Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Lincoln MKC powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Lincoln MKC have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 53,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 MKC (this page) | 17 |
| 2016 MKC | 11 |
| 2017 MKC | 8 |
| 2018 MKC | 4 |
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Lincoln MKC we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 17.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 ↗Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission - Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage Updated Owner Letters: 20N07/20B27 S1
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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
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 (D) or reverse (R). 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 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 widespread powertrain failures in the 2015 Lincoln MKC, starting with critical safety issues. Two owners describe the vehicle rolling backward or moving unexpectedly while parked, with one resulting in serious injury. One owner experienced the vehicle failing to shift properly and disconnecting the shifter cable while in motion—a known Ford-era issue that has been recalled on other Ford products but apparently not Lincoln models.
Transmission problems are the most common complaint. Owners report jerking, hesitation during acceleration and gear shifts, and complete transmission failure requiring replacement at 50,000+ miles. Some dealers refuse to rebuild gaskets, citing an ongoing class-action lawsuit over head failure and requiring engine replacement instead—costs exceeding $8,000. One owner's extended powertrain warranty explicitly excluded head problems.
Engine stalling plagues multiple owners, beginning shortly after purchase. Vehicles stall mid-traffic, at traffic lights, or refuse to restart until unlocked and locked again with the key fob. Check engine lights remain illuminated. One owner spent over $1,000 out-of-pocket for a rental while the dealer took six weeks on an unresolved repair.
Electrical warnings appear unpredictably—wrench lights, check engine lights, and blinking signal lights—with dealers unable to identify causes. Throughout the complaints, owners cite long repair times, warranty denials, and Lincoln's refusal to issue recalls despite knowledge of these problems.
Same Lincoln MKC powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended vehicle movement in Park
Vehicle rolls backward or moves when parked, even after operator expects it to be in Park. Safety-critical issue that has resulted in serious injury.
When: While parked; incidents reported at 1000 feet and at mailbox center
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when parked and unoccupied; Vehicle moves across road toward owner after being left unattended
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner in narrative #1 reported dealer denied fault. Narrative #4 owner had no repair recourse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Motor Company denied claim of fault (narrative #1)
Transmission fluid loss and head gasket failure
Coolant leaks from head gaskets, leading to white smoke from exhaust, rough running, and eventual engine failure. Multiple shops and warranty company refused coverage citing ongoing class-action lawsuit over head failures.
When: Low mileage; problem noted as 'known' with technical service bulletin
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty starting; acts like alarm system issue; Runs rough with smoking exhaust; Low antifreeze level; White smoke from exhaust; Vehicle sputters when accelerating; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: New (used) engine replacement quoted at $8,000–$9,000. Extended powertrain warranty refused coverage citing head problem exclusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cited in narrative #2 as 'known problem with coolant leaking' and 'known head failure' with ongoing class-action lawsuit; technical service bulletin referenced in narrative #10
Stalling and no-start condition
Engine stalls without warning, sometimes mid-drive or mid-traffic, and may not restart for extended periods. Owner required to manually restart vehicle using key fob lock/unlock procedure.
When: Began within first month of purchase; ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Stalls and shuts off soon after starting; Takes numerous tries to restart; Stalls in middle of traffic; Refuses to restart after stalling; Starts, sputters, and shuts off after filling gas tank; Vehicle unresponsive at traffic light while running
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair took 6 weeks; owner paid over $1,000 out-of-pocket for rental car. Narrative #3 owner requested documentation with no success.
Transmission slipping, jerking, and slow acceleration response
Transmission hesitates, jerks, and fails to respond smoothly. Vehicle shakes when shifting or climbing hills. Acceleration delayed, making vehicle hazard to traffic.
When: Multiple reports across wide mileage range (22,000 to 78,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Shakes and hesitates especially uphill or during gear shifts; Car will not pick up; becomes obstacle to traffic; Jerks while driving; Accelerator depressed but no response at lower speeds; Slow to respond and accelerate
Codes mentioned: P0751 (shift solenoid A performance stuck or off)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission software updated three times without resolving issue (narrative #7). Some dealers quote full transmission replacement as necessary repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #5 states Lincoln 'knows about it but REFUSES to issue a recall'; no formal response documented in others
Transmission pump defect and transmission failure
Transmission pump failure detected at dealership; dealers determine transmission replacement required. Vehicle becomes undrivable.
When: Approximately 53,000 miles; also reported at 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from transmission; Transmission requires complete replacement per dealer diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted transmission replacement; vehicle not repaired and remained at dealer (narrative #8). Narrative #11 vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in narrative #8 but provided no assistance
Shifter cable bushing failure and disconnection
Shifter cable bushing breaks and disconnects the shifting cable from shift arm, immediately disabling vehicle transmission while in motion. Critical safety hazard, especially at highway speeds.
When: Approximately 51,445 miles in narrative #6; also reported in narrative #15 without mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to restart; Instrument cluster warning lights illuminated; Shifter cable lights fail to turn off; Shift lever becomes inoperative while vehicle in motion
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter cable bushing replacement performed at dealership (narrative #6). Narrative #15 notes prior recall exists for Ford products from this era.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no recall coverage for failure (narrative #6); narrative #15 notes Ford has issued recall for same issue on other Ford products
Check engine light, wrench light, and electrical warning lights
Check engine, wrench, and other warning lights illuminate repeatedly and do not correlate to diagnosed faults. Signal lights blink erratically. Dealer unable to identify root cause.
When: Ongoing; reported with multiple failure events
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on continuously during drive; Wrench light appears on startup; Advanced Autotrac warning illuminates; Signal lights blink very fast; Warning lights go off and reappear unpredictably; Vehicle stalls when warnings appear
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to find issue; bulbs tested fine (narrative #12)
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Automatic shift lever bushing broke disconnecting the shifting cable from shift arm. Immediately disabled vehicle