Lincoln · MKC · 2018
4
Recalls
63
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Lincoln MKC has 4 recalls and 63 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (31 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
16.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
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.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Remedy Status
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
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.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will add an in-line fuse to the battery monitor sensor power circuit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S28.
The check engine light came on and car started to over heat when taken into shop was told need to replace entire engine this is a known issue in these make / model cars with these engines and it is not being addressed
I was driving home from work on December 24th 2025 and my 2018 lincoln mkc 2.3l shut off on me while I was in motion. There were several cars that had to swerve and not hit me. The car would not start but I was able to put the vehicle in neutral and roll to the shoulder of the road. I was very scared and angry because this vehicle only has 54,646 miles currently, give or take 50 miles. I had to get the towed to my home. This needs to be resolved and Fird/Lincoln needs to faithfully fix this dangerous defect, i could have died. Please please do something because I do not want anyone else to deal with this.
The check engine light came on and it would run rough when started. It was determined the number four cylinder head was cracked, allowing antifreeze to leak into the engine block. I bought the car new in January 2019. The problem appeared with under 57,000 actual miles. The car has always been serviced on time at the dealership. The cost to fix the problem with a new engine is approximately $10,000. I bought the car new so that I would not have problems. It is my only form of transportation. In researching, I have found this is a reoccurring problem on the echo boost four-cylinder engine since 2017. It didn’t matter whether it was low mileage or high mileage the cracks would appear. There had been a recall on later models, but no recall for the 2018. I believe it should be under recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle revved and then the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's brother was following the contact and assisted with traffic. The Sheriff’s Department assisted with traffic control. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the flywheel had fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was later informed that the steering power harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The contact stated that afterwards, oil stains were found on the ground in the driveway. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Coolant intrusion in engine
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Car had engine light come on, was told from dealer need completely new engine despite only 70k miles. Is a known issue, please protect US consumers.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the failure was due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. In addition, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V685000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Check engine light came on. The engine has coolant intrusion and the engine would have to be replaced, quoted me $17,240.83 I called [XXX] Lincoln client relationship center and I was told there was nothing they can do to help me. After doing some research, this has been a known problem by Lincoln and they have not put out any recalls. They also have a class action lawsuit against them INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing regarding my 2018 Lincoln MKC, VIN # [XXX] which is experiencing clear symptoms of coolant intrusion into the cylinders. These include low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, engine misfires, and a rough-running condition. According to **Technical Service Bulletin 19‑2346** (NHTSA ID 10169807, dated December 20, 2019), this issue is a known defect affecting MKC models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and recommends replacement of the long‑block assembly to correct the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed displayed a distorted image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine maintenance; however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Coolant is leaking into the cylinders and could cause the engine to seize while driving. The issue was identified at a Ford dealership and is a known issue on this engine and has been admitted by Ford/Lincoln as a problem. The only warning was a check engine light which appeared after the problem existed and only fix is to replace the engine. Ford/Lincoln did not make any attempts to notify owners in advance of this issue so it could be checked. There are still many of these engines on the road which could seize at any time and cause tragic results.
I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with the well known coolant intrusion complete engine failure. I need a new long block at a cost of 9500 dollars. I had no warning light or check engine light to warn me about this issue prior to taking it to Ford dealer in Buellton to ask why coolant was emptying so fast. I had previously taken it to Lincoln dealer while under warranty and was told no issues. Even though they had a specific service bulletin stating the problems I was having. I feel my safety was at risk because I drive alone into sketchy areas for my job and my car could have just stopped and I would be an elderly woman alone with a broken down car waiting for a tow. It also could have possibly caught on fire I’m told. Lincoln Concierge was no help. Said it was VIN specific and not enough vehicles affected to warrant a recall. Mechanic at Ford says 3 to 4 vehicles a month are being repaired at his shop and they are a rural dealership. I think we are all being fleeced. We spent 40000 plus for a luxury reliable vehicle. We still have car payments. Can’t use as trade in. Can’t afford to buy another car. I can’t do my job. The stress alone may be dangerous for my health. Pending lawsuit won’t begin until June of 2026. This is so wrong
Dealer service technician states the a crack in the engine block is allowing coolant to enter the cylinder causing misfiring. This appears to require engine replacement with only 59000 miles on the vehicle. This is a common problem with the 2018 engine and could result in a fire.
Check engine light came on at approx 54,000 miles with code of cylinder 2 misfire diagnosed as spark plugs and ignition coils need replaced. All spark plugs and ignition coils replaced May 11. June 23 check engine light on again with cylinder 2 misfire. Was told spark plugs and ignition coils need replaced again. July 9 spark plugs and ignitiion coils replaced. July 10 check engine light came on cylinder 2 misfire. July 11 car was diagnosed as needing engine replacement due to coolant intrusion causing rust in engine
I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with approximately 58,000 miles, always taken care of and maintained, in excellent condition. Almost immediately after my extended warranty ran out the check engine light came on and it started to start and idle rough. Took it to a Lincoln dealer, they replaced coil assembly # 4 and the 4 spark plugs, told me if it continues there might be coolant intrusion to the engine and the engine would need to be replaced. Check engine light came on 2 days later again, back to the dealership where they told me there was coolant intrusion and the engine will need to replaced. $8020.00 estimate, Lincoln/Ford is aware of this defect in this engine, they should recall this engine and replace it.
2018 Lincoln MKC with 112,700 miles hesitating with accelerating. There have been no check engine lights activated. Took to Ford dealership for inspection and they found coolant level low and confirmed shuddering/jerking when accelerating. Found that cylinder 1 misfiring and upon further inspection found coolant intrusion in cylinder 1. Recommended long block replacement. I found that this year model with Ford Ecoboost 2L engine has had frequent issues with the coolant leaking into cylinders due to poor design of this engine. Contacted Ford and asked for help with the cost to replace the engine block and was denied any assistance.
Engine failure due to coolant leak. Causing vehicle to overheat without warning while traveling down highway Issue has been reported to service center No other inspection No warning indicated.
Loosing Coolant resulting in coolant leaking into the engine. White smoke coming from exhaust m. Repair garage states only fix is to replace with revised engine causing over $10,000 in repair costs.
The engine light has appeared approximately in April 2025. The inspection advised that the engine code indicated a misfire in cylinder 4. The engine rough idles when started. The coolant loss is extensive due to an engine issue and must be constantly filled.vwe were told by, iPaul's Repair shop, that upon calling Ford, that there was a Lincoln technical service bulletin re: the 2 liter eco boost engine. It was re coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Service bulletin # 19-2346. We have also replaced the spark plugs and coils. The engine light still came on with the same issue. It did not solve the problem of a DEFECTIVE ENGINE.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2018 Lincoln MKC has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 63 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Lincoln MKC.
The 2018 Lincoln MKC received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Lincoln MKC are engine (31 reports), engine and engine cooling (7 reports), wheels (4 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2018 Lincoln MKC. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.