This page covers 6 recalls, 75 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Lincoln Mkc.
21–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2016 Lincoln MKC owner reports, with coolant-related failures appearing across multiple accounts. Owners frequently describe coolant loss without visible external leaks, often accompanied by engine misfires, rough running, and a check engine light. Cylinder-specific coolant intrusion, particularly into one cylinder, shows up repeatedly, pointing to an internal failure pattern in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. A related thread involves boost system issues, where owners report the check engine light returning even after dealer repairs to boost-related components. Powertrain complaints describe the vehicle jerking, hesitating, and cycling in and out of gear, sometimes alongside the coolant loss symptoms. A smaller but recurring complaint involves the rearview camera displaying a distorted or fuzzy image intermittently.
75
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Lincoln MKC has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks tied to the engine block heater and a separate battery monitor sensor that can overheat and ignite a fire in the engine compartment while the vehicle is parked or in motion.
The block heater issues cover two related problems: on vehicles with the 2.0L engine, the heater can crack and leak coolant, causing a short circuit when plugged in, and on vehicles with the 2.3L engine, the heater element can overheat while plugged in. Both paths lead to fire risk, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles. The battery monitor sensor is a separate concern that can short-circuit and overheat on its own, regardless of whether the block heater is in use. The remaining recall involves the rearview camera, which can display a distorted, flipped, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse, reducing visibility of what is behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, creating an electrical short circuit when plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater or install a threaded plug and remove the electrical cord.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater may leak coolant. If coolant leaks onto the heater when plugged in, it could short circuit.
What the fix does
The block heater will be replaced at a Ford dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, inverted, or blank image when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery monitor sensor can short-circuit and overheat, potentially causing a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an in-line fuse in the battery monitor sensor power circuit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater elements can overheat while plugged in, creating a fire risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine block heater and inspect and replace the electrical cord if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
