2018 LINCOLN MKC — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
78
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
12
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 LINCOLN MKC
The 2018 LINCOLN MKC has received a total of 78 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 17 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (37 complaints), Engine And Engine Cooling (8 complaints), and Power Train (5 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC
NHTSA has recorded 17 recalls for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC, potentially affecting up to 13,939,523 vehicles.
Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 25V572000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 1,456,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s 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 May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service...
View full details →Recall 23V378000 — ENGINE
| 142,734 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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....
View full details →Recall 23V378000 — ENGINE
| 142,734 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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....
View full details →Recall 23V378000 — ENGINE
| 142,734 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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....
View full details →Recall 23V378000 — ENGINE
| 142,734 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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....
View full details →Recall 23V378000 — ENGINE
| 142,734 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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....
View full details →Recall 18V104000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 88 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall...
View full details →Recall 25V685000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
| 59,006 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will...
View full details →Recall 25V685000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
| 59,006 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC
78 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Warnings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Diesel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasolinedelivery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Lane Keep Automatic Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed displayed a distorted image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine maintenance; however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Ford is well aware of the scam and refuses to fix the faulty engine for millions of these vehicles. 2018 MKC is trash. Already rebuilt the engine, turbo is garbage and the coolant will continue to leak with new engine because it’s a flawed design. They are fully aware but greed is more important than safety or a satisfied customer. I pray the are held accountable eventually.
The check engine light came on and it would run rough when started. It was determined the number four cylinder head was cracked, allowing antifreeze to leak into the engine block. I bought the car new in January 2019. The problem appeared with under 57,000 actual miles. The car has always been serviced on time at the dealership. The cost to fix the problem with a new engine is approximately $10,000. I bought the car new so that I would not have problems. It is my only form of transportation. In researching, I have found this is a reoccurring problem on the echo boost four-cylinder engine since 2017. It didn’t matter whether it was low mileage or high mileage the cracks would appear. There had been a recall on later models, but no recall for the 2018. I believe it should be under recall.
I was driving home from work on December 24th 2025 and my 2018 lincoln mkc 2.3l shut off on me while I was in motion. There were several cars that had to swerve and not hit me. The car would not start but I was able to put the vehicle in neutral and roll to the shoulder of the road. I was very scared and angry because this vehicle only has 54,646 miles currently, give or take 50 miles. I had to get the towed to my home. This needs to be resolved and Fird/Lincoln needs to faithfully fix this dangerous defect, i could have died. Please please do something because I do not want anyone else to deal with this.
I was driving home from work on December 24th 2025 and my 2018 lincoln mkc 2.3l shut off on me while I was in motion. There were several cars that had to swerve and not hit me. The car would not start but I was able to put the vehicle in neutral and roll to the shoulder of the road. I was very scared and angry because this vehicle only has 54,646 miles currently, give or take 50 miles. I had to get the towed to my home. This needs to be resolved and Fird/Lincoln needs to faithfully fix this dangerous defect, i could have died. Please please do something because I do not want anyone else to deal with this.
Safety Rating for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC
The 2018 LINCOLN MKC received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC
Ford Motor Company has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
20B27 S1 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine and 6F35 transmission; Powertrain Control Module reprogram. Supplement: Program terms will be in effect through August 31, 2023 This program is now eligible for mobile repairs
TSB 22-2133 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored...
SSM 47909 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
SSM 47909 - 2017-2019 Escape, MKC - License Plate Bracket Nut(s) Damaged With Over Torqued Screw(s) 2017-2019 Escape and MKC vehicles may exhibit a concern of the license plate bracket nut(s) being damaged due to the screw(s) being over torqued. The torque specification for these screws are 1.7 Nm (1.25...
TSB 19-2037 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2015-2019 MKC vehicles equipped with memory mirrors built on or before 16-Feb-2019 may experience a ratcheting/clicking noise from the exterior mirror(s) glass which can occur when one or more of the following actions occur: customer unlocks vehicle, memory mirrors glass position recall to previous setting or memory mirrors button...
TSB 18-2392 — POWER TRAIN
Some 2015-2019 MKC vehicles may exhibit an electronic power assist steering (EPAS) gear clatter-type noise over bumps that is only present on extremely rough road surfaces. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 47538 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software. In prior versions of SYNC 3 software this menu was present, however in version 3.0 software the Android Auto Preference menu will...
SSM 47430 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If a trailer hitch receiver is installed on a 2013-2018 Escape or 2015-2019 MKC vehicle equipped with a hands-free liftgate, the hands-free liftgate function will become inoperative. Hands-free liftgate function can be restored by replacing the existing hands-free liftgate actuation upper sensor (14F680), lower sensor (14F680), stone deflector (17779), hands-free...
18U17-S1 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Certain 2018 Model Year Escape and MKC Vehicles - Rear Brake Caliper Bolt Torque
18U17-S1 — EQUIPMENT
Certain 2018 Model Year Escape and MKC Vehicles - Rear Brake Caliper Bolt Torque
18U17-S1 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
Certain 2018 Model Year Escape and MKC Vehicles - Rear Brake Caliper Bolt Torque
Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the LINCOLN MKC
- 2015 LINCOLN MKC — 162 complaints
- 2016 LINCOLN MKC — 98 complaints
- 2017 LINCOLN MKC — 198 complaints
- 2018 LINCOLN MKC (current)
- 2019 LINCOLN MKC — 108 complaints
Other LINCOLN Models
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- LINCOLN CONTINENTAL — 2,542 total complaints
- LINCOLN MKZ — 1,957 total complaints
- LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 1,711 total complaints
- LINCOLN MKX — 1,702 total complaints
- LINCOLN LS — 1,366 total complaints
- LINCOLN MARK VIII — 984 total complaints
- LINCOLN AVIATOR — 650 total complaints