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Vehicle safety record

2017 Lincoln MKC Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 195 complaints about the 2017 Lincoln MKC with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (129) and the driver assistance (26). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2025 for the engine block heater. For comparison, the 2016 has 82 and the 2018 has 79.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical MKC year, for its age

#59 most complained-about 2017 vehicle

Complaints
195
Recalls
3
Crashes
7
Fires
2
Injuries
3
Deaths
0

Most common 2017 Lincoln MKC problems

Share of all 195 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2017 Lincoln MKC recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment: engine block heater

25V68500059,006 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. 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 December 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.

Back over prevention: camera

25V5720001,456,417 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 June 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.

Engine

23V378000142,734 vehicles affected

Park outside
The problem
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
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.

What owners say

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195 complaints about the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 8.

Other & unknown

Rear Back Up Camera is very dangerous. Does not work now. Was recalled, taken to dealer to repair, had all the problems specified on the recall, but was told it was our problem because it did not meet the recall standard. It does not work at all. We were told we had to pay to get it looked at again to verify that it was accurately stated it did not qualify for getting fixed. Recall 25S89.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11776670
Driver assistance

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.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11774539
Other & unknown1 injury

While loading my vehicle during a trip, when I turned around to pick up a bag and turned back to put it in the back of the vehicle, the entire liftgate had lowered halfway and I hit my head forcefully on it from a crouched position. I have a pretty serious concussion from this. I was not aware that this malfunction existed in this vehicle. It is very dangerous and almost knocked me out! This happened on a Saturday and I cannot afford to go to the ER, so I will go to my Dr. on Monday (tomorrow) morning. (unless my roommate sees my condition worsening) I am resting but my head hurts and I am very nauseated and tired. Blurry vision.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11773503
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11769840
Engine & cooling

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...

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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 contacted regarding this problem. They denied any post-warranty financial assistance. I am concerned the failure may be related to the coolant-intrusion condition described in Ford's technical service information.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11767096
Engine & cooling

The contact's wife owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the #3 cylinder and spark plug had seized and there was water intrusion into the engine. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: DP26008. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced by an independent mechanic with parts from the local authorized dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 101,989.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11764929
Electrical system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11762103
Engine & cooling

Check engine light on. Codes P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302. Technician confirmed via scope coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and 2. Technician stated it is known issue with this engine and recommends a new engine for $16,169.92. This has been an ongoing issue for the past two years.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11757136
Engine & cooling

My husband and I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ that was purchase new in 2018. It is equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 69,000 miles. It has been meticulously cared for! Before the diagnosis, I noticed that when starting the vehicle and backing up, the engine would jerk slightly until I stepped on the accelerator to proceed. The check engine light then came on, which prompted me to take the vehicle to the Lincoln dealer for diagnosis. The servicing Ford/Lincoln dealer, Sugar Loaf Ford in...

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[[redacted]], examined the vehicle and found coolant in a cylinder. We have been advised that the engine requires replacement. I am concerned because this appears consistent with reported coolant-intrusion problems involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine used in certain Ford/Lincoln vehicles. A vehicle with only approximately 69,000 miles should not require complete engine replacement because coolant is entering a cylinder. We contacted Lincoln Customer Service and opened case #[redacted] requesting assistance. Lincoln declined our request and closed the case. Sugar Loaf Ford also contacted Lincoln on our behalf, but Lincoln again declined assistance. I am filing this complaint because I am concerned that this may be a recurring engine defect rather than normal wear. I request that NHTSA document this failure and consider it together with similar complaints involving 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles, particularly failures involving coolant intrusion into the cylinders and resulting engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11756940
Engine & cooling

Coolant intrusion into number 2 cylinder requiring full engine replacement of my 2017 my 2.0l eco boost engine

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11756792
Engine & cooling

Head gasket failure where engine coolant leaked internally into the engine cylinders.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11756340
Engine & cooling

For the last 17,000 miles, the engine light has been on. We got it checked out and there is coolant and cylinder three we change the cylinder thought it was a misfire, but the problem keeps occurring and we found out information that those engines are bad.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11755783
Engine & cooling

Check Engine Light present. Took car to Ford dealership. Formal diagnosis from Ford dealership: Coolant intrusion present causing misfires, specifically in cylinder 4. P0304 and P0316 codes present. This is a known manufacturing issue; however, Lincoln customer service refuses to acknowledge the problem even exists. Upon talking to the Ford dealership service members, they stated that this is a common issue. One of the service members stated he has already dealt with multiple vehicles with this exact problem this...

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week alone. Having an engine (misfire, steam, etc) go out due to a manufacturing/design flaw, especially while driving on the highway, is a major safety issue. Service team instructed me to no longer drive vehicle which would cause catastrophic damage.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11752832
Engine & coolingFuel system

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2017 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine (VIN: [[redacted]]). 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...

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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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11749860
Driver assistance

Contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rear cross traffic warning system of the vehicle was inoperable. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11748562
Engine & cooling

Check engine Light P0302 Engine Misfire Cylinder 2. I noticed Low Coolant in the overflow tank. Went to dealer They did a pressure test found coolant Intrusion inside Cylinder 2 open TSB 22-2229 Car or SUV if coolant gets into cylinder can cause engine failure

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11747809
Engine & cooling

About 3 weeks ago, I was driving, and a red flashing light came on, signalling that my coolant was low. I bought radiator fluid and put it in up to the fill line. I visited my daughter, which is 11/2 hr. away. I checked the radiator reserve when I arrived at her house. The reserve was empty again. I brought it to a local mechanic shop. They diagnosed that I have coolant intrusion in the engine. They said I would need to pay for a new engine around $8800-$9200. I had purchased a lifetime extended warranty when I...

