2018 LINCOLN MKC Engine Problems

35 complaints about Engine

35
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Deaths

This Problem Across All Years

All Engine Complaints (35)

Dec 27, 2025

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.

Oct 24, 2025

Coolant intrusion in engine

Oct 21, 2025

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.

Mileage: 42,000

Oct 2, 2025

Car had engine light come on, was told from dealer need completely new engine despite only 70k miles. Is a known issue, please protect US consumers.

Sep 25, 2025

Check engine light came on. The engine has coolant intrusion and the engine would have to be replaced, quoted me $17,240.83 I called [XXX] Lincoln client relationship center and I was told there was nothing they can do to help me. After doing some research, this has been a known problem by Lincoln and they have not put out any recalls. They also have a class action lawsuit against them INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sep 23, 2025

The engine light has appeared approximately in April 2025. The inspection advised that the engine code indicated a misfire in cylinder 4. The engine rough idles when started. The coolant loss is extensive due to an engine issue and must be constantly filled.vwe were told by, iPaul's Repair shop, that upon calling Ford, that there was a Lincoln technical service bulletin re: the 2 liter eco boost engine. It was re coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Service bulletin # 19-2346. We have also replaced the spark plugs and coils. The engine light still came on with the same issue. It did not solve the problem of a DEFECTIVE ENGINE.

Sep 4, 2025

I am writing regarding my 2018 Lincoln MKC, VIN # [XXX] which is experiencing clear symptoms of coolant intrusion into the cylinders. These include low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, engine misfires, and a rough-running condition. According to **Technical Service Bulletin 19‑2346** (NHTSA ID 10169807, dated December 20, 2019), this issue is a known defect affecting MKC models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and recommends replacement of the long‑block assembly to correct the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 30, 2025

Kirk Brothers ford supposedlly put a new engine in my vehicle. I've had issues with it ever since they supposedly put the engine in. I had another mechanic just look at it on 14AUG25 and he informed me that the engine was shot.

Aug 9, 2025

I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with the well known coolant intrusion complete engine failure. I need a new long block at a cost of 9500 dollars. I had no warning light or check engine light to warn me about this issue prior to taking it to Ford dealer in Buellton to ask why coolant was emptying so fast. I had previously taken it to Lincoln dealer while under warranty and was told no issues. Even though they had a specific service bulletin stating the problems I was having. I feel my safety was at risk because I drive alone into sketchy areas for my job and my car could have just stopped and I would be an elderly woman alone with a broken down car waiting for a tow. It also could have possibly caught on fire I’m told. Lincoln Concierge was no help. Said it was VIN specific and not enough vehicles affected to warrant a recall. Mechanic at Ford says 3 to 4 vehicles a month are being repaired at his shop and they are a rural dealership. I think we are all being fleeced. We spent 40000 plus for a luxury reliable vehicle. We still have car payments. Can’t use as trade in. Can’t afford to buy another car. I can’t do my job. The stress alone may be dangerous for my health. Pending lawsuit won’t begin until June of 2026. This is so wrong

Aug 5, 2025

Coolant is leaking into the cylinders and could cause the engine to seize while driving. The issue was identified at a Ford dealership and is a known issue on this engine and has been admitted by Ford/Lincoln as a problem. The only warning was a check engine light which appeared after the problem existed and only fix is to replace the engine. Ford/Lincoln did not make any attempts to notify owners in advance of this issue so it could be checked. There are still many of these engines on the road which could seize at any time and cause tragic results.

Jul 24, 2025

Dealer service technician states the a crack in the engine block is allowing coolant to enter the cylinder causing misfiring. This appears to require engine replacement with only 59000 miles on the vehicle. This is a common problem with the 2018 engine and could result in a fire.

Jul 16, 2025

I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with approximately 58,000 miles, always taken care of and maintained, in excellent condition. Almost immediately after my extended warranty ran out the check engine light came on and it started to start and idle rough. Took it to a Lincoln dealer, they replaced coil assembly # 4 and the 4 spark plugs, told me if it continues there might be coolant intrusion to the engine and the engine would need to be replaced. Check engine light came on 2 days later again, back to the dealership where they told me there was coolant intrusion and the engine will need to replaced. $8020.00 estimate, Lincoln/Ford is aware of this defect in this engine, they should recall this engine and replace it.

