YearToAvoid

2015 Lincoln MKC Engine Problems

Engine problems make up 34 of 131 complaints (26%) for the 2015 Lincoln MKC, at a median 49,004 miles. Two engine-related recalls exist, including one for a battery monitor sensor fire risk (campaign 23V378000) and one for an engine block heater issue (campaign 16V183000).

Engine complaints
34
26% of 131
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
49,004 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle stalling suddenly while driving at highway speeds, sometimes with the check engine light on.
  • Some report the engine catching fire while the car was parked and not running.
  • Owners describe the engine sputtering, losing power, and emitting smoke while driving, followed by engine failure.
  • Multiple owners report being notified of recall campaign 23V378000 for the engine but say replacement parts were not available for a reasonable amount of time.
  • One owner mentions a rough idle progressing to sputtering and a check engine light before the engine failed.

When 2015 Lincoln MKC engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 11, 2014, latest Feb 9, 2026.

2015 Lincoln MKC engine complaints: complaints filed per month5Dec 2014Sep 2019Jun 2023Sep 2023Feb 2024Mar 2025Feb 2026
34 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2014 to Feb 2026; peak Sep 2023 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2015 Lincoln MKC

  1. NHTSA 23V378000May 26, 2023Engine142,734 vehiclesPark Outside

    Engine

    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.

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

    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.

  2. NHTSA 16V183000Mar 31, 2016Engine1,543 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

    Risk: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

Engine complaints by MKC model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201534 (26%)
  2. 201647 (59%)
  3. 2017128 (67%)
  4. 201855 (74%)
  5. 201995 (80%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2015 Lincoln MKC?
NHTSA lists 34 engine-related complaints for the 2015 MKC, which is 26% of the 131 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for engine fires in the 2015 Lincoln MKC?
Yes. Campaign 23V378000 covers 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles where the battery monitor sensor may short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving. Owners are advised to park outside away from structures until the repair is done.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 49,004 miles at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2015 MKC.
Are there other engine recalls besides the fire one?
Yes, campaign 16V183000 covers 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles for an engine block heater replacement.
Did the engine fire recall cause any injuries or crashes?
NHTSA data for this complaint area on the 2015 MKC lists 1 fire, 0 crashes, and 0 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.