Lincoln Mkc
Problems & Worst Years

Coolant finding its way into the engine is the throughline for the Lincoln MKC across both model years in this data. In 2017, that pattern shows up under two separate headings — coolant intrusion causing misfires (25 reports, high severity) and coolant intrusion into the cylinders leading to outright engine failure (22 reports) — alongside a closely related complaint of engine misfire due to cylinder issues (25 reports, safety severity) and engine failure attributed to known defects (13 reports). A rearview camera system failure adds 9 more reports to that year's total of 112. Recalls 23V378 and 25V685 apply to the 2017 model.

The 2019 MKC carries the same underlying coolant intrusion problem (13 reports) but adds a notable new complaint: recall repair delays for engine issues, reported 17 times and the single most common complaint that year, suggesting owners struggled not just with the defect but with getting it addressed once a recall existed. Misfiring paired with a check engine light (9 reports), overheating (7 reports), and battery or electrical system issues (6 reports) round out a shorter list of 67 total complaints. The same two recall campaigns, 23V378 and 25V685, cover this model year as well.

Given that both recall campaigns span both model years and directly relate to the engine coolant problem that dominates this vehicle's complaint history, confirming that both have been completed — and asking specifically about any wait experienced getting the repair done — is essential before buying a used MKC from either year. These are owner-filed reports rather than a certified failure rate, and the newer 2019 model has simply had less time on the road to build up its own count, so a mechanic's inspection focused on coolant and engine condition, plus documented proof of recall completion, will tell a buyer far more than the model year alone.