Jul 11, 2025

Check engine light came on at approx 54,000 miles with code of cylinder 2 misfire diagnosed as spark plugs and ignition coils need replaced. All spark plugs and ignition coils replaced May 11. June 23 check engine light on again with cylinder 2 misfire. Was told spark plugs and ignition coils need replaced again. July 9 spark plugs and ignitiion coils replaced. July 10 check engine light came on cylinder 2 misfire. July 11 car was diagnosed as needing engine replacement due to coolant intrusion causing rust in engine

Jun 18, 2025

Loosing Coolant resulting in coolant leaking into the engine. White smoke coming from exhaust m. Repair garage states only fix is to replace with revised engine causing over $10,000 in repair costs.

May 19, 2025

2018 Lincoln MKC with 112,700 miles hesitating with accelerating. There have been no check engine lights activated. Took to Ford dealership for inspection and they found coolant level low and confirmed shuddering/jerking when accelerating. Found that cylinder 1 misfiring and upon further inspection found coolant intrusion in cylinder 1. Recommended long block replacement. I found that this year model with Ford Ecoboost 2L engine has had frequent issues with the coolant leaking into cylinders due to poor design of this engine. Contacted Ford and asked for help with the cost to replace the engine block and was denied any assistance.

May 12, 2025

Engine failure due to coolant leak. Causing vehicle to overheat without warning while traveling down highway Issue has been reported to service center No other inspection No warning indicated.

May 4, 2025

1st Engine Failure Dec 2021 due to coolant intrusion and the long block engine needed to be replaced. After the repair I came to look at it & I found, Bolts were missing—including from the undercarriage, battery mount, & power steering reservoir, splash guard, inner wheel well shield. Tools (10mm Snap-on socket & unidentified loose bolts) were left inside the engine bay. The coolant hose came loose, which your team tried to charge $4,000 to fix, despite it being clearly related to poor installation of the engine. The engine mounts—normally last 10-14 yrs before needing to be replaced—suddenly failed. Wiring harnesses weren’t secured, not informed of new engine warranty coverage being only for 1 yr. 2nd Engine Failure (Dec 2024): Less than 22k miles later, the engine failed again—this time 4 months outside the so-called 1-yr warranty that I was never told about. Now, I’m expected to pay out of pocket for another engine, which would conveniently include a 3-yr warranty this time. Why wasn’t the 1st replacement engine covered under the same terms? Purchased with: 45,000 miles 1st engine failed at: 53,594 miles, Coolant hose/engine mount issues: 61,000 miles, 2nd engine failed at: 84,193 miles if inspection is needed, I have photos. It has been confirmed by northpark lincoln dealership. It was inspected by the manufacturer and other mechanics, not affiliated with dealership. No warning signs no warning lamps no codes thrown no nothing until the loss of acceleration and torque combined with the amount of white smoke coming out of the tailpipe in the middle of the summer. It was the only notification it was too late by that point the damage has been done. On both occasions, the exact same thing happened no warning lights no check engine lights no MIL lights, or codes thrown just simply a huge cloud of dust coming from the tailpipe, and you lose almost all power and acceleration. Symptoms appeared after the damage had been done so no way to tell that something wrong prior.

Feb 15, 2025

It was almost time for an oil change when the check engine light came on. The engine was idling roughly when the car was first started. I decided to take the car in early for the oil change and to get them to check the check engine light that’s when they told me of the known problem with the cracked engine block, and the engine coolant leaking into the engine. I took the car to another place for a second opinion and the mechanic told me he had repaired five of these vehicles recently. In my research, I have found that Ford was aware of this problem with Ford vehicles and Lincoln vehicles, but has not offered a solution to the problem. I don’t find a recall notice or anything Ford is doing about this problem, except replacing the engine, as instructed by Ford and charging me full price for the replacement of the engine. I would not have purchased this vehicle had I known of this problem. This vehicle has had every scheduled maintenance performed by the Lincoln dealership except two oil changes that were done at a Ford dealership.

Nov 4, 2024

Engine light came on and showed misfire in cylinder 4. Changed spark plug and engine coil. Still had engine light on and misfiring. Car drove in power safety mode. After much diagnosis and inspection, master mechanic found coolant leaking into the cylinder walls due to a faulty (poorly manufactured) head gasket. Coolant intrusion caused white exhaust smoke, damage to the engine block and risk of fire. Shop replaced head cylinder and gasket with current oem parts that appeared to be revised. Vehicle remains to drive in poor condition with 54k miles. Powertrain warranty did not cover this expense being the vehicle met the 6 year mark in March 2024.

