RoadVitals

2019 Lincoln Mkc Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints 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.
87
Latest Aug 11, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
78%
of 111 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Lincoln Mkc submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 87 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 87, in the owner's own words

EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 11, 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.

NHTSA ID
11756258
Incident
Aug 9, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 7, 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)

NHTSA ID
11755475
Incident
Aug 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 20, 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)

NHTSA ID
11751568
Incident
Jun 5, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 15, 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.

NHTSA ID
11750623
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 19, 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.

NHTSA ID
11745253
Incident
Jun 15, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11742458
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled and drove unusually rough. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle misfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced two Technical Bulletins, TSB 19-2346 and TSB 22-2133, which had similar failure descriptions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ID
11742022
Incident
May 4, 2026
Mileage
96,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the engine experienced rough idling after starting with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs and coil pack; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle shuddering while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11741772
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Mileage
58,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Apr 15, 2026

Engine failure TSB 19-2346, A known/common issue with this engine. The car only has 73,790 miles on it. The car started shaking when started, engine light on, empty coolant reservoir and off then parking brake came on randomly several times , and the brakes locked up twice, which resulted in going over a curb. Discontinued driving the vehicle after that incident obviously due to safety. Ford service center gave a $13,000 repair estimate. The vehicle is still at Ford and available for inspection.

NHTSA ID
11731447
Incident
Apr 7, 2026
Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2026

The engine on my 2019 Lincoln MKC (2.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden internal failure without warning shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expired. The vehicle had no prior drivability issues, no warning lights, and had been maintained on schedule. While driving, the engine began running roughly and quickly lost power. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and had to be towed. The dealership diagnosed the engine as having internal mechanical failure requiring complete engine replacement. I was told the failure was not due to maintenance and that the engine could not be repaired. The failure occurred only weeks after the 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty period ended. This appears consistent with other reported EcoBoost engine failures involving internal defects such as coolant intrusion, low-tension piston rings, or block-related issues. A sudden loss of power while driving presents a safety hazard, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware of this engine failure pattern and the safety risk associated with unexpected engine shutdowns on these vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11728019
Incident
Jun 24, 2025
Engine
Filed Mar 20, 2026

The head gasket has failed, leading to coolant intrusion into the number 2 cylinder. Several misfires occurred due to this. This is a known issue due to the design of the lower block, which uses a channel, thus causing a very small surface area for the head gasket between the channel and the cylinder, which accelerates wear. Spent $3,000 to fix this well-known design issue. Car at ~100k miles.

NHTSA ID
11725936
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 18, 2026

The vehicle was recalled. I took the vehicle to the dealer where it was purchased. It was serviced. The engine issue was addressed, so we thought. The repair/replacement parts did not remedy the issue, despite it being in the shop for over 6 months. The problem persists. It is overheating in a 5 minute drive. The local service department is saying there is no other remedy. They keep asking we bring it in for another diagnosis, but the problem is the same as the 47,000 other vehicles that have been recalled by this same issue. We purchased the car and have not been able to use it.

NHTSA ID
11725234
Incident
Feb 25, 2019
Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2026

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT INTRUSION TSB22-2229 DEALER SAID THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IS NOT COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FORD/LINCOLN CORP REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR .

NHTSA ID
11722249
Incident
Jan 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2026

Purchased a 2019 Lincoln MKC from Mazda and Stokes on Ashley phosphate in North Charleston, South Carolina. I was told that the vehicle had recalls and they identify the recalls about the battery and the rear camera when I asked was there anything else wrong with the vehicle, they said no when I drove the vehicle home after a few days the engine light came on. After doing some diagnostics at the dealership, it will discovered that there was a misfire in the engine. They did a complementary repair. It took a couple of days when I received the vehicle. I took it home and after about a week, the engine light came back on for the same problem after further diagnostic come to find out that if this problem persist is because of coolant intrusion come to find out that this is common among engines that are 2.0 L Eco boost engine engines in the 2019 Lincoln MKC. I am making a complaint because I found out also that I will not get reimburse my money. Neither will they take the vehicle back. I called the Lincoln dealership and they will not do a Goodwill repair so I purchased a car about three weeks ago with them, knowing this problem and did not disclose it to me or told me about it cause this is common knowledge for this vehicle and they sold it to me and now I have payments on a broke vehicle, which I can’t afford $11,000 new engine or a long block.

NHTSA ID
11720797
Incident
Feb 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 14, 2026

Engine seizes while driving and chokes due to engine misfire. First occurence was at 34kmiles in 9/2023 and when brought for emissions check mechanic said needed new spark plugs/coil so had them replaced for $800. 3-4months later after only 1k miles check engine light goes on again and car hums/rattles like it will stall. My brother runs diagnosis and same issue and that’s when I started to do research and found that Lincoln MKC 2019 have known engine issues. As it was under warranty until dec 2024, I brought to Steven’s Ford in Milford CT and raised this engine issue and specifically asked for full repair to ensure issue is fixed. 18 months later on 11/12/2025, while driving car the engine starts to hum and rattle feel like it will seize and check engine light goes on again. Same issue from when I had repair under warranty but Lincoln dealer claims it’s a parts issue and not an engine issue. These vehicles are dangerous and can cause accident due to engine just stopping. Dealership and Lincoln refuse to provide any support.

