NHTSA Complaint #11678637 — 2019 LINCOLN MKC

On or about July 29, 2025, the check engine light illuminated in my 2019 Lincoln MKC Sport with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. A mechanic inspected the vehicle on August 4, 2025, and confirmed coolant is entering cylinder one, likely due to a blown head gasket or, less likely, an engine block crack. Symptoms include coolant loss, potential misfiring, and the check engine light activation. The issue was identified through diagnostic testing (e.g., borescope inspection or compression test, pending specific results). No external coolant leaks were observed, indicating an internal engine failure. The vehicle has 89,516 miles and was purchased three months ago on May 5, 2025, from Ford City in Champaign, Illinois. Safety Concerns: Coolant intrusion into cylinder one risks engine misfiring, rough idling, or sudden power loss, which could cause engine stalling or failure during operation. This poses a serious safety hazard, as it may lead to loss of vehicle control, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic, endangering the driver, passengers, and other road users. The defect compromises the reliability of the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and requires costly repairs. Additional Context: • No known history of severe overheating exists, but maintenance records prior to purchase are unavailable. • The vehicle has no aftermarket modifications. • No crashes or injuries have occurred, but the issue emerged shortly after purchase, suggesting a possible pre-existing defect. • Similar coolant intrusion issues have been reported in earlier 2.0L EcoBoost engines (e.g., 2013–2016 Ford models), and this may indicate a recurring defect in the 2019 MKC. • I urge NHTSA to investigate whether this engine issue warrants a recall due to its potential safety impact.