Oct 9, 2024

I purchased the automobile on [XXX] with 44,175 miles. When the engine light came on recently, I took it to the Lincoln dealer here in Las Vegas, paid $205 for the computer to be assessed, and was told the problem was coolant leaking into the engine. They were not able to start any repairs at that time. I was not told what it would cost to repair or the time involved. I assumed it was an air conditioning problem. I drove it a few days and the engine light went off, only to come back on. I then took it to AAA ($177 for the diagnosis), reporting that cylinder 3 had coolant leaking. Tech found TSB 19-2172 TSB. 19-2172 is for current symptoms of misfire at start-up. It was suggested that I take it to the Lincoln dealer. While driving the car home on [XXX], the engine was missing, chugging. I was afraid it would stall. I am thankful it did not stall on the freeway and that I made it home safely. When I called the Lincoln dealer to make an appointment to take the car in for service, I was told it would take three or four weeks to get it repaired, that the engine would have to be replaced for $7,800 - $9,800, and that Lincoln Motor Company will not take any responsibility. He said there were two other vehicles in line with the same problem. Due to being afraid to drive it, I had the car towed by AAA on Monday, October 7, 2024, to the Lincoln dealer and was told the estimate to repair it would be $8,493. This is a coolant intrusion issue due to a faulty design in the engine block where the cooling channels will crack and leak coolant into the piston chambers. As gleaned from the Internet, this appears to have been an ongoing problem with this model. I've observed so far from the Internet that Lincoln Motor Company is not taking responsibility for this faulty design affecting many Lincoln owners. I am [XXX], and living on a fixed income. I had to rent a car and put up a $735 deposit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sep 26, 2024

2018 Lincoln MXC -2.0L- 47,000 mile Need engine long block replacement Coolant leaking into cylinders

Sep 8, 2024

After the original 2.0L EcoBoost in my MKC Black Label failed from coolant intrusion around 37,500 miles in May 2023, the replacement engine my dealer installed also failed from coolant intrusion. This time, it failed in July 2024 after less than 5,000 miles. Like the first engine failure, the check engine light illuminated, but this time, the code I saw was P0300 random cylinder misfire. Like last time, the dealer performed a cooling system pressurization test, and the engine failed the test. They also did a borescope inspection and saw coolant leaking into cylinder three's combustion chamber. They also found rust pitting in the cylinder walls. Like last time, they replaced the $7,000+ long block. This failed replacement engine was assembled in March 2023 via the engine code information sticker, with the block part number J2GE 6006 AC, which Ford's TSB 22-2229 states technicians should use. The engine currently in my car, the second replacement, was assembled in April 2024, having the same block part number of J2GE 6006 AC as the first replacement engine assembled in March 2023. In other words, the dealer installed an engine with the same block part number as the one that failed on me in less than 5,000 miles. All three of my MKC's engines are assembled at Ford's Valencia engine plant in Spain. I'm afraid this second engine replacement will also fail, and I'll have to pay the full cost. In the less than three years I've owned this car, these engine replacements have cost $14,000+. I can't believe how many owners have experienced this coolant intrusion problem, as the 2.0L EcoBoost is used in many models. And it's not just the 2.0L; it's also other variants such as the 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.3L. I hope Ford will do the right thing and recall these engines, or NHTSA will open an investigation and force a recall. Please help us owners, NHTSA, as there are many, many more of us out there suffering from these notorious engine problems that Ford doesn't want to deal with.