NHTSA ID
11718003
Incident
Nov 12, 2025
Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2026

Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost engine has seen recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) primarily for coolant intrusion leading to engine failure, affecting models like the 2017-2019 MKC with issues stemming from a block design flaw and faulty head gaskets that allow coolant into cylinders, causing overheating, corrosion, and potential engine fires. This vehicle is confirmed to have coolant intrusion in the cylinders, resulting in premature engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11716109
Incident
Feb 5, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 5, 2026

My 2019 Lincoln MKC has the widespread coolant intrusion engine defect acknowledged by Ford. This is a premature internal engine failure due to design.

NHTSA ID
11715842
Incident
Feb 5, 2026
BrakesEngine
Filed Feb 5, 2026

Engine warning light went on. Replaced spark plugs and coil to cylinder # 2. Then, Traction control light indicated system off. Technician advised the need for dealership software upgrade to ABS. Dealership advised that engine block allowing coolant intrusion into #2 cylinder. Needs a new engine. And need for a new ABS module, also defective.

NHTSA ID
11715798
Incident
Jan 29, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2026

Vehicle overheated, due to collant entering #1 cylinder. This coolant intrusion is apparently a well documented issue, from an acknowledged engine defect. (TSB 19-2346, TSB 22-2133) Ford dealership recommended an $11,000 + tax engine replacement, with no relief, as car is past its warranty. The vehicle has 58540 miles. Lincoln customer service also declined any goodwill repair. Independent Service Dealer (Craig’s Auto Repair Service 281-469-5949) first diagnosed the issue, recommended taking the vehicle to Ford Dealership (Tomball Ford).

NHTSA ID
11715635
Incident
Jan 29, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the messages "Service Advancetrac", "Hill Start Assist Not Available", "System Off - To Save Battery Please Turn Off Ignition or Start Engine" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery and the battery monitor sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The parts were ordered to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID
11715225
Incident
Feb 3, 2026
Mileage
98,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 1, 2026

Lincoln 2019 MKC reserve head gasket problem check engine light on. Took to dealership and confirmed with compression test that it was TSB – 22–2229 had to replace engine with new long block. Lincoln Corporate Assistance paid some 2835.10 I paid $4265.05

NHTSA ID
11714790
Incident
Nov 25, 2025
Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2026

My 2019 Lincoln MKC with only 52,200 miles experienced unrepairable engine damage due to an internal coolant intrusion condition that directly matches Ford TSB 22-2229. On or around Jan 1st or 2nd, a check engine warning light came on as I was driving home at night. I did not drive my car any further except to the dealership for service on 1/5/2026. The engine failure was diagnosed by the dealership on 1/6/2026. This engine failure occurred well below a reasonable engine life expectancy, and is caused by a documented design defect. The manufacturer’s refusal/delay in recalling these engines with a known design defect places drivers at risk of being stranded at any time of day or night, and drivers risk becoming a road hazard to themselves and others when experiencing complete engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11712204
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2025

2019 Lincoln MKC with 96K mileage suddenly started running rough around 30mph and I was losing power as I was entering a highway on a ramp. RPM needle was fluctuating between 2K and 3K. Immediately drove back home and towed it to Lincoln shop. They said its an issue with Coolant Intrusion into the engine compartment and would have to replace the engine block. Estimated at $11K. Extended warranty company said claim is likely to be denied as these Ecoboost 2.0L engines are notorious for these issues. It is a faulty manufacturing and there is no recall. Costing consumers thousands of dollars and also putting lives of passengers at risk.

NHTSA ID
11705293
Incident
Dec 7, 2025
Engine
Filed Dec 3, 2025

My car misfired, then the heat wouldn't work then started to overheat. The car is 2019 MKC 2.0L engine. Only 64k miles on it. I am the original owner. Took it to the dealership and they said the coolant has back up into the engine. I read that this has been a known issue with these engines and was never notified. It is going to cost 10k to replace this engine.

NHTSA ID
11702879
Incident
Nov 21, 2025
Engine
Filed Dec 2, 2025

My initial reason I took the car to the dealership, was because the vehicle would not want to start or stay running after fuel was put in. I aIso had a check engine light on. After the dealership performed diagnostics on it, they said the purge valve was bad which was the cause of it not starting. The check engine light was on because it was low on coolant. So I scheduled another appointment with Wyatt Ford in Manistee MI 49660 on Dec 1, 2025. They performed a coolant pressure test and determined that it is losing pressure after shutdown. They cannot find a leak. They removed the spark plugs, but #3 spark plug is "stuck" and they are attempting to remove it. If the spark plug breaks, they will take more of the engine apart to access it and attempt to "tap" out the threads of it. The technician (Sherman) told me that the cause of it being stuck could be due to the fact of the coolant leaking into that cylinder. Sherman was able to remove the #3 spark plug and found coolant in that #3 cylinder. They are now saying that the engine does need replaced and it is not safe to drive. The service department (Ava) gave me Ford Customer Service number to call to start a case. I called 800-392-3673 and spoke with Alex. She told me she will do some further research and call me back in about two hours. It is now 12:30 pm east coast time. After returning a call from her, she said that there are no programs at this time with Ford to assist with replacing the engine. Only if there is a recall on this is when they would be able to replace it for us.

NHTSA ID
11702430
Incident
Dec 1, 2025

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.

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