RoadVitals

2016 Lincoln Mkc Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
80
Latest Sep 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Lincoln Mkc, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine4647.4%
  • Electrical1111.3%
  • Driver assistance66.2%
  • Steering55.2%
  • Fuel system44.1%
  • Other / unspecified33.1%
  • Exterior lighting33.1%
  • Brakes22.1%
  • Body & structure22.1%
  • Suspension11.0%
  • Interior & seats11.0%
  • Airbags11.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2.0 Ecoboost coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 issue with block defect. Ford Motor Company wont cover issue.

NHTSA ID 11749189 · filed Jul 8, 2026

My 2016 Lincoln MKC with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine experienced coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, leading to engine misfire and check engine light to turn on. The dealership confirmed the issue for $176.55 and recommended a full long block engine replacement, estimated at over $11,000. This failure occurred at 98,000 miles. Two weeks before this, the check engine light illuminated and we took it to a repair shop where we paid $628 to repair the purge valve and fuel pressure sensor, while it was most likely this coolant intrusion both times! Ford and Lincoln (including concierge) have refused any assistance in this matter. The local dealership has also said that they cannot help us with any of the cost. I've found this to be a very well documented problem/engine design failure, Including HTSA ID Number: 10162062 Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 19-2172 entitled Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING The TSB acknowledges a design-related coolant leak into the engine cylinders that can cause white smoke, misfire, rough running, and warning lights. Ford’s recommended repair is to replace the long block assembly. In addition, this appears to be the exact issue described in Ford TSB 19-2346, which covers 2017–2019 model year vehicles with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, including the Lincoln MKC and MKZ. I believe this is a widespread design defect and request NHTSA’s investigation to ensure proper manufacturer accountability. I am so thankful that this car does not belong to one of my daughters as it poses a severe safety hazard on the road and it is going to be a huge financial setback that we may not recover from.

NHTSA ID 11738186 · filed May 15, 2026
All 46 reports naming engine →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased this vehicle 3 weeks ago from CarMax Brooklyn Park, MN. Within 50 miles of driving, the vehicle threw a Ford Diagnostic Trouble Code P1450 indicating a Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum( excessive vacuum in the fuel tank). This defect causes an improper fuel tank vacuum, presenting an immediate engine stalling hazard at highway speeds. Concurrently, the vehicle has a very noticeable floorboard/chassis vibration at 60+ mph when releasing the foot of accelerator, making highway operation highly unstable. CarMax's warranty service department at Brooklyn Park has actively denied authorization to let me use a certified RepairPal partner facility located 10 minutes from my house. Instead, they are explicitly demanding that I drive this defective, stall-risk vehicle on the highway for over 45 minutes to their Brooklyn Park dealership to receive warranty service. Forcing a consumer to drive a vehicle with a known highway powertrain vibration and a critical EVAP vacuum fault creates an immediate, severe highway safety hazard.

NHTSA ID 11766044 · filed Sep 22, 2026

When driving you could smell fumes, it would jerk, and kick in and out of gear and would have no heat. Coolant was always low with no visible leaks to the mechanic.

NHTSA ID 11717638 · filed Feb 12, 2026
All 12 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Two years waiting for recall repair (rear-backup camera). Lincoln Mfg notified that a pending recall/repair for driver's rear-camera was required. As of 08/14/2026 the repair has not been performed by Lincoln Mfg or it's agents. Rear-camera fails to work consistanly and is a danger to pedestrians. Local dealerships (Sedano Lincoln, Arron Ford , and Pacific beach Ford) have failed to repair the known camera issue upon inspection. My only recourse is contract an independent technician to make the vehicle safe to operate.

NHTSA ID 11756986 · filed Aug 14, 2026

When driving you could smell fumes, it would jerk, and kick in and out of gear and would have no heat. Coolant was always low with no visible leaks to the mechanic.

NHTSA ID 11717638 · filed Feb 12, 2026
All 11 reports naming electrical →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact took the vehicle for a recall repair for notice received NHTSA Campaign Number 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer advised the contact that they had to go through the radio to complete the recall repair but this would be at the owners expense. The contact stated that the radio went out when the rearview camera went out. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact believes that the issue with the radio is related to the recall. The approximate failure mileage 56,000.

NHTSA ID 11739043 · filed May 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 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 while in reverse(R), the rearview camera intermittently displayed a distorted image with squiggly, horizontal lines. The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's view while in reverse(R). The local dealer was contacted about the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11723574 · filed Mar 11, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle displayed service advanced track, hill assist and traction control warning lights and immediately locks up steering and jars the steering wheel pulling vehicle to left or right abruptly before returning to normal. It has continued to happen and I’ve taken the vehicle to the dealership numerous times and they state they are unable to replicate yet it continues to happen and codes .this vehicle is throwing codes consistently and kicks off traction control. It’s almost caused me to hit another vehicle and a few of the cement barrier’s and put me in ditch a few times since the initial incident.