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purchased the car. The Ford dealership diagnosed my car with the same problem as the local mechanic. They said the repair was not covered by the Powertrain warranty do to it being a manufacturing failure. I brought the car home and it has been parked since.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11743742
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle idled roughly, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and the low coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was...

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determined that the engine replacement was not required, but the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11741342
Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received a second notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) stating that the part was currently available for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the rearview camera needed to be replaced; however, the part was not yet available and had been ordered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the part shipment was expedited; however, the dealer had not yet received the part. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11740099
Other & unknown

Dear NHTSA Safety Defects Investigation Team, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Lincoln MKC involving a child entrapment incident. On 05/17/2026, my vehicle locked itself while the engine was running, the key fob was inside the vehicle, and my [[redacted]] child was still inside the car. I was unable to gain entry to the vehicle and had to call 911/emergency responders for assistance. It took around 30 minutes from the time the vehicle got locked and for me door to be opened by the towing company...

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sent by the 911 operator. Thankfully, the AC was turned on and my child was unharmed. The vehicle should not have allowed itself to lock under these conditions with the key present inside the cabin. This created a serious safety hazard involving a trapped child. Compounding the issue, the LincolnWay remote access system no longer functions because the vehicle's original 3G modem became obsolete after U.S. 3G cellular shutdowns. As a result, I no longer had access to remote unlock functionality that had previously been available with this vehicle. Vehicle Information: • Year/Make/Model: 2017 Lincoln MKC • VIN: [[redacted]] • Approximate Mileage: [INSERT MILEAGE] • Incident Date/Time: 05/17/2026 at 4.15pm • Location: [[redacted]] Additional Details: • Vehicle was running at the time • Key fob was left inside the vehicle • Doors became locked unexpectedly • Child was trapped inside • 911/emergency assistance was required • LincolnWay remote services were unavailable due to obsolete 3G modem support ending I believe this issue represents a significant vehicle safety concern and request that NHTSA investigate whether similar incidents have occurred in other Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with these systems. The 911 call was placed around 4.15pm and I have the receipt from the Towing Service company Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11738438
Engine & cooling

Lincoln MKC 2017 Engine failure due to Coolant leak. Bought new Lincoln MKC 2017. The current mileage is 52, 500. Upon Starting, engine would shake for about 10 seconds. The Engine light would come ON. Engine light would turn OFF and ON for few weeks. The Dealership diagnostic indicated code P0301. I was advised Full Engine replacement. Currently the Engine is not starting at all. I have heard it's a design issue with the Engine. I have contacted multiple Lincoln dealerships, and each one has its own engine replacement costs. Lincoln Concierge declined my request to help in anyway although it seems to be a design issue with the Engine.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11738067
Engine & cooling

I took my vehicle to the local Ford dealership for service due to a check engine light being on. They pulled the spark plug and found the cylinder full of coolant and found TSB-22-2229. I called Lincoln and was told they wouldn't assist me because I fell outside their time and mileage limits. This issue should have been a recall due to their defective engine design. Engine replacement is very costly and the company should take responsibility for this flaw.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11737706
Engine & cooling

My vehicle started stuttering & shaking when starting. Then the check engine light came on. It was diagnosed with cylinder 2 & 3 misfire. All spark plugs & coil packs replaced. It got better for about 3 months then the problem came right back. Have replaced coil packs multiple times. Took to dealer who said cylinder misfires were caused from coolant leaking & the only fix was to have engine replaced & quoted $11000. This started at about 95000 miles. Vehicle has had perfect maintenance, all oil changes done on Schedule. Dealer said motor can lock up at any moment & this was a manufacturer error.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11737395
Engine & cooling

Issue Description: The vehicle developed a check engine light and was diagnosed with a P0302 cylinder #2 misfire. The condition persisted after basic troubleshooting, and the vehicle was taken out of service to prevent further damage. The vehicle was subsequently brought to an authorized Lincoln dealership for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle requires a full engine replacement due to internal engine failure. The estimated cost of repair is approximately $9,500-$10,000. This...

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failure occurred at approximately 64,000 miles, which is significantly earlier than expected for a major engine failure. Safety Concern: The engine misfire and internal failure can lead to loss of power while driving, creating a potential safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds or during acceleration. Additional Information: Manufacturer technical service bulletins describe coolant intrusion issues in 2.0L EcoBoost engines that can lead to misfires and engine damage. The symptoms experienced in this vehicle are consistent with those described conditions. The manufacturer was contacted for assistance but declined to provide support. Summary: Premature engine failure at low mileage requiring full engine replacement, with symptoms consistent with documented issues affecting this engine type. This condition presents a potential safety concern due to possible loss of power while driving.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11732914
Driver assistance

My rear view camera is displaying that the rear-view camera is unavailable and the screen keeps blinking off and on.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Lane departureNHTSA 11731796

Lincoln MKC: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2019123312Engine & coolingC
201879430Engine & coolingB
2017195372Engine & coolingC
201682517Engine & coolingB
20151311271Engine & coolingC
All MKC years

2017 Lincoln MKC vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Does the 2017 Lincoln MKC have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Lincoln MKC: engine block heater (October 2025); camera (September 2025); engine (May 2023). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Lincoln MKC?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (129), driver assistance (26), electrical system (20).

How many complaints has the 2017 Lincoln MKC had?

195 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 8, 2017 and the latest on November 9, 2026. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2017 Lincoln MKC a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 40 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Lincoln MKC year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Lincoln MKC years have the most complaints?

2017 (195), 2015 (131), 2019 (123). See every Lincoln MKC year compared.

What should I do if my 2017 Lincoln MKC has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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