NHTSA vehicle safety data

2017 Lincoln MKC Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2017 Lincoln MKC has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 194 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Lincoln dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2017 Lincoln MKC, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2017 Lincoln MKC owner complaints

Owners have filed 194 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Lincoln MKC, describing incidents dated September 25, 2016 to October 24, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 129 complaints
Unknown or Other 22 complaints
Back Over Prevention 21 complaints
Electrical System 20 complaints
Power Train 10 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints

Of the 194 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 194 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11774539 · Filed October 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blue blinking image. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed…
ODI #11773503 · Filed October 25, 2026
While loading my vehicle during a trip, when I turned around to pick up a bag and turned back to put it in the back of the vehicle, the entire liftgate had lowered halfway and I hit my head forcefully on it from a crouched position. I have a pretty serious concussion from this. I was not aware that…
ODI #11769840 · Filed October 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside…

Read all 194 complaints

Owner-reported

2017 Lincoln MKC mileage at failure

61 of the 194 complaints on file for the 2017 Lincoln MKC give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Engine	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–100,000 miles	Based on 39 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

NHTSA #25V685000 · Equipment — Electrical — Engine Block Heater · NHTSA notice

Reported October 10, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 59,006 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 25SA4

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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 December 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.

Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image

NHTSA #25V572000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported September 3, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,456,417 vehicles

Repair completion: 21.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 25S89 · Owners notified January 13, 2026 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Engine Compartment Fire While Parked or Driving

NHTSA #23V378000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported May 26, 2023 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 142,734 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 23S28 · Owners notified August 8, 2023

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

2017 Lincoln MKC SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

16% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

2017 Lincoln MKC SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

17% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

194 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Lincoln MKC.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11774539

Incident: November 19, 2025 · Filed: October 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blue blinking image. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was associated with an electrical wiring failure. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11773503

1 injury

Incident: October 24, 2026 · Filed: October 25, 2026

While loading my vehicle during a trip, when I turned around to pick up a bag and turned back to put it in the back of the vehicle, the entire liftgate had lowered halfway and I hit my head forcefully on it from a crouched position. I have a pretty serious concussion from this. I was not aware that this malfunction existed in this vehicle. It is very dangerous and almost knocked me out! This happened on a Saturday and I cannot afford to go to the ER, so I will go to my Dr. on Monday (tomorrow) morning. (unless my roommate sees my condition worsening) I am resting but my head hurts and I am very nauseated and tired. Blurry vision.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11769840

Incident: September 21, 2026 · Filed: October 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Engine

ODI #11767096

Incident: August 18, 2026 · Filed: September 26, 2026

My 2017 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost has recently experienced a serious engine failure and requires engine replacement. It developed an engine problem while driving on at least two occasions and is no longer reliable or safe to operate. No prior warning messages were observed on the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to pull over on the side of the road and I observed smoke coming from the engine. I was then concerned about the safety of an unexpected engine failure while driving, which might cause the vehicle to stop in traffic. I have now observed green/milky contamination on the engine oil dipstick. The vehicle requires further diagnostic evaluation and engine replacement by a Ford dealership. Ford issued technical service information concerning coolant intrusion into the cylinders of 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles with 2.0L EcoBoost engines. I am reporting because I believe the engine failure may be related to this condition and may represent a safety defect. I am in the process of having the Ford dealership inspect the vehicle and likely replace the engine. I can request the engine be retained for possible inspection. Ford Lincoln has been contacted regarding this problem. They denied any post-warranty financial assistance. I am concerned the failure may be related to the coolant-intrusion condition described in Ford's technical service information.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11764929

Incident: September 22, 2025 · Filed: September 17, 2026

The contact's wife owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the #3 cylinder and spark plug had seized and there was water intrusion into the engine. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: DP26008. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced by an independent mechanic with parts from the local authorized dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 101,989.

Electrical System

ODI #11762103

Incident: June 2, 2026 · Filed: September 4, 2026

I own a Lincoln Mkc 2017 - purchased on 2/19/19 with 12miles I have replaced 4 batteries over the years so far. I drive every day. I am never sure if the car will start. Multiple times i have a dead battery. Lincoln has a problem with this module and the electrical system. parasitic drainage issues on the battery. I don't feel safe, because there is an "unknown" draining the battery, therefore I am scared to drive the car and don't want to keep getting stranded. They have discontinued this make and model, but I am seeing the same complaints with the Corsair. My car only has 53k miles, it is in excellent condition. But unfortunately, i cannot rely on this car. I don't know what to do.

Engine

ODI #11757136

Incident: August 15, 2026 · Filed: August 15, 2026

Check engine light on. Codes P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302. Technician confirmed via scope coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and 2. Technician stated it is known issue with this engine and recommends a new engine for $16,169.92. This has been an ongoing issue for the past two years.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11756940

Incident: August 5, 2026 · Filed: August 14, 2026

My husband and I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ that was purchase new in 2018. It is equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 69,000 miles. It has been meticulously cared for! Before the diagnosis, I noticed that when starting the vehicle and backing up, the engine would jerk slightly until I stepped on the accelerator to proceed. The check engine light then came on, which prompted me to take the vehicle to the Lincoln dealer for diagnosis. The servicing Ford/Lincoln dealer, Sugar Loaf Ford in [XXX], examined the vehicle and found coolant in a cylinder. We have been advised that the engine requires replacement. I am concerned because this appears consistent with reported coolant-intrusion problems involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine used in certain Ford/Lincoln vehicles. A vehicle with only approximately 69,000 miles should not require complete engine replacement because coolant is entering a cylinder. We contacted Lincoln Customer Service and opened case #XXX requesting assistance. Lincoln declined our request and closed the case. Sugar Loaf Ford also contacted Lincoln on our behalf, but Lincoln again declined assistance. I am filing this complaint because I am concerned that this may be a recurring engine defect rather than normal wear. I request that NHTSA document this failure and consider it together with similar complaints involving 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles, particularly failures involving coolant intrusion into the cylinders and resulting engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine

ODI #11756792

Incident: August 8, 2026 · Filed: August 13, 2026

Coolant intrusion into number 2 cylinder requiring full engine replacement of my 2017 my 2.0l eco boost engine

Engine

ODI #11756340

Incident: August 5, 2026 · Filed: August 11, 2026

Head gasket failure where engine coolant leaked internally into the engine cylinders.

Other Lincoln MKC model years

Check your 2017 Lincoln MKC VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Lincoln MKC at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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