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.
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 82 owner complaints for the 2016 Lincoln MKC. Most complaints involve engine (42) and electrical system (12). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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…”
“Two years waiting for recall repair (rear-backup camera). Lincoln Mfg notified that a pending recall/repair for driver's rear-camera was required. As of 08/14/2026 the repair has not been performed by Lincoln Mfg or it's agents. Rear-camera fails to work consistanly and is a danger to pedestrians. Local dealerships (Sedano Lincoln, Arron Ford , and Pacific beach Ford) have failed to repair the known camera issue upon inspection. My only recourse is contract an independent technician to make the vehicle safe to operate.”
“I purchased this vehicle 3 weeks ago from CarMax Brooklyn Park, MN. Within 50 miles of driving, the vehicle threw a Ford Diagnostic Trouble Code P1450 indicating a Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum( excessive vacuum in the fuel tank). This defect causes an improper fuel tank vacuum, presenting an immediate engine stalling hazard at highway speeds. Concurrently, the vehicle has a very noticeable floorboard/chassis vibration at 60+ mph when releasing the foot of accelerator, making highway operation highly unstable. CarMax's warranty service department at Brooklyn Park has actively denied authorization to let me use a certified RepairPal partner facility located 10 minutes from my house. Instead, they are explicitly demanding that I drive this defective, stall-risk vehicle on the highway for over 45 minutes to their Brooklyn Park dealership to receive warranty service. Forcing a consumer to drive a vehicle with a known highway powertrain vibration and a critical EVAP vacuum fault creates an immediate, severe highway safety hazard.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKC FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,600 | 387 |
| MKC AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,750 | 413 |
| MKC AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 | 422 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (42), electrical system (12), power train (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Lincoln MKC at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Lincoln MKC 4 out of 5 stars overall.