takes several attempts ( 5-10 ) to restart the vehicle. It stutter starts several times before starting and being forced into Drive. This only happens when re fueling. I have added gas treatments as suggested with no relief. Last night the car powered down completely when I arrived home. The lights would not come on nor would the key unlock the doors and the power locks would not work to unlock the doors. Although this did not happen on the road while driving, I am afraid for the possibility that it can. I will take the vehicle to be inspected as I see a similar complaint here but no specific recall for this issue .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11580285

Showing 6 of 33 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

EngineReported May 26, 2023NHTSA 23V378000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.