This page covers 4 recalls, 64 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc.
20–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.8 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate what 2018 Lincoln MKC owners report, with the 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder drawing the most attention by a wide margin. The most common pattern involves cracked cylinder heads, coolant leaking into the engine block, and rough running, often surfacing well before 60,000 miles. Several owners report the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion, sometimes without any warning lights beforehand, and the vehicle failing to restart afterward. A related thread involves turbocharger problems and coolant system failures that persist even after engine work is done. The engine and cooling system complaints overlap heavily, with overheating and coolant loss frequently mentioned alongside the cylinder head issues. Wheel-related complaints appear in a smaller cluster but lack the detail volume to characterize clearly. The stall-while-driving pattern, with no warning and no restart, is the most consistently described single symptom across multiple reports.
64
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Lincoln MKC has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a cracked engine block heater that can leak coolant and short-circuit when plugged in, and a battery monitor sensor in the engine compartment that can overheat and catch fire while the vehicle is parked or in motion.
On the braking side, certain vehicles may have been fitted with incorrect front brake hoses that can chafe against nearby components, wearing through and leaking brake fluid. As fluid escapes, brake pedal pressure drops and stopping distances grow, raising the risk of a crash. The rearview camera may also display a distorted, flipped, or completely blank image when the vehicle is in reverse, cutting off the driver's view of what is directly behind the vehicle and making it harder to detect pedestrians, cyclists, or other obstacles while backing up.
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.
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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 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 front brake hoses may be incorrect, causing them to rub against other parts and leak brake fluid.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace any incorrect ones at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
