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Vehicle safety record

2018 Lincoln MKC Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 79 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKC with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (59) and the driver assistance (6). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 4 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in October 2025 for the engine block heater. For comparison, the 2017 has 195 and the 2019 has 123.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical MKC year, for its age

#86 most complained-about 2018 vehicle

Complaints
79
Recalls
4
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Deaths
0

Most common 2018 Lincoln MKC problems

Share of all 79 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2018 Lincoln MKC recalls 4

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.

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

18V10400088 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

What owners say

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79 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning illuminated while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion in the cylinders, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11776215
Engine & cooling

10/26/26, took vehicle in for service due to a rough start. Was notified by phone the vehicle was diagnosed with the engine coolant intrusion and was found to have low coolant. The vehicle had just been inspected the week prior and all levels were acceptable. Engine needed to be replaced. Just under 68000mi. This known engine issue/documented defect needs addressed and at minimum, customer notified BEFORE it happens to them.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11775007
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact called on behalf of his wife who stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was an eco boost coolant intrusion and that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a blown head gasket that needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774537
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Rough idle at start up persisted as I got onto the road and caused near complete loss of drivability as "check engine" light appeared for the first time. Had towed to mechanic who replaced coils and plugs. One month later, check engine light appeared again. Brought back to mechanic who looked it over and said it was fine. Two weeks later, third apperance of check engine light. This time, I took to Lincoln dealership who ran appropriate diagnostics and confirmed one week later this is the coolant intrusion defect that will require a long-block engine replacement for $12,500. Car has 55,000 miles.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11769542
Brakes

The ABS brake module caused the brakes to lock up causing major damage to the right front brake assembly. Car was towed to the Ford/Lincoln dealer. Dealer said additional brakes also were locked up. The car had to be put on dollies so it could moved to a service bay. No warning lights came on. If this had happened at a higher speed it would have caused loss of control. The ABS module has since been replaced and reprogrammed.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11769344
Engine & cooling

Engine has a known defect causing coolant to leak into cylinders. Car is not safe to drive as car can overheat, blow gasket, loose power, catch fire while operating.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765368
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the engine misfired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had resulted in the engine failure, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 73,617.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11764723
Engine & cooling

I own a 2018 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 72,326 miles. The check-engine light initially illuminated and an OBD scan produced code P0303, indicating a misfire in Cylinder 3. No other diagnostic codes were reported. Following mechanical evaluation, all four spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Approximately 145 miles later, the check-engine light returned with the same P0303 code. The code was cleared to confirm recurrence, and approximately...

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111 miles later the check-engine light illuminated again. I subsequently took the vehicle to a Ford/Lincoln dealership for further diagnosis. The dealership determined that coolant is leaking into Cylinder 3 and advised that the required repair is replacement of the engine/long-block assembly, at an estimated cost of approximately 8,900. I have since learned that Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346 addressing certain 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine that may exhibit coolant intrusion into the cylinders, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and misfire diagnostic codes including P0303. The prescribed repair under the bulletin may require replacement of the long-block engine assembly. A search of NHTSA's recall database using my VIN does not presently identify my vehicle as subject to a safety recall for this coolant-intrusion condition. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA has a record of another 2018 Lincoln MKC 2.0L EcoBoost experiencing a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure consistent with Ford's published technical guidance. I am particularly concerned about whether this failure mode has safety implications and whether the population of potentially affected vehicles has been adequately identified. The vehicle had not exhibited significant drivability problems, rough cold starts, or other obvious warning symptoms before the recurring P0303 check-engine indication.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11763701
Engine & cooling

My engine failed. At the time I did not know this. I was driving to work, and although I knew I was not out of gas according to the gas gauge, I thought maybe something was wrong with the gauge when my Lincoln began to putter like when you are running out of gas. I was approaching a stop light in the left turn lane when the car died. Which could have caused a multi car pileup considering the intersection in my town I was at. I got the car to start again but it smelt terrible and started smoking from the exhaust. A...

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white smoke. I was not far from work at all so I made it there and had a mobile mechanic come to look at it. Upon inspecting it, he found oil build up in my spark plugs. When he tested the compression there was no compression at all in cylinder 4. There were no prior indicators such as check engine lights or any other lights. I had just financed this vehicle not even 6 months prior so not only did being stuck at a busy intersection full of anxiety and praying no one hit me, it has caused tremendous financial hardship as I have still been faithfully making my loan payments and paying full coverage on the vehicle. And has left my husband and I without a vehicle. He works 50 minutes from where we live and I work 20mins from where we live and in opposite directions. I since found out there are class action lawsuits for this year,make,model, and engine. I contacted the only shop in my town which is a Ford Lincoln dealership about the issues and was informed that most likely the cost of repairs/replacement would be $10,000 and to contact Ford corporate. Which I did and was denied any sort of assistance with cost when they should have to cover the whole thing as it is a major safety issue. Let alone the financial burden their defective engines are placing on people such as myself. This could have caused a major car accident potentially resulting in severe injuries to myself and others. I did not know until now I could report these types of safety issues.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11761460
Engine & cooling

I am experiencing a coolant-intrusion problem with my 2018 Lincoln MKC, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has only 63,900 miles. •The check-engine light repeatedly came on and went off over a two-week period. •A Lincoln dealer performed a diagnostic evaluation and identified the same problem reported in other Ford and Lincoln vehicles with this engine. •An independent automotive service provider confirmed the diagnosis and advised me that Ford had issued a service bulletin addressing this exact...

