2018 Lincoln Mkc Engine Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11754417

Incident

Jul 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.

NHTSA ID

11754060

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

Mileage

37,500 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11748159

Incident

Jun 15, 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.

NHTSA ID

11748109

Incident

Jun 23, 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.

NHTSA ID

11740666

Incident

May 25, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11735495

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11723290

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11714419

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

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 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.

NHTSA ID

11711534

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11707235

Incident

Dec 24, 2025

Coolant intrusion in engine

NHTSA ID

11695499

Incident

Oct 24, 2025

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 the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the failure was due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. In addition, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V685000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ID

11694667

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Mileage

42,000 mi

Car had engine light come on, was told from dealer need completely new engine despite only 70k miles. Is a known issue, please protect US consumers.

NHTSA ID

11691037

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Check engine light came on. The engine has coolant intrusion and the engine would have to be replaced, quoted me $17,240.83 I called [XXX] Lincoln client relationship center and I was told there was nothing they can do to help me. After doing some research, this has been a known problem by Lincoln and they have not put out any recalls. They also have a class action lawsuit against them INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11689803

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

The engine light has appeared approximately in April 2025. The inspection advised that the engine code indicated a misfire in cylinder 4. The engine rough idles when started. The coolant loss is extensive due to an engine issue and must be constantly filled.vwe were told by, iPaul's Repair shop, that upon calling Ford, that there was a Lincoln technical service bulletin re: the 2 liter eco boost engine. It was re coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Service bulletin # 19-2346. We have also replaced the spark plugs and coils. The engine light still came on with the same issue. It did not solve the problem of a DEFECTIVE ENGINE.

NHTSA ID

11689237

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

I am writing regarding my 2018 Lincoln MKC, VIN # [XXX] which is experiencing clear symptoms of coolant intrusion into the cylinders. These include low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, engine misfires, and a rough-running condition. According to **Technical Service Bulletin 19‑2346** (NHTSA ID 10169807, dated December 20, 2019), this issue is a known defect affecting MKC models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and recommends replacement of the long‑block assembly to correct the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11685168

Incident

Aug 30, 2025

Kirk Brothers ford supposedlly put a new engine in my vehicle. I've had issues with it ever since they supposedly put the engine in. I had another mechanic just look at it on 14AUG25 and he informed me that the engine was shot.

NHTSA ID

11684140

Incident

Feb 10, 2022

I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with the well known coolant intrusion complete engine failure. I need a new long block at a cost of 9500 dollars. I had no warning light or check engine light to warn me about this issue prior to taking it to Ford dealer in Buellton to ask why coolant was emptying so fast. I had previously taken it to Lincoln dealer while under warranty and was told no issues. Even though they had a specific service bulletin stating the problems I was having. I feel my safety was at risk because I drive alone into sketchy areas for my job and my car could have just stopped and I would be an elderly woman alone with a broken down car waiting for a tow. It also could have possibly caught on fire I’m told. Lincoln Concierge was no help. Said it was VIN specific and not enough vehicles affected to warrant a recall. Mechanic at Ford says 3 to 4 vehicles a month are being repaired at his shop and they are a rural dealership. I think we are all being fleeced. We spent 40000 plus for a luxury reliable vehicle. We still have car payments. Can’t use as trade in. Can’t afford to buy another car. I can’t do my job. The stress alone may be dangerous for my health. Pending lawsuit won’t begin until June of 2026. This is so wrong

NHTSA ID

11679612

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

Coolant is leaking into the cylinders and could cause the engine to seize while driving. The issue was identified at a Ford dealership and is a known issue on this engine and has been admitted by Ford/Lincoln as a problem. The only warning was a check engine light which appeared after the problem existed and only fix is to replace the engine. Ford/Lincoln did not make any attempts to notify owners in advance of this issue so it could be checked. There are still many of these engines on the road which could seize at any time and cause tragic results.

NHTSA ID

11678522

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was traded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA ID

11675995

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Mileage

57,000 mi

Dealer service technician states the a crack in the engine block is allowing coolant to enter the cylinder causing misfiring. This appears to require engine replacement with only 59000 miles on the vehicle. This is a common problem with the 2018 engine and could result in a fire.

NHTSA ID

11675849

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with approximately 58,000 miles, always taken care of and maintained, in excellent condition. Almost immediately after my extended warranty ran out the check engine light came on and it started to start and idle rough. Took it to a Lincoln dealer, they replaced coil assembly # 4 and the 4 spark plugs, told me if it continues there might be coolant intrusion to the engine and the engine would need to be replaced. Check engine light came on 2 days later again, back to the dealership where they told me there was coolant intrusion and the engine will need to replaced. $8020.00 estimate, Lincoln/Ford is aware of this defect in this engine, they should recall this engine and replace it.

NHTSA ID

11673866

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

Check engine light came on at approx 54,000 miles with code of cylinder 2 misfire diagnosed as spark plugs and ignition coils need replaced. All spark plugs and ignition coils replaced May 11. June 23 check engine light on again with cylinder 2 misfire. Was told spark plugs and ignition coils need replaced again. July 9 spark plugs and ignitiion coils replaced. July 10 check engine light came on cylinder 2 misfire. July 11 car was diagnosed as needing engine replacement due to coolant intrusion causing rust in engine

NHTSA ID

11672778

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

Loosing Coolant resulting in coolant leaking into the engine. White smoke coming from exhaust m. Repair garage states only fix is to replace with revised engine causing over $10,000 in repair costs.

NHTSA ID

11667655

Incident

May 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that when the vehicle was cold-started, the vehicle shuddered, shook abnormally, and idled roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was still running rough after the engine had reached normal operating temperatures. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID

11667619

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Mileage

49,000 mi