What year Lincoln MKC should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2015 and 2017 Lincoln MKC. The 2017 has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all years, and the 2015 has an index of 75.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKC?

The 2016 Lincoln MKC is the best year based on NHTSA complaint data, with a Complaint Index of 0 and only 80 total complaints, the fewest among the five model years covered.

What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKC?

Across all model years, the engine is the top problem area, accounting for 359 of 594 total complaints, or 60%. Electrical system issues rank second at 13%.

Does the Lincoln MKC have engine fire recalls?

Yes. The 2015-2019 MKC is covered by a recall for a battery monitor sensor that may short-circuit and cause a fire in the engine compartment, and owners are told to park outside until it is fixed.

Is the 2019 Lincoln MKC reliable?

The 2019 MKC is a Caution year with a Complaint Index of 50, better than 2015 and 2017 but worse than 2016 and 2018.

Lincoln MKC Best and Worst Years (2015–2019)

Avoid the 2015 and 2017 Lincoln MKC, which have Complaint Index scores of 75 and 100 and rank worst of the five model years, both driven by engine problems (26% and 67% of complaints respectively). The 2016 MKC is the best year with a Complaint Index of 0.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2015 Avoid 2017 Best 2016

Model years: 5; 2015–2019
NHTSA complaints: 594
Recall campaigns: 14
Crashes reported: 19
Fires reported: 12
Top problem area: Engine

MKC Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln MKC problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2015	Avoid	75	131	7	1	12	Engine	22	4★
2016	Best	0	80	1	7	5	Engine	22	4★
2017	Avoid	100	190	7	2	3	Engine	21.5	4★
2018	Good	25	74	3	0	4	Engine	21.5	4★
2019	Caution	50	119	1	2	3	Engine	21.5	4★

MKC years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 Lincoln MKC Index 100 · 190 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2017 MKC has the highest Complaint Index in the lineup at 100 and ranks worst of the five model years. Engine complaints dominate at 67% of all reports, with a median failure mileage of 75,500 miles. Owners reported a USB charging station catching fire at low mileage and unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this year, including one for a battery monitor sensor that may short-circuit and cause an engine compartment fire, which requires owners to park outside until repaired.

2017 engine problems →2017 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2017 electrical system problems →

2015 Lincoln MKC Index 75 · 131 complaints · 12 recalls

The 2015 MKC has a Complaint Index of 75 and ranks second-worst of the five model years. Engine complaints make up 26% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 49,004 miles, followed by electrical system issues at 21% (median 35,000 miles) and transmission/powertrain problems at 14% (median 53,000 miles). Owners reported engine fires, including one where a stationary vehicle caught fire in a garage. NHTSA also lists 12 recalls for this year, including a rearview camera replacement and an engine block heater that may crack and leak coolant.

2015 engine problems →2015 electrical system problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common Lincoln MKC problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine359 (60%)
Electrical System75 (13%)
Other65 (11%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras54 (9%)
Transmission & Powertrain50 (8%)
Fuel System27 (5%)
Structure & Body20 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires19 (3%)
Steering15 (3%)
Airbags11 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Lincoln MKC should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2015 and 2017 Lincoln MKC. The 2017 has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all years, and the 2015 has an index of 75.
What is the best year for the Lincoln MKC?: The 2016 Lincoln MKC is the best year based on NHTSA complaint data, with a Complaint Index of 0 and only 80 total complaints, the fewest among the five model years covered.
What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKC?: Across all model years, the engine is the top problem area, accounting for 359 of 594 total complaints, or 60%. Electrical system issues rank second at 13%.
Does the Lincoln MKC have engine fire recalls?: Yes. The 2015-2019 MKC is covered by a recall for a battery monitor sensor that may short-circuit and cause a fire in the engine compartment, and owners are told to park outside until it is fixed.
Is the 2019 Lincoln MKC reliable?: The 2019 MKC is a Caution year with a Complaint Index of 50, better than 2015 and 2017 but worse than 2016 and 2018.