YearToAvoid

2017 Lincoln MKC Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 128 engine complaints for the 2017 Lincoln MKC, 67% of its 190 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,500 miles. A related recall (23V378000) covers a battery monitor sensor that can overheat and cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Engine complaints
128
67% of 190
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
75,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Coolant leaks into an engine cylinder, causing loss of heat, low antifreeze, and eventually an overheat warning or blown head gasket.
  • Sudden unintended acceleration while driving or coming to a stop, sometimes resulting in a crash.
  • Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate together, including a message that the engine is overheating, with alarms that clear before the driver can react.
  • A cracked part triggers unexpected warning lights while accelerating or changing lanes at highway speed.
  • A burning odor and loss of power while driving, later traced to a battery problem near the engine bay, in some cases involving a fire.
  • Persistent check engine light traced to antifreeze leaking into an engine cylinder even after spark plugs are replaced.

When 2017 Lincoln MKC engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 7, 2018, latest Sep 17, 2026.

2017 Lincoln MKC engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter162018 Q42021 Q22022 Q22023 Q22024 Q12024 Q42025 Q32026 Q2
128 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q3 (16).

Engine recalls for the 2017 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.

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 2017 Lincoln MKC?
NHTSA lists 128 engine complaints for the 2017 MKC, which is 67% of all 190 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Lincoln MKC engine?
Yes. Recall 23V378000, reported May 26, 2023, covers a battery monitor sensor that can short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving. Ford advises owners to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
At what mileage do 2017 MKC engine problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine complaint area is 75,500 miles.
Have there been any crashes or fires linked to 2017 MKC engine complaints?
NHTSA records show 4 crashes and 1 fire among the 128 engine complaints for the 2017 MKC, with no reported injuries.
How does 2017 compare to other MKC years for engine complaints?
The 2017 MKC's engine complaints make up 67% of its total complaints, higher than 2015 (26%) and 2016 (59%), but lower than 2018 (74%) and 2019 (80%).

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.