RoadVitals

2017 Lincoln Mkc

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 23V378000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
191
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Oct 10, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
9
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 191 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Lincoln Mkc, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 164 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Oct 10, 2025
59,006 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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 September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25SA4View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Sep 3, 2025
1,456,417 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S89View on NHTSA.gov
23V378000NHTSA advisory: park outside

ENGINE

May 26, 2023
142,734 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 23S28View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 26, 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.

NHTSA ID
11767096
Incident
Aug 18, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11764929
Incident
Sep 22, 2025
Mileage
101,989 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 4, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11762103
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 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.

NHTSA ID
11757136
Incident
Aug 15, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 14, 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)

NHTSA ID
11756940
Incident
Aug 5, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11756792
Incident
Aug 8, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11756340
Incident
Aug 5, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11755783
Incident
Jan 5, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25B51

ENGINE

Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement

25N15 S1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customer Satisfaction Program 25N15 - Supplement #1 Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Inspection For One-Time Replacement

TSB 25-2570

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

TSB 25-2005

"Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off"

SSM 53040

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Mkc by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20191203062.4
2018744062.6
2017Viewing1913063.3
2016805168.6
201513112368.2

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.