2018 Lincoln MKC Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
25/100
#4 most-complained of 5 MKC years
The 2018 Lincoln MKC ranks 4th out of 5 model years with a complaint index of 25, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other MKC years. NHTSA lists 74 complaints, 4 recalls, and 0 fires, with Engine complaints (74% share) dominating at a median 60,000 miles.
- Complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19 city / 25 hwy
Top 2018 Lincoln MKC problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine55 (74%)
- Other6 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (5%)
- Electrical System2 (3%)
- Fuel System2 (3%)
- Lane Departure2 (3%)
- Steering2 (3%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine developing a coolant leak into the combustion chamber, causing misfires and requiring a full engine block replacement.
- Some owners were warned by in-car alerts not to exceed a certain speed because of possible smoke, then were told at the dealership the engine needed replacement.
- One owner reported the lane departure system steering the vehicle too far left at highway speed, causing it to hit a median and roll over.
- Owners describe the shifter allowing the vehicle to roll away unattended after being parked with the engine off, in one case causing a fall and injuries.
- Tire wear and tire failures were reported at relatively low mileage, including bubbling and air loss on multiple tires on the same vehicle.
2018 Lincoln MKC recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V685000Oct 10, 2025Other59,006 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
- NHTSA 25V572000Sep 3, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,456,417 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
- 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.
2018 Lincoln MKC fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,025
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other MKC years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Lincoln MKC reliable?
- Compared with other MKC model years, the 2018 ranks 4th out of 5 with a complaint index of 25 and a "Good" verdict. It has fewer complaints (74) than the 2015, 2017, and 2019 model years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Lincoln MKC?
- Engine problems account for 74% of complaints (55 of 74), with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles. NHTSA also lists an engine-related recall (23V378000) for a battery monitor sensor fire risk.
- Does the 2018 Lincoln MKC have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 MKC, covering a block heater issue, a rearview camera defect, an engine compartment fire risk from the battery monitor sensor, and incorrect front brake hoses. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 MKC compare to other years?
- The 2018 model year has a complaint index of 25, better than the 2015 (75, Avoid), 2017 (100, Avoid), and 2019 (50, Caution) model years, but worse than the 2016 (0, Best).