Problems · NHTSA complaints
2017 Lincoln MKC problems
Owners filed 195 complaints about the 2017 Lincoln MKC with NHTSA between Jun 2017 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (110).
Complaints
195
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine110
- Engine and engine cooling23
- Back over prevention21
- Electrical system20
- Power train10
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Service brakes3
- Air bags3
- Wheels3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Lane departure2
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Seats2
- Steering2
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
5
5
1
5
8
36
36
51
43
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 43 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
110 reports3 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Electrical system
20 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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 discontinued this make and model, but I am seeing the same complaints with the Corsair. My car only has 53k miles, it is in excellent condition. But unfortunately, i cannot rely on this car. I don't know what to do.”
Power train
10 reports
“The engine in my 2017 Lincoln MKC (2.0L EcoBoost) has a documented manufacturing defect where the cylinder block design allows coolant to leak into the combustion chambers. This has caused persistent, unexplained coolant loss and rough engine performance on cold starts since February 2025, matching the diagnostic criteria in Ford TSB 19-2346. The defective engine assembly is available for inspection. This condition creates a significant safety hazard, including sudden power loss (Limp Mode) in traffic and a risk of engine fire from cracked cylinder heads. While Ford provided a service program (21N12) for 1.5L engines, they have failed to issue a safety recall for the 2.0L variant despite identical failure modes. This vehicle is part of the class in the consolidated litigation Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company (Case No. 2:20-cv-01796). I am filing this to assist NHTSA in determining the necessity of a mandatory safety recall.”
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“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 and during engine rest. This creates an immediate safety risk of vehicle hydro-locking during ignition, sudden mid-drive engine stalls at highway speeds due to severe misfires (Fault Code P0301), and unexpected engine overheating. The manufacturer has knowingly built these open-deck engine blocks with narrow coolant grooves prone to fracturing, creating an ongoing risk of sudden thermal failure and power loss in active traffic.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.