2018 Lincoln Mkc Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 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
- Engine5165.4%
- Driver assistance79.0%
- Powertrain (other)56.4%
- Other / unspecified56.4%
- Steering22.6%
- Electrical22.6%
- Fuel system22.6%
- Visibility11.3%
- Interior & seats11.3%
- Tires & wheels11.3%
- Airbags11.3%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
When purchasing new tires today, we were informed that we needed to replace the lug nuts as the lug nut wrench no longer fit the top of the nuts. We were told that they often have this problem with Lincolns and some Fords. He said they could "force" the old ones back on, but the next time they would have to be cut off and replaced. We researched this problems and found that others had the same problem. This is not acceptable - especially if out on the road and we get a flat tire. I only wonder if the recent accident when a tire flew off the truck on the freeway and hit another car causing it to flip over was because their lug nuts were "forced" on. This cost us an additional $60 and would have been even more if they would have had to cut the old ones off.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE LANE DEPARTURE SAFETY FEATURE ACTIVATED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE FROM VEERING OUT OF THE LANE. THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE STEERED THE VEHICLE TOO FAR TO THE LEFT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN AND FLIP OVER. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE DRIVER, FRONT SEAT PASSENGER, AND REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER ALL SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (MOUNTAINEER LINCOLN IN BECKLEY, WV) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,382.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the side view mirrors folded inward. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the mirrors remained in the folded position. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of turning the vehicle off and on, the mirrors unfolded. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side seat lumbar system was independently changing adjustments and was overriding the preset seat adjustments. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
My car has 2 recalls 1. RISK OF UNDERHOOD FIRE and 2. pcm reprogramming recall, Took my car to Lincoln service center they only fixed the 2nd one which is the PCM reprogramming. They called me and said my car is ready for pick up. After couple of hours I’ll check in your website STILL the under hood fire recall wasn’t fix so what should I do. This is too UNSAFETY to drive and park i need your help thank you
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not immediately start. The driver had to turn the ignition key and depress the accelerator pedal simultaneously to start the vehicle. Additionally, while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel nozzle would constantly click off and on. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced a fuel system line and the failure was remedied. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11477621 *DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the side view mirrors folded inward. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the mirrors remained in the folded position. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of turning the vehicle off and on, the mirrors unfolded. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side seat lumbar system was independently changing adjustments and was overriding the preset seat adjustments. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the side view mirrors folded inward. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the mirrors remained in the folded position. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of turning the vehicle off and on, the mirrors unfolded. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side seat lumbar system was independently changing adjustments and was overriding the preset seat adjustments. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased this vehicle in 2020 and it came with these tires. THREE of the four tires either had a bubble or repeatedly lost air around 28000 miles. These are very unsafe tires and unlikely a road hazard damaged three of the four.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE LANE DEPARTURE SAFETY FEATURE ACTIVATED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE FROM VEERING OUT OF THE LANE. THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE STEERED THE VEHICLE TOO FAR TO THE LEFT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN AND FLIP OVER. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE DRIVER, FRONT SEAT PASSENGER, AND REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER ALL SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (MOUNTAINEER LINCOLN IN BECKLEY, WV) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,382.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .