2017 Lincoln MKC Powertrain & Transmission Problems

After a repair/service visit at a national auto repair chain, my 2017 Lincoln MKC developed ongoing severe drivability and safety issues. The check engine light began flashing (active misfire), and the vehicle was unsafe for highway travel due to risk of loss of power/engine damage. Independent shop documentation reports cylinder #4 misfire (P0304) and additional engine timing-related code(s), low oil condition, and notes indicating internal engine damage and that the engine may require replacement. The vehicle also had a vacuum/brake booster line issue that affected brake assist until corrected. The problem has been confirmed by independent service centers and the vehicle is available for inspection. There was a near crash, but no fire, injury, or police report occurred.

Engine light came on. Took it to mechanic. Was told there is a well documented mechanical issue affecting my 2017 , MKC. My vehicle is experiencing a misfire and cylinder three accompanied by signs of colon intrusion into the engine, as well as transmission slippage. I have heard these are known and widespread issues in 2015 to 2019 Lincoln MKC models equipped with the 2.0L Eco boost engine. I am aware of several technical service bulletins, including TSB 19-2346 and TBS 22-2229, that detail this defect. Numerous Lincon customers have reported identical issues at similar mileage, often requiring full engine or transmission replacement. My trusted mechanic has verified that my vehicle exhibit symptoms consistent with this engine defect.

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.

My car was vibrating and shifting weird. I recently repaired the brakes thinking that was the source of the vibration however the vibration escalated and the car shakes violently when stopped and jerk forward after releasing the brakes. My mechanic said this was a known issue with my model and pointed me to Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07. I spoke with Ford who indicated my VIN was not eligible for this CSP.

Transmission torque converter needs replacement i brought it to the dealer for inspection after feeling repeated hard shifts and feeling as though there is a severe vibration when accelerating. The dealer stated the torque converter needs to be replaced.

There is a design flaw in the way coolant flows around the engine block which allows coolant to leak into cylinder 3 the result of which is the mix of coolant and motor oil damages the engine with no probability of repair. The only recourse is engine replacement. A Ford service bulletin as to this issue has been issued by Ford to its Service Departments. A design change in the motor block has supposedly corrected the problem. It affects all Ecoboost 2.0 4 cylinder engines used by Ford, but may apply to other Ford 4 cylinder engines as well. The engine in my 2017 Lincoln MKC has the problem at 77K miles. At present the car is not safe to drive as the engine could seize at any time. There are several YouTube videos on the subject showing the damage to the engine due to this problem. A copy of the service report from the local Ford dealer, Chestatee Ford, Dahlonega, GA can be provided.

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle from second to third gear, there was an abnormal banging sound heard. The transmission was slipping gear while driving at various speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the transmission was slipping when shifting from second to third gear. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,100.

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2017 MKC DEVELOPED A SLIPPING ISSUE AT AROUND 81000 MILES. THIS OCCURRED FIRST IN THE RANGE OF 25-35 MPH. NOW IT SEEMS TO HAVE BROADENED. HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY SANDERSON LINCOLN IN PHOENIX, AZ. THEIR INITIAL DETERMINATION WAS A NEW TRANSMISSION OR A REBUILD. COST IS EXCESSIVE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOT WILLING TO REALLY HELP.