NHTSA ID 11759744 · filed Aug 26, 2026

As far as everybody did and shut down three times in a major intersections as far as to completely shut off or keep up with the camera activity and it seems to not be able to empower through the cabin or central part of the cabin where the computer is stored when I had my f****** completely turn itself off and ran or red lights just to barely make it to my house and in the car would not start I had various problems with his car and I admit paid thousands at this point to see it keep up with it and I've seen it the under several recalls and just now seeing that my car is reaching some of the max amount that I've ever even been issue. I've never received an email on this car having a recall because I moved a few years ago and although I pick up my mail there I've never received anything from Lincoln or have I had any things in the middle for you guys my main concern is getting this rental car in place while all these updates I haven't paid for are completely addressed immediately and in their entirety no longer putting my life safety and the lives of others at risk around me

NHTSA ID 11704024 · filed Dec 9, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased this vehicle 3 weeks ago from CarMax Brooklyn Park, MN. Within 50 miles of driving, the vehicle threw a Ford Diagnostic Trouble Code P1450 indicating a Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum( excessive vacuum in the fuel tank). This defect causes an improper fuel tank vacuum, presenting an immediate engine stalling hazard at highway speeds. Concurrently, the vehicle has a very noticeable floorboard/chassis vibration at 60+ mph when releasing the foot of accelerator, making highway operation highly unstable. CarMax's warranty service department at Brooklyn Park has actively denied authorization to let me use a certified RepairPal partner facility located 10 minutes from my house. Instead, they are explicitly demanding that I drive this defective, stall-risk vehicle on the highway for over 45 minutes to their Brooklyn Park dealership to receive warranty service. Forcing a consumer to drive a vehicle with a known highway powertrain vibration and a critical EVAP vacuum fault creates an immediate, severe highway safety hazard.

NHTSA ID 11766044 · filed Sep 22, 2026

As far as everybody did and shut down three times in a major intersections as far as to completely shut off or keep up with the camera activity and it seems to not be able to empower through the cabin or central part of the cabin where the computer is stored when I had my f****** completely turn itself off and ran or red lights just to barely make it to my house and in the car would not start I had various problems with his car and I admit paid thousands at this point to see it keep up with it and I've seen it the under several recalls and just now seeing that my car is reaching some of the max amount that I've ever even been issue. I've never received an email on this car having a recall because I moved a few years ago and although I pick up my mail there I've never received anything from Lincoln or have I had any things in the middle for you guys my main concern is getting this rental car in place while all these updates I haven't paid for are completely addressed immediately and in their entirety no longer putting my life safety and the lives of others at risk around me

NHTSA ID 11704024 · filed Dec 9, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Had a flat tire. Tire could not be removed. The tin caps on the lug nuts have swelled. The lug nut wrench that Ford provided would not fit over the lug nuts. The AAA service that came out to help, also could not remove the lug nuts. I don't know how I will be able to get the car inspected. I also don't know how I will be able to have the brakes services or replaced. A very serious potential catastrophe. The equipment that Ford includes, with a car, should be able to do its job. I along with many other people are left with a serious problem. This is a problem Ford is aware of and will do nothing. Many Ford owners have this problem.

NHTSA ID 11565683 · filed Jan 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended in the garage, it caught fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, property damage or police report filed. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V183000 (Engine And Engine Cooling).

NHTSA ID 11472910 · filed Jul 8, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later

NHTSA ID 11440199 · filed Nov 12, 2021

PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLAMP BECAME INOPERATIVE (BURNED OUT). UPON INVESTIGATION AT THE LINCOLN DEALERSHIP THEY NOTICED THE BULB WAS NOT FULLY SEATED. CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE EARS THAT SPRING CLIP LOCKS TO WAS MISSING FROM THE ASSEMBLY. THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION OF HOW THE SPRING CLIP LOCKS WERE MISSING. CONCERN IS IN ASSEMBLY OF THIS VEHICLES THIS PIECE WAS NEVER ADDED. ONE COULD LOOSE A HEADLIGHT OR BOTH AT ANY TIME AND IN DARK CIRCUMSTANCES COULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN TO THOSE ON THE ROAD POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11309031 · filed Feb 13, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

As far as everybody did and shut down three times in a major intersections as far as to completely shut off or keep up with the camera activity and it seems to not be able to empower through the cabin or central part of the cabin where the computer is stored when I had my f****** completely turn itself off and ran or red lights just to barely make it to my house and in the car would not start I had various problems with his car and I admit paid thousands at this point to see it keep up with it and I've seen it the under several recalls and just now seeing that my car is reaching some of the max amount that I've ever even been issue. I've never received an email on this car having a recall because I moved a few years ago and although I pick up my mail there I've never received anything from Lincoln or have I had any things in the middle for you guys my main concern is getting this rental car in place while all these updates I haven't paid for are completely addressed immediately and in their entirety no longer putting my life safety and the lives of others at risk around me

