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Lincoln · NHTSA safety record

2019 Lincoln MKC

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

Owners have filed 121 safety complaints about the 2019 Lincoln MKC with the US government. Of those, 1 describes a crash, 2 mention a fire and no death is recorded. 3 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 91 complaints, 75% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 58,278 miles, the median across the 22 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers March 2019 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

121 complaints on file

121

Complaints

1

Describe a crash

2

Mention fire

0

People injured

0

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.

Complaints more than doubled year on year: 42 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 16 in the twelve before.

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 91 · 75%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12 · 10%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 10 · 8%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 7 · 6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6 · 5%
POWER TRAIN 6 · 5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2 · 2%
SERVICE BRAKES 2 · 2%
WHEELS 2 · 2%
AIR BAGS 1 · 1%
INTERIOR LIGHTING 1 · 1%
LANE DEPARTURE 1 · 1%
0 38 77

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 121.

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 2026 at 40.

44 33 22 11
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2019 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 2019 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

3 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

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.

ENGINE

fire · 15,000 miles

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY, SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM THE HOOD. THIS IS APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES AFTER I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE SMOKE BECAME WORSE AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO INTENSIFY AND STARTED TO COME THROUGH THE VENTS. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SAW FIRE UNDERNEATH THE THE CAR. NOT TOO LONG AFTER THE ENTIRE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WHICH CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO BUST. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIRE REPORT (XXX)DEEMED THIS AS ACCIDENTAL AND BELIEVE A MECHANICAL FIRE.*DT ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE

NHTSA complaint 11298516, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a gas station the vehicle caught on fire. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint 11538004. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

crash · 2,000 miles

VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ERROR MESSAGE "THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN" APPEAREDIN ON THE DASHBOARD. HAD THERE BEEN A TRANSPORT TRAILER BEHIND US, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS DOING NOTHING FOR US. VERY DISAPPOINTING AS MY MOTHER NOW HAS TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT SHE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE!

NHTSA complaint 11271696. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 59,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shudder. The engine overheated warning light and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact’s son was able to drive the vehicle to the contact’s residence. The contact then stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately two days, she started the vehicle and the vehicle started to shudder with the engine overheated warning light, and the check engine warning light illuminated was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery and unknown wiring harnesses and sensors had

NHTSA complaint 11529516, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
There is a coolant leak going into the cylinder 3 causing misfire and overheating and engine shutoff Car shut down and locked up on the highway and I had to coast to the shoulder and get it towed. The ford dealer said it needs an engine replacement specifically a long block assembly estimated at 10k. It was inspected by the ford dealership. there was a code p0303 saying misfire so I got all the spark plugs replaced and when i was driving home from work the car locked up and said overheating and had to coast off the highway. I have all the reports and documents from the ford dealership showing the coolant intrusion into the cylinder. this is a design flaw with this engine and has a TSB

NHTSA complaint 11767786, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding a severe Ford/Lincoln EcoBoost engine defect, fraudulent recall reporting, and the illegal refusal of repair on my vehicle, which has only around 20,000 miles. Since this vehicle is under an active safety recall, the manufacturer and dealership have a strict legal obligation to perform the recall repair at no cost to the consumer.My vehicle recently experienced a major engine failure with the Check Engine Light illuminated The authorized dealership diagnosed the issue as an inherent EcoBoost engine defect, specifically confirming a Cylinder #1 Misfire caused by Coolant Intrusion into the engine cylinders. They stated that the engine is

NHTSA complaint 11767233, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Sept 2026. Coolant intrusion. Causes engine light to illuminate, engine to overheat, rendering vehicle unable/unsafe to drive, potential fire risk. The failure was diagnosed by Lincoln dealer as a known defect via technical service bulletin. My research revealed this defect is found in numerous Ford vehicles.

NHTSA complaint 11764782. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Coolant intrusion into the engine at 20000miles. complete engine failure. lincoln dealership diagnosed that a long-block engine replacement is required. serious safety hazard due to potential sudden stalling while driving.

NHTSA complaint 11763992. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

55,304 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3 and head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the engine and turbo charger needed to be replaced. The manufacturer, Lincoln, was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,304.

NHTSA complaint 11764186. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

76,131 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle unexpectedly jolted. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine block, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 76,131.

NHTSA complaint 11763342. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Lincoln MKC

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2018 74 4 —
2017 191 3 —
2016 80 5 —
2015 131 12 —

Other 2019 Lincoln models

Nautilus 102 Navigator 81 Continental 32 MKZ 20 MKT 16

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

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
Independent developer and analyst