Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Lincoln MKC - part 1

Lincoln MKC owners have reported 346 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Lincoln MKC based on all problems reported for the MKC.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 10/22/2026

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.

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2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 09/27/2026

I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding a severe Ford/Lincoln ecoboost engine defect, fraudulent recall reporting, and the illegal refusal of repair on my vehicle, which has only around 20,000 miles. Since this vehicle is under an active safety recall, the manufacturer and dealership have a strict legal obligation to perform the recall repair at no cost to the consumer. My vehicle recently experienced a major engine failure with the check engine light illuminated the authorized dealership diagnosed the issue as an inherent ecoboost engine defect, specifically confirming a cylinder #1 misfire caused by coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. They stated that the engine is severely damaged and provided a repair estimate of $12,000 for a complete long block engine replacement. However, they are completely refusing to cover this repair, telling me that they cannot help me and that I must pay out of pocket to fix it myself. To evade their legal safety obligations, the manufacturer sent an official letter falsely claiming that the recall service was already successfully completed at norm reeves Lincoln on April 24, 2024. This is a complete lie. I have never received, authorized, or brought my vehicle in for this recall service. They have fraudulently marked this safety recall as completed in their system to strip away my consumer rights and leave me with a dangerous vehicle and a $12,000 bill. Operating a vehicle with coolant intrusion poses an immediate risk of sudden engine stalling, catastrophic failure, or fire on the highway. I formally request NHTSA to investigate this fraudulent recall reporting and unlawful refusal of repair, and compel Ford/Lincoln to perform the actual safety recall and long block engine replacement immediately at no cost as required by federal law.

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3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 09/21/2026

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.

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4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 09/10/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Mkc. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3 and head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the engine and turbo charger needed to be replaced. The manufacturer, Lincoln, was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,304.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 09/09/2026

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.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 09/02/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Mkc. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle unexpectedly jolted. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine block, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 76,131.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 09/01/2026

Sept 2026. Coolant intrusion. Causes engine light to illuminate, engine to overheat, rendering vehicle unable/unsafe to drive, potential fire risk. The failure was diagnosed by Lincoln dealer as a known defect via technical service bulletin. My research revealed this defect is found in numerous Ford vehicles.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/21/2026

There is a coolant leak going into the cylinder 3 causing misfire and overheating and engine shutoff car shut down and locked up on the highway and I had to coast to the shoulder and get it towed. The Ford dealer said it needs an engine replacement specifically a long block assembly estimated at 10k. It was inspected by the Ford dealership. There was a code p0303 saying misfire so I got all the spark plugs replaced and when I was driving home from work the car locked up and said overheating and had to coast off the highway. I have all the reports and documents from the Ford dealership showing the coolant intrusion into the cylinder. This is a design flaw with this engine and has a TSB already on it but not recall. It's been going on since 2019 but they still produced these engines and make the customer pay for their flaws.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/18/2026

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 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.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/17/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Mkc. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “service soon” was displayed on the app, and the failure was caused by a misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that new spark plugs were previously installed, and maintenance was performed on the vehicle, and the dealer suggested coming back at 100,000 miles for a tune-up but had not informed the contact of any issues with the engine. The contact associated the failure with technical service bulletin number: 22/2229/NHTSA id number: 10214126 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in technical service bulletin number: 22/2229 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/16/2026

See attached document for complaint.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/15/2026

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.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/13/2026

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.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/09/2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? answer: engine / powertrain (engine block & cooling system). The vehicle suffered an internal engine failure caused by coolant intrusion into cylinder #4, requiring a full engine long block replacement per Ford technical service bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request. ?2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? answer: the engine suffered a sudden and complete loss of power without warning in the middle of active, moving traffic, leaving the vehicle dead in a live travel lane. Because the engine stalled abruptly due to coolant flooding the cylinder, the vehicle became an immediate, stationary obstacle in harm's way, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed rear-end collision or chain-reaction pileup that easily could have resulted in severe injury or a fatality for myself and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? answer: yes. The problem was confirmed by a certified technician who pulled active diagnostic trouble codes p0304 and p0316. The technician performed a borescope inspection through spark plug #4 and visually verified coolant intrusion inside cylinder 4. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? answer: inspected and diagnosed by a servicing dealer/technician who generated an official repair estimate (#9,496. 97) confirming the defect and recommending engine replacement per Ford TSB 22-2229. (note: mention if inspected by insurance/police, otherwise leave as dealership/facility only). 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages? answer: the check engine light (cel) illuminated immediately before or during the engine shutdown. The diagnostic codes (p0316 and p0304) indicate startup misfires caused by coolant accumulating in the cylinder while parked.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/08/2026

Coolant intrusion into number 2 cylinder requiring full engine replacement of my 2017 my 2. 0l eco boost engine.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/05/2026

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 [xxx], 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 #xxx 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).