Sep 5, 2024

I have the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 (assembled December 2017, engine block part number HV 206 AA) in my 2018 Lincoln MKC Black Label. The head gasket failed at 37,000 miles in May 2023, according to my Ford/Lincoln dealer. It started as intermittent misfiring/running rough with the check engine light illuminated. My scanner detected the code P0301 cylinder one misfire. My coolant reservoir tank level also gradually decreased, with no visible leakage. After waiting weeks to have my engine looked at, they confirmed that cylinder 1 was burning coolant as it failed Ford's cooling system pressurization test. A borescope test also proved that the coolant was leaking into cylinder one's combustion chamber. At this point, I've learned from many complaints online that these engines are notorious for suffering coolant intrusion even at low mileage, and Ford refuses to issue a recall despite this well-known issue that also plagues other EcoBoost I-4 variants. This well-known coolant intrusion problem affecting many Ford and Lincoln models is a costly safety issue for owners. Ford needs to do the right thing and recall these engines. I bought the car in December 2021 with 30,000 miles from a Lincoln dealer in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it was CPO, so the extended warranty covered the engine replacement (long block). Had this not been under warranty, I would have paid more than $7,000. Most owners are not fortunate like me to have a warranty cover this repair. The replacement engine in my MKC now was assembled in March 2023 via the engine code information sticker, with the block part number J2GE 6006 AC.

Aug 29, 2024

2.0 Ecoboost engine has coolant intrusion issues due to manufacturing defect and is causing the vehicle to be unsafe to drive

Aug 23, 2024

Misfire cylinder2 coolant found in combustion chamber requiring longblock engine replacement. Through investigation found that this is a widespread factory defect that Ford is well aware of. A diagnostic check was not performed on this issue during any routine service visit even though a technical service bulletin had been distributed to dealerships in 2019. The dealership and Ford customer service personnel all confirm there was nothing an owner could have done to prevent this result. An engine light came on at 37,000 miles, just 1 year outside of the warranty.

Aug 1, 2024

I purchased car in Septemver of 2023, in May of 2024 I started ha jng issues with it misfiring and a mechanic told me I had a coolant leaking. in June 2024 I had to take it to a mechanic as an emergency as it wasn't driving properly. I was then informed that I need a new engine because coolant is leaking onto engine block. I then took it to the dealership i bought it from, they in turn took it to Lincoln, who verified with a diagnostic that yes it did need a new engine. i did some research and Lincoln has a safety bulletin out for ghis exact issue for cars from 2017-2019. I have had my car at dealership I bought it form snd at lincoln and no one is taking responsibility of this issue and the fact that I've had the car less then 1 year. I can't afford to replace the engine for $7,000.

Oct 17, 2023

My car was recalled by Lincoln in May 2023 because a battery sensor causes the car to catch on fire anytime, on or off. I have had my car in to Lincoln 2 times since then and there are no parts to fix the recall. Lincoln says the sensors are on back order and they don't know when they will be available, no end date. My car can combust at anytime and Lincoln has no idea when they will have the part to fix it! There are 143, 000 cars in this recall and since May when Lincoln finally announced the recall, there have been no parts available to fix the recall since they made the announcement.

Sep 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Sep 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the battery warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had 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 dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part was shipped to the dealer to perform the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect

Mileage: 60,000

Jul 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Jul 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate however, the engine overheated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Mileage: 41,000

Aug 4, 2022

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11477621 *DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

Mileage: 61,000

Jun 13, 2022

My check engine light went on one week ago and we received a message that my vehicle was unsafe to drive due to an engine misfire. We did not drive the vehicle, but could not take it into the dealership until today as they were backlogged and could not fit it in until today (9/13/22). I just received notice that my 2018 Lincoln MKC needs the engine block replaced due to a known issue with the 2.0 ecoboost engine leaking coolant into the engine, which can cause overheating and possible combustion. I discovered that there is a technical service bulletin noting this known issue, but there has not been a recall on the vehicle and it will now cost $7800 to replace.

Mar 2, 2022

Misfire cylinder2 coolant found in combustion chamber requiring longblock engine replacement. Through investigation found that this is a widespread factory defect that Ford is well aware of. A diagnostic check was not performed on this issue during any routine service visit even though a technical service bulletin had been distributed to dealerships in 2019. The dealership and Ford customer service personnel all confirm there was nothing an owner could have done to prevent this result. An engine light came on at 77,000 miles, just 7,000 miles outside of the warranty.

Nov 6, 2021

Engine light came on and my LinolnWAy app told me to not drive over 45 mph because my car may start having smoke come out. I took the car to the dealership and was told that I needed a new engine because the coolant has leaked over . I was told that my car was the 5th Lincoln that came in and needed a new engine. A new engine was installed and I was told that i had just made the warranty otherwise it would have been a $9000 fix. I was without a car for a week and a half.