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issue. •Both assessments indicated that the engine needs to be replaced. When I asked the dealer what could happen if I did not replace the engine, I was warned of serious safety risks, including a possible fire or complete engine failure. This is not a routine wear-and-tear issue; it appears to be a known design defect. The problem has reportedly led to class-action lawsuits and has left many vehicle owners facing significant repair costs without financial assistance. Ford/Lincoln has stated that it will not cover the cost of replacing my engine because the vehicle is no longer under warranty.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11754417
Engine & cooling

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 a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing a misfire. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact not to drive the vehicle out of town and stated that the vehicle might stall while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,500.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11754060
Other & unknown

My 2018 Lincoln MKC has an exhaust leak. Ford and the dealership told me it was safe to drive, but I did not drive it because exhaust leaks can cause carbon monoxide exposure. My vehicle has been at the dealership since January 19, 2026 waiting for a warranty exhaust part. I have an email showing the part was ordered, but Ford still has not supplied it. The vehicle has been out of service for over six months and Ford denied my buyback request.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11754051
Engine & cooling

I am thoroughly disappointed and overwhelmed. My vehicle has 122,000 miles on it. Yes that may be considered many for some but this vehicle has been taken care of extensively and all routine scheduled maintenance has been performed. I purchased from Preston Ford in Pittsville, MD and the vehicle had 48000 miles as a used vehicle. I have had many minor issues,(fuel flap), A/C issues and 2 recalls for back up camera and the vehicle had a recall stating the car may catch on fire so don't park near other structures....

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Supposedly both recalls were taken care of by the seller of my vehicle. Now I am told I need a new engine, my engine light came on and I thought it was the purge valve assembly. Now this is my first Ford product so I am sad to report this. I still owe on this car and was told a new engine would cost about 10,000. I use the car for work and is my livelihood. I do not know who to contact and would hate to see someone else with this same experience. I feel if you take care of your vehicle it should get more than 122,000 miles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11748159
Engine & cooling

Misfiring and then smoke in tail pipe. Just hit 70,000 miles and the engine needs replacing. A defect that's been known since I bought the car.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11748109
Engine & cooling

Check engine light came on. Next day had a diagnostic run on it and found the coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. A new TSB 19-2208 was recommended. Talked with dealership and they advised to contact Ford Customer Care, who had Roadside Assistance come and pick up the 2018 Lincoln MKC and take to dealership. Dealership called to advise that the cost to me would be $9400!!!. Called Ford Customer Care again and was told that there is no recall or program to assist with repair, BUT....if enough people make a...

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call in then down the road there "might" be a recall. My info will go to Corporate, however, being as the car is years, 9 months old --there probably won't be any help. My vehicle ONLY has 59, 300 miles on it.!!!! While it is NOT a customer issue, but a FORD issue, and FORD has replaced OTHER TSBs, this one doesn't seem have enough "call-ins" yet to get FORD's attention.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11740666
Engine & cooling

Dealer confirmed there is a coolant intrusion in the engine and the engine needs to be replaced due to a known defect.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11735495
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11723290
Driver assistance

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.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11715220
Engine & cooling

Ford is well aware of the scam and refuses to fix the faulty engine for millions of these vehicles. 2018 MKC is trash. Already rebuilt the engine, turbo is garbage and the coolant will continue to leak with new engine because it's a flawed design. They are fully aware but greed is more important than safety or a satisfied customer. I pray the are held accountable eventually.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11714419
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11711534
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11707235
SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Steering · Power trainNHTSA 11702721
Driver assistanceCrash1 injury

The contact owned 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of their driveway in the rain at approximately 2 MPH, the back-over prevention camera display of the rear view of the vehicle was distorted, and the contact was only able...

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to see a black image. The contact was unable to identify what the image was, and the back-over prevention system did not notify the contact of any objects with its chime/alarm. The vehicle continued to move in reverse and ended up crashing into a tree. The vehicle's rear passenger side was damaged. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and had not received any physical injuries. The contact stated they had suffered anxiety as a result of the crash, and medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11696082
Engine & cooling

Coolant intrusion in engine

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11695499
Driver assistance

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.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11694841

Lincoln MKC: every year compared

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

2018 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 2018 Lincoln MKC

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKC have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKC: engine block heater (October 2025); camera (September 2025); engine (May 2023); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (February 2018). 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 2018 Lincoln MKC?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (59), driver assistance (6), transmission & drivetrain (6).

How many complaints has the 2018 Lincoln MKC had?

79 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 1, 2018 and the latest on November 6, 2026. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKC a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 64 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than 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 2018 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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