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/05/2026

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

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 08/01/2026

Car started shaking roughly when started, check engine light came on for cylinder misfire. Known engine problem where coolant leaks in to the engine block due to a known defect from Ford for these 2. 0l engines. There is a TSB 22-2229 ([xxx]) already issued for this. Dealer inspected and confirmed the problem. Now the entire engine long block needs to be replaced resulting in $10,000 repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/21/2026

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 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.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/21/2026

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.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/15/2026

The vehicle needs a complete engine replacement due to a coolant intrusion issue. The safety of myself and my family are of my utmost concern. Overheating of the system can cause sudden engine stalling, catastrophic power loss at highway speeds, a risk of collision, and toxic vapor exposure inside the vehicle. Furthermore, a leaking heater core vents sweet-smelling but toxic antifreeze vapors into the passenger compartment and prolonged breathing of heated glycol fumes can trigger dizziness, headaches, and nausea for the driver. All of which I have recently suffered from. I have taken the car back to the original dealership and was advised that I would need a new engine. The engine light came on and the coolant started spiking into the red which led me to take the car in for diagnostic testing.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/12/2026

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. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/08/2026

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.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/08/2026

After my check engine light came on the dealership performed a cooling system pressure test and borescope inspection which confirmed a cylinder 2 misfire caused by structural coolant intrusion into the engine block. The dealership repair estimate is over $14,000. As an elderly and handicapped individual facing unstable housing, this catastrophic vehicle failure leaves me stranded, and the out-of-pocket cost is a severe and impossible financial hardship. •known inherent defect: I learned that this exact failure—coolant leaking into cylinder 2 due to a recognized structural design flaw in the ecoboost block—is a widely documented manufacturing issue. It is currently the subject of certified national class-action litigation (miller, et al. V. Ford motor company), specifically naming the 2019 Lincoln Mkc. •prior diagnostic history: the check engine light first illuminated at 100,700 miles. The vehicle has been treated with care. This is a catastrophic structural crack, not a wear-and-tear issue. •extended warranty context: I previously invested in an extended service warranty to protect against major failures. While Lincoln client services has initially denied coverage on a technical milestone, the underlying manufacturing defect was already present and actively failing before this point. This is a known, widespread engineering issue rather than a consumer maintenance failure. Given my current physical and housing hardships, I urgently require corporate assistance to resolve this so I can regain access to necessary medical transportation. I learned that this defect can lead •sudden engine overheating •engine misfires and stalling •fire and electrical hazards •catastrophic engine failure I am afraid to drive this vehicle but I have medical needs that I have to address. I submit this complaint to encourage investigation for a possible safety-related defect which should lead to a safety recall. I found out too late. I hope I can help others be informed and safe.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/06/2026

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 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.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 07/01/2026

There is coolant intrusion into the cyl. It is a known concern and many complaints on line. Lincoln refuses to assist in the engine repair or replacement. Going down the road the engine misses and looses power causing difficulty controlling vehicle causing unsafe conditions for all traffic.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/29/2026

Coolant intrusion into the cylinder and requires a replacement of the long block engine assembly which was a known issue by Ford/Lincoln with no recalls issued. The problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford/Lincoln dealer and independent service center. Warning lights illuminated when car was brought to dealer for inspection. It poses significant safety risk that actively endanger me and passengers while driving due to sudden loss of power, engine stalling, engine fire, loss of braking and steering assistance.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2016 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/28/2026

2. 0 ecoboost coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 issue with block defect. Ford motor company wont cover issue.

See all problems of the 2016 Lincoln MKC 🔎.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/27/2026

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.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/23/2026

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.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/15/2026

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. 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.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/15/2026

The engine on my 2019 Lincoln Mkc has failed due to coolant intrusion. A known issue with this model car between 2017-2019. There are two cracked cylinders on the engine block. The dealership says that the engine must be replaced.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/05/2026

Component: engine (2. 0l ecoboost) — coolant intrusion into cylinders what failed: the engine in my 2019 Lincoln Mkc (2. 0l ecoboost, approximately 83,000 miles) failed due to internal coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This is a known defect in this engine, documented by the manufacturer in TSB 22-2229 (superseding TSB 19-2346), which acknowledges coolant leaking into the cylinders on 2. 0l ecoboost vehicles and specifies complete long block engine replacement as the only repair. My vehicle and the failed engine are available for inspection upon request. The car/engine is currently at the [xxx] Ford in draper, ut. Safety risk: coolant intrusion causes engine misfires and can cause sudden loss of engine power while driving, hydro-locking of the engine, and — per the manufacturer's own bulletins and pending litigation — overheating, cracked cylinder heads, and engine fires. The check engine light began flashing while I was on the highway. I am also a dialysis patient awaiting a kidney transplant, and a sudden engine failure or stall while driving to medical treatment poses a serious safety risk. Confirmed by a service center: yes. On or about xxx, [xxx], a franchised Lincoln dealership, performed a borescope inspection of the engine and confirmed the failure, stating the engine must be replaced at a quoted cost of $7,897. 45. I have the written diagnosis and repair estimate. Inspected by the manufacturer or others: no police or insurance inspection was involved, as this was a mechanical failure rather than a collision. Warning signs before failure: unexplained low coolant level requiring repeated top-offs; white smoke from the exhaust, especially at cold start; check engine light, steady or flashing; rough running or misfire, often with codes p0300–p0304 or p0316; sweet coolant smell. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 06/02/2026

Engine has coolant intrusion at 57,000 miles. Mechanic recommends full engine replacement.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Failure Date: 05/25/2026

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 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.


Other Common Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of Lincoln MKC


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