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.
Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2017 Lincoln MKCRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 195 owner complaints for the 2017 Lincoln MKC. Most complaints involve engine (110) and engine and engine cooling (23). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
21–23mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Oct 2025
Owner complaints
195
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Equipment: engine block heater
Remedy pending
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.
Back over prevention: camera
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
195 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2017 – Nov 2026
- Engine110
- Engine and engine cooling23
- Back over prevention21
- Electrical system20
- Power train10
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Service brakes3
- Air bags3
- Wheels3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
110 reports3 crashes1 fire
“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 failure while driving, which might cause the vehicle to stop in traffic. I have now observed green/milky contamination on the engine oil dipstick. The vehicle requires further diagnostic evaluation and engine replacement by a Ford dealership. Ford issued technical service information concerning coolant intrusion into the cylinders of 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles with 2.0L EcoBoost engines. I am reporting because I believe the engine failure may be related to this condition and may represent a safety defect. I am in the process of having the Ford dealership inspect the vehicle and likely replace the engine. I can request the engine be retained for possible inspection. Ford Lincoln has been…”
Engine and engine cooling
23 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000.”
Back over prevention
21 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blue blinking image. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was associated with an electrical wiring failure. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKC FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,600 | 387 |
| MKC AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| MKC AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 | 433 |
| MKC AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 | 413 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Lincoln MKC SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Lincoln MKC SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.4%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2017 MKC questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Lincoln MKC have?
3 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.
What are the most common 2017 Lincoln MKC problems?
Owners filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (110), engine and engine cooling (23), back over prevention (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Lincoln MKC get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Lincoln MKC at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2017 Lincoln MKC?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Lincoln MKC 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026