Lincoln · NHTSA safety record

2018 Lincoln MKC

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 74 safety complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKC with the US government. Of those, 3 describe a crash, 4 people were injured and no death is recorded. 4 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 46 complaints, 62% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 50,000 miles, the median across the 25 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers May 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

74 complaints on file

Complaints

Describe a crash

Mention fire

People injured

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system

ENGINE 46 · 62% 46 62%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10 · 14% 10 14%

POWER TRAIN 5 · 7% 5 7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5 · 7% 5 7%

BACK OVER PREVENTION 4 · 5% 4 5%

WHEELS 4 · 5% 4 5%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2 · 3% 2 3%

LANE DEPARTURE 2 · 3% 2 3%

STEERING 2 · 3% 2 3%

AIR BAGS 1 · 1% 1 1%

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 1 · 1% 1 1%

EQUIPMENT 1 · 1% 1 1%

0 19 38

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 74.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 25.

28 21 14 7

18 2018 19 2019 21 2021 22 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 2025 26 2026

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2018 Lincoln MKC, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test	SUV AWD	SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover	16.9%	16.4%

Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

4 on file

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

25V685000 · October 10, 2025

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 Company · up to 59,006 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

25V572000 · September 4, 2025

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 Company · up to 1,456,417 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE

23V378000 · May 26, 2023

Park outside until repaired

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 Company · up to 142,734 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

18V104000 · February 12, 2018

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.

Ford Motor Company · up to 88 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

STEERING Filed May 1, 2018

3 injured · crash · towed · 2,382 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 11091224, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION Filed October 28, 2025

1 injured · crash · towed · 42,000 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 11696082, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN Filed June 21, 2019

crash · 10,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL AWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REENTER THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONTACT FELL AND SUSTAINED SEVERAL BRUISES AND MINOR CUTS. THE CONTACT WAS CERTAIN THAT THE SHIFT LEVER WAS SWITCHED TO THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE LINCOLN INC LOCATED AT 900 W GENESEE ST, SYRACUSE, NY 13204, (315)472-4534 TO BE DIAGNOSED, HOWEVER THE RESULT WAS STILL PENDING. THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL

NHTSA complaint 11221636, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Filed December 17, 2024

towed · 92,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the message "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA complaint 11631264. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 18, 2026

Engine has a known defect causing coolant to leak into cylinders. Car is not safe to drive as car can overheat, blow gasket, loose power, catch fire while operating.

NHTSA complaint 11765368. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Filed September 16, 2026

73,617 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the engine misfired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion had resulted in the engine failure, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 73,617.

NHTSA complaint 11764723. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 11, 2026

I own a 2018 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 72,326 miles. The check-engine light initially illuminated and an OBD scan produced code P0303, indicating a misfire in Cylinder 3. No other diagnostic codes were reported. Following mechanical evaluation, all four spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Approximately 145 miles later, the check-engine light returned with the same P0303 code. The code was cleared to confirm recurrence, and approximately 111 miles later the check-engine light illuminated again. I subsequently took the vehicle to a Ford/Lincoln dealership for further diagnosis. The dealership determined that coolant

NHTSA complaint 11763701, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 1, 2026

My engine failed. At the time I did not know this. I was driving to work, and although I knew I was not out of gas according to the gas gauge, I thought maybe something was wrong with the gauge when my Lincoln began to putter like when you are running out of gas. I was approaching a stop light in the left turn lane when the car died. Which could have caused a multi car pileup considering the intersection in my town I was at. I got the car to start again but it smelt terrible and started smoking from the exhaust. A white smoke. I was not far from work at all so I made it there and had a mobile mechanic come to look at it. Upon inspecting it, he found oil build up in my spark plugs. When he

NHTSA complaint 11761460, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed August 3, 2026

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

NHTSA complaint 11754417, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed July 31, 2026

My 2018 Lincoln MKC has an exhaust leak. Ford and the dealership told me it was safe to drive, but I did not drive it because exhaust leaks can cause carbon monoxide exposure. My vehicle has been at the dealership since January 19, 2026 waiting for a warranty exhaust part. I have an email showing the part was ordered, but Ford still has not supplied it. The vehicle has been out of service for over six months and Ford denied my buyback request.

NHTSA complaint 11754051. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Lincoln MKC

Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Deaths
2019	121	3	—
2017	191	3	—
2016	80	5	—
2015	131	12	—

Other 2018 Lincoln models

Navigator 52 MKZ 35 MKX 31 Continental 20

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Lincoln on this site — 85 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

Complaints: NHTSA's ODI complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed October 10, 2025.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI investigation file, published October 2, 2026.

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by guarledes
Independent developer and analyst