How common are engine problems in the 2018 Lincoln MKC?

NHTSA lists 55 engine complaints for the 2018 MKC, which is 74% of all 74 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2018 Lincoln MKC engine problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 60,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Lincoln MKC engine?

Yes. Recall 23V378000, reported May 26, 2023, covers a battery monitor sensor that may short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment. Owners are advised to park outside away from structures until repaired.

Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these engine complaints?

NHTSA data for this problem area shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

Is the engine problem rate worse in 2018 than other MKC model years?

The 74% share for 2018 is higher than 2015 (26%), 2016 (59%), and 2017 (67%), but slightly lower than 2019 (80%), based on NHTSA complaint data.

2018 Lincoln MKC Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 55 engine complaints for the 2018 Lincoln MKC, 74% of all complaints filed for this model year. The median mileage at failure is 60,000 miles, and a related recall (23V378000) covers a battery monitor sensor fire risk in the engine compartment.

Engine complaints: 55; 74% of 74
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 60,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Coolant leaks into the combustion chamber, often at cylinder #2 or #3, causing a misfire and eventually requiring a long-block engine replacement.
Check engine light illuminates along with a misfire warning, sometimes accompanied by an in-app alert telling the owner not to exceed 45 mph due to smoke risk.
Vehicle fails to accelerate when the pedal is pressed while the engine overheats and the check engine light comes on.
Battery warning and other unknown warning lights illuminate at startup, tied to the battery monitor sensor covered by recall 23V378000.
Owners report long waits for the recall 23V378000 repair part, leaving the fire risk unresolved for extended periods.
Slight hesitation on startup traced to low coolant level and coolant intrusion into a cylinder, diagnosed at the dealer.

When 2018 Lincoln MKC engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 6, 2021, latest Sep 18, 2026.

55 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2024 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKC

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.

201534 (26%)
201647 (59%)
2017128 (67%)
201855 (74%)
201995 (80%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Lincoln MKC?: NHTSA lists 55 engine complaints for the 2018 MKC, which is 74% of all 74 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2018 Lincoln MKC engine problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 60,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Lincoln MKC engine?: Yes. Recall 23V378000, reported May 26, 2023, covers a battery monitor sensor that may short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment. Owners are advised to park outside away from structures until repaired.
Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these engine complaints?: NHTSA data for this problem area shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
Is the engine problem rate worse in 2018 than other MKC model years?: The 74% share for 2018 is higher than 2015 (26%), 2016 (59%), and 2017 (67%), but slightly lower than 2019 (80%), based on NHTSA complaint data.