NHTSA ID 11704024 · filed Dec 9, 2025

2016 LINCOLN MKC parked on driveway for over 24 hours, when my father was outside gardening he noticed smoke and flames coming from under the hood, the Fire Department was called who out the fire out and stated it was "totaled". Fire Department conducted their own investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The report returned indicating the "Engine" was the origin of the fire. Thank the lord my father was outside or our garage and house could have burnt down with all of us in it. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!! I opened two claims with CarMax MaxCare Warranty which were denied. I have one case open with Ford Motor Company which is still pending. Car is currently at autoshop undergoing another diagnosis of the the orgin of fire for my CarMax MaxCare Warranty.

NHTSA ID 11479246 · filed Aug 14, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car got on fire while being parked and turned off.

NHTSA ID 11509262 · filed Feb 27, 2023

Today (6/18/2021) was a totally dry day with no precipitation here in Meade County, KY. Today at or about 7:00 PM, I went into the garage, got in the car, closed the driver's door, and put on my seat belt, started and put the car into drive, & moved the car out of the garage without incident. Once outdoors in the driveway, I immediately stopped the car, leaving the OEM FOB inside of the running car, I got out of my seatbelt, opened the car door and exited the car. Leaving the driver's door open, I went back into the garage to get something I had accidently left behind. I returned immediately to the car, got into the car, closed the door, and put on my seatbelt. When leaving the driveway, I noticed that the door ajar light came on. I immediately stopped the car, put it into park, and attempted to close and lock the door, but it would not close and lock. I attempted to close and lock the door several times using the OEM FOB, but it did not help. After a closer look at the driver's door lock on the outside of the car, it appears that the lock assembly is coming apart! This is the first time this has happened. As a result of this significant safety concern, I had to immediately park the car back into the garage and now it will remain parked until I can get it repaired. I noticed that other Ford products had similar lock failures, but thus far no recall has been issued for the 2016 Lincoln MKC. I am shocked! This lock failure could have cost me my life and the life of my spouse who was with me in the car. I hope that NHTSA will investigate my claim and issue a prompt recall for the 2016 Lincoln MKC. Again, my VIN number is 5LMCJ2C90GU[XXX] and the car has 60,036 miles on the odometer. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11421447 · filed Jun 18, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased this vehicle 3 weeks ago from CarMax Brooklyn Park, MN. Within 50 miles of driving, the vehicle threw a Ford Diagnostic Trouble Code P1450 indicating a Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum( excessive vacuum in the fuel tank). This defect causes an improper fuel tank vacuum, presenting an immediate engine stalling hazard at highway speeds. Concurrently, the vehicle has a very noticeable floorboard/chassis vibration at 60+ mph when releasing the foot of accelerator, making highway operation highly unstable. CarMax's warranty service department at Brooklyn Park has actively denied authorization to let me use a certified RepairPal partner facility located 10 minutes from my house. Instead, they are explicitly demanding that I drive this defective, stall-risk vehicle on the highway for over 45 minutes to their Brooklyn Park dealership to receive warranty service. Forcing a consumer to drive a vehicle with a known highway powertrain vibration and a critical EVAP vacuum fault creates an immediate, severe highway safety hazard.

NHTSA ID 11766044 · filed Sep 22, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVERS SEAT IS VERY UNSTABLE WHEN TURNING CORNERS. THERE SEEMS TO BE 2 BLOCKS UNDERNEATH YOUR BUTT AND WHILE TURNING CORNERS OR WHEN YOUR WEIGHT SHIFTS IN THE SEAT THEY, SHIFT, POP UP, AND MOVE. YOU CAN HEAR AN AUDIBLE POP NOISE WHEN THIS MOVEMENT OCCURS. I'VE TAKEN THIS TO LINCOLN OF TROY (248) 905-6260 IN TROY MICHIGAN ON 2 OCCASIONS TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED AND SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I'M SCHEDULED TO TAKE THIS IN FOR A 3RD TIME TOMORROW. IT'S VERY UNSAFE WHEN YOUR TURNING A CORNER AND YOUR SEAT STARTS MOVING. THIS COULD VERY EASILY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 6500 MILES ON IT AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE ABOUT 4000 MILES.

NHTSA ID 10851146 · filed Mar 22, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAVY FRONT END COLLISION - DURING THE COLLISION MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GOING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON IT'S BRAKES AND I COLLIDED WITH THEM. THE MAIN AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ID 10935522 · filed Dec 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .