2016 LINCOLN MKC Engine Problems

35 complaints about Engine

35
Complaints
0
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Engine Complaints (35)

Oct 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking, and the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that her brother had replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced with OEM parts, and the turbocharger, purge valve, vacuum line, long block, and fuel pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that her nephew replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils with OEM parts, and AAMCO replaced the fuel pressure sensor; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

Sep 6, 2025

At 85,000 miles I was experiencing a grinding noise coming from my front end when making sharp turns to left or right. Took car to my mechanic immediately for diagnosis. They found the motor mounts and rear differential is binding and close to failure. My mechanic contacted FOMOCO to see about a replacement for the rear differential and was told that there were not any available due to a REDESIGN of the product. He was asked to check back in two weeks! Two weeks w/o my transportation! I replaced the motor mounts, (85Kmi?) After researching on line, several ford & lincoln sites the problems I am experiencing are not unique or infrequent on Lincolns and ford Edges. It would seem to me that these problems are frequent enough to have the manufacturer ininitiate a recall on these products! My mechanic also works on our Sherriff department vehicles and their Ford Edge units are experiencing same problems. I would hope these problems will initiate an investigation into this matter!

Aug 26, 2025

While driving a short distance to work, my 2016 MKC check engine light came on. The previous week I noticed that the engine hesitated slightly when it first started, but it drove normally. However, when the light came on, my husband took the vehicle to the dealership where we bought it in Dec 2019. We were shocked when we were told this was a very common problem with this type of engine, a 2.0 eco boost, and that the engine would have to be replaced due to coolant intrusion, at the cost of $9300! The vehicle only has 57,000 miles on it and has always been maintained at Prater Ford Lincoln in Calhoun GA. After some research I've found this to be a very well documented problem/engine design failure. Ford and Lincoln have refused any assistance in this matter. The local dealership where we purchased it has told us they won't provide any assistance either. The vehicle is currently in the shop, and the engine is being replaced. It was supposed to be completed 5 days ago. Why hasn't there been a recall? Even though there were no deaths or injuries in my case as well as the others on this site, the financial burden is immense! Since this is such a well-documented problem, there should be a recall on the affected engines, or at the very least some assistance should be provided by Ford and/or Lincoln to the unfortunate owners of these vehicles. Thank you.

Aug 5, 2025

Engin light came on, was diagenosed as coolent leaking in spark plug , or Bad head gasket.

May 1, 2025

I purchased a 2016 Lincoln MKC 2.0 with 96k miles on it 2 months ago, and we just discovered a coolant leak into the first cylinder, causing a cracked head gasket. The engine needs to be replaced, and will cost $15k. Many other drivers have experienced this problem and reported it, and Ford has done nothing to correct the main issue. This problem is causing overheating of the engine, and could potentially cause injury if not fixed.

Apr 1, 2025

We purchased the vehicle about a year and a half ago and about three months after we purchased it. The check engine light went on. We’ve had the vehicle into the dealership several times we’ve had the problem fixed supposedly twice we put in over $1000 in fixing it and now the check engine light came on again And the car stopped running saying it’s overheating. Took it to the dealership and now they say the car needs a whole new engine because they antifreeze is leaking leaked into the engine so they’re quoting us a $12,000 repair. This is a common problem in later models but obviously in the 2016 it’s also a problem.

Feb 21, 2025

Purchased 2016 Lincoln MKC from a Ford dealer in October with approximately 133k miles. Was a trade-in from August. The beginning of January on a very cold day while warming the MKC, the air stayed cold. Drove to work and back. That night added antifreeze as it was low. Next day on the way to work, shortly after leaving home the MKC started losing power and shaking. Couldn't pinpoint where the shake was coming from. A friend's husband is a master tech at the Ford dealership where I purchased it. I described the issues to him. He looked under hood. The antifreeze that was filled up the day before was completely empty. He could tell what the issue was. I called the dealership. Was initially told it would cost $10k-$12k to replace engine. Talked to several managers at the dealership. Called Lincoln Concierge. There was no recall for my vin. The design of my long block with the 2.0 Ecoboost was the same design as the vehicles recalled in 2017-2019. After a second call to Lincoln concierge, was told the vin specifics are based on the plants where the vehicles are made. I did get the MKC to the Ford dealership to do an official diagnosis and it was confirmed that there was coolant intrusion. This has been very disheartening. I'm not understanding why, if the engine is the same design flaw, there is no recall or assistance.

Jun 12, 2024 Fire

The contact owned a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the employee observed flames emanating from the engine compartment. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The employee was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for injuries to his right shoulder, right elbow, and right hip that he sustained while fleeing the vehicle. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine), and the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

Jun 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mar 6, 2024

My 2016 Lincoln MKC has a recall. Recall was mailed to me and I called closest Lincoln dealership to begin process. Dealership stated part was on back order and I would get a call when it comes in. I called a few weeks later and still no luck. I attempted calling several times with no luck. Fast forward 2-3 months after calling, I’m driving with my son and out of nowhere the car begins to stall while driving and fumes start coming out from air vents. It was an awful and strong smell. As I pulled over the check engine and battery light came on. I had vehicle towed to dealership which they return with a catalytic converter code. I paid to get replaced and get a call that car is good to go, but recall part is still not available. Picked up my vehicle and didn’t make it more than .5 miles I realized my car is stalling and will not go past 40mph. Take it back, employees look dumbfounded and ask me to leave car and they will get back to me. I get a call a week later stating I need a pigtail connector and all will be fixed. They change it out, I go pick up my car and still same condition. Leave dealership and wait on another call stating it is a whole electrical wire harness which needs to be changed. I am Told last week that it would be $1900 to repair! I still do not have my car back and feel as if it is a guessing game at my expense!

Dec 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Nov 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke entering the cabin through the vents. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown brake part had melted, and the electrical system was damaged. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

Nov 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Oct 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that he turned on the A/C to cool down the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where the spark plugs, the two variable valve timing solenoids, and the turbo oil lines were replaced, and other unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. 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 while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the A/C started blowing hot air. The contact drove back to his residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 69,000

Oct 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 after entering the vehicle, a message displayed on the instrument panel “Battery disconnected” and the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 47,000

Oct 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 local dealer and a secondary dealer, Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field (7767 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209) were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Sep 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Sep 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Aug 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unavailable.

Jul 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Jul 14, 2023

My car has had an engine light that comes on goes off throwing a code for Cylinder One Misfire since January 2023. It was 'repaired' at the dealership that I bought it from and they replaced the spark plugs and the coil and that did not stop the light from coming on and going on. I took it to another service center in my town and had it checked one of the times that the engine light was on and they used a camera and ran it through the system and found nothing wrong. It has now started to consume large amounts of coolant but I am not seeing a leak on the ground. I do not know where the coolant is going, I am now worried that it is going into the engine. I did purchase a warranty on the engine with the car but the Lincoln Dealership nearest to me will not accept the warranty because it is not a Ford/Lincoln warranty. I don't know what else to do am at a loss.

Jul 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Jun 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the RPM was fluctuating. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was decelerating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100.

Mileage: 100

Jun 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle jerked and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact then smelled a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Jun 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 155,000

Jun 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

May 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the engine fault message was displayed and there was a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced and recommended he contact the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 82,193.

Mileage: 82,193

Mar 1, 2023 Fire

Hello my name is [XXX], SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26TH, 2023 @ 11pm-12am MY CAR SET ON FIRE WILL BEING OFF AND PARKED… We went out to a restaurant parked outside and our car set on fire 15 ft up the air. THANK GOD the car was NOT PARKED at home because the cops mentioned it could have had set fire on ALL my cars, and my house as well!! My mother who is under psychiatric treatment fainted when she heard the cops knock the house at 1 am and mention my car was on fire and they couldn’t reach me. (I had no signal) My sister was screaming, it was a terrible experience that has left them traumatized, as well as myself. The day before I spent the entire day with my nephew who is 3 years old.. this is a serious matter that Lincoln is not owning up to. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Feb 27, 2023 Fire

The car got on fire while being parked and turned off.

Jan 23, 2023

In 2019 I bought a used 2016 Lincoln MKC Reserve 2.0 Ecoboost Engine w 34K miles. In 4 years I've driven 11,400K miles. A few weeks ago my vehicle would not start. I had a tow to a Ford Retailer because the Service Tech at a Lincoln Retailer informed me they were backed up having 10 vehicles waiting to replace failed Ecoboost engines all with coolant leaks most likely I would need the same. After the $400 diagnostics I was told that I needed a new engine! Unlike the Lincoln Tech, Fords would not discuss anything about all the news, recalls or TSBs on Failed Ecoboost Engines. My Powertrain Warranty had recently expired well under mileage I would be responsible to pay. My MKCs decline happened suddenly and rapidly went downhill. First I noticed it was loud at start up which was odd and was running very rough. I checked underside and the rear to see if something was hanging and noticed a bluish gray smoke come out of exhaust for under a minute then then all symptoms cleared. Next for the 1st time a Check Engine Light came on which indicated a Misfire in Cylinder 4. Finally I had no heat in the cabin yet the engine was starting to overheat this time the Check Engine Light was blinking rapidly while driving at night in the freezing cold with my young daughter with me. It was very dangerous with supercold tempuratures being Winter in the NorthEast with icy roads. I started to smell a chemical burning odor. I have never experienced an overheating engine before in my life. I was scared and panicking not wanting to risk my engine blowing up or catching fire especially with my young child. I had no choice but to put all the windows down and pull over on the side of the road which had no sidewalks. The hood was very hot to touch. Next I am under the hood with a flashlight to check the fluids when I first became aware of the Coolant Reservoir was near empty, which explained the lack of heat and overheating. I owe $10k and it will cost $10k to replace Fords FAULTY Engine.

Aug 14, 2022 Fire

2016 LINCOLN MKC parked on driveway for over 24 hours, when my father was outside gardening he noticed smoke and flames coming from under the hood, the Fire Department was called who out the fire out and stated it was "totaled". Fire Department conducted their own investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The report returned indicating the "Engine" was the origin of the fire. Thank the lord my father was outside or our garage and house could have burnt down with all of us in it. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!! I opened two claims with CarMax MaxCare Warranty which were denied. I have one case open with Ford Motor Company which is still pending. Car is currently at autoshop undergoing another diagnosis of the the orgin of fire for my CarMax MaxCare Warranty.

Nov 12, 2021

have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later

Sep 4, 2021 Fire

Unknown. Fire started in engine while car was not turned on and parked.

May 22, 2019

THE ENGINE STARTED STALLING WHEN CRANKING UP IN A PARKED POSITION, AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS, BUT LATELY IT ALSO STALLS JUST WHEN CRANKING UP IN A PARKED POSITION. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON.

Mileage: 80,000

Jan 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND "SHIFT SYSTEM FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOHNSON'S BROTHER LINCOLN (7455 S GENERAL BRUCE DR, TEMPLE, TX 76502, (254) 773-5257) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC REFUSED TO ASSIST. THE DEALER DENIED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A STALLING FAILURE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE BATTERY BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,850.

Mileage: 95,850