For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Lincoln MKC engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Lincoln MKC have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 MKC (this page) | 25 |
| 2016 MKC | 35 |
| 2017 MKC | 106 |
| 2018 MKC | 43 |
| 2019 MKC | 77 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 25 engine complaints filed for the 2015 Lincoln MKC, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Of the 5 model years of Lincoln MKC we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (25).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission Powertrain Control Module Reprogram Submitting Owner Letters
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2014-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2014-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX, 2016-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV) and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC screens 8 inch or larger may be unable to complete modem authorization after 3G to 4G modem upgrade was performed. No Authorization Popup displayed on SYNC infotainment screen during the Authorization process. This may be due to the Sync Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to toggle Valet Mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in DRIVE or REVERSE. The vehicle may also exhibit a lack of engine revolutions per minute (RPM), lack of acceleration on take off and/or shudder while driving. This may be due to the torque converter overheating causing damage to the torque converter as well as possible internal damage to the transmission. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the torque converter and specified internal transmission components that may have been damaged.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report stalling at traffic lights and during acceleration—especially after extended driving—that dealers consistently fail to diagnose or repair. One owner replaced oxygen sensors four times (all sooted black), plus MAF and fuel pressure sensors, with no resolution. Separately, a vapor leak in the fuel system now causes hard starts every time the vehicle is refueled, and the dealer said this happens often with Lincolns.
A 2015 MKC with just 40,000 miles spontaneously caught fire in a garage, flames visible at the hood, the battery still smoking after firefighters left. Another owner's number 3 cylinder blew its rings at 120,000 miles, requiring an $11,000 engine replacement; the owner reports others with the same 2.3L defect and a class action in progress.
One vehicle is losing coolant into the combustion chamber (white smoke at startup, needing antifreeze added every three days). Another lost power on the highway while sputtering and smoking.
The major complication: Lincoln issued recall 23V378000 for engine issues, but parts remain unavailable. Dozens of owners received the recall notice, contacted dealers, and were told no parts are in stock—with the manufacturer confirming the same. Some waited months with no resolution.
Same Lincoln MKC engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and bucking at idle and acceleration
Engine stalls after extended driving, especially at traffic lights or during acceleration from a stop. Vehicle bucking during takeoff. Intermittent and difficult to replicate, occurring after the engine has run for a while.
When: 30,000–82,000 miles; recurs after dealer attempts; some owners report heavy city driving (1200 miles/week)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at stop lights; Bucking during acceleration from stops; Stalls in intersections; Check engine light illuminates; Intermittent failure, hard to replicate
Codes mentioned: P0087
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensors replaced multiple times (4+ times in one case, noted as black and sooted); MAF sensor replaced; fuel pressure sensor replaced; fuel injection cleaning suggested; PCV valve mentioned as possible cause. Multiple dealer attempts unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not included in NHTSA campaigns 15V006000 (Electrical) or 15V005000 (Fuel System). Dealers unable to diagnose or repair.
Vapor leak and hard starting
Vapor leak detected via diagnostics. After vapor leak appears, vehicle struggles to start or fails to start when refueling. Ongoing issue tied to fuel system. Owner reports dealer stated this problem happens often with Lincolns.
When: April 2025 (recent onset); recurs every time vehicle is refueled
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light on; Vapor leak confirmed by diagnostics; Struggles to start or won't start after refueling; Excessive vapor from fuel tank; Recurring issue after prior fuel system recalls
Repairs/costs cited: Two prior fuel system recalls reportedly completed, but owner suspects improper repair. Repair estimates vary widely. No repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior fuel system recalls 15V005000 reportedly completed; owner questions effectiveness.
Spontaneous engine fire
Engine spontaneously caught fire while vehicle was parked and stationary in garage for 26 hours. Smoke and flames visible at hood/windshield line. Battery continued smoking after fire suppression.
When: 40,000 miles; vehicle was certified pre-owned and recently serviced at Lincoln dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous fire in parked vehicle; Smoke pouring from engine bay; Flames at hood windshield line; Battery smoking after fire suppression
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire.
Cylinder ring failure and engine seizure
Number 3 cylinder blew rings, requiring complete engine replacement. Owner reports speaking to several others with the same defect on 2.3L engines. Class action lawsuit reportedly in progress.
When: 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder rings failed; Complete engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; dealer charged $11,000.
Coolant in combustion chamber
Coolant being expelled from tailpipe with white smoke on startup. Owner must add antifreeze to reservoir every three days. Indicates coolant leak into combustion chamber or head gasket failure.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from tailpipe on cranking; Coolant loss every 3 days; Coolant visible in exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owner adding coolant as temporary measure.
Rough idle, sputtering, and smoke on highway
Rough idle followed by sputtering while driving at highway speed. Check engine light and smoke from rear of vehicle. Vehicle loses power rapidly.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Sputtering while driving; Check engine light; Smoke from exhaust; Loss of power on highway
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted.
No-start condition
Vehicle fails to start while parked. Some cases involve repeated battery replacement; others appear unrelated to battery. Tied to NHTSA recall 23V378000 in multiple reports.
When: 82,000 miles (one report); unknown in others
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Battery replacement required in some cases (twice in 4 years for one owner)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or repair. Recall 23V378000 parts unavailable for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine); parts unavailable for extended period, causing delays in recall repair.
Abnormal burning smell with check engine light
Burning odor detected while driving. Check engine light illuminates. Dealer was unable to determine cause and only changed a fuse.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal burning smell; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer changed fuse but did not diagnose or repair the underlying issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine); parts unavailable for recall repair.
NHTSA recall 23V378000 parts unavailability
Owners received recall notification for NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine) but parts for the recall repair are not available. Many owners report extended delays and frustration with manufacturer parts distribution.
When: Ongoing as of complaint filing dates (2023–2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts unavailable for repair; Repeated dealer confirmations of parts shortage; Manufacturer confirms parts not in stock
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 23V378000 cannot be completed due to parts distribution disconnect. Some reports indicate parts were returned by dealers to manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine); manufacturer confirmed parts unavailable; parts distribution issues persist.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
A few months ago, the engine light came on. Multiple diagnostics confirmed a vapor leak. We were told if we didn’t fix it, it would affect nothing. Now, if we put gas in, the car struggles to start or won’t start. This happens all the time since April 2025. We looked at recalls and there were 2 with the fuel system that were apparently done. We feel that they may have been improperly repaired?…
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine). The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage…
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal burning smell detected. The check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, AutoNation Ford Jacksonville (10720 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256), who was unable to determine the failure but changed a fuse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact…
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact received a recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2015 Lincoln MKC?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 Lincoln MKC?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 25 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 52,598 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Lincoln/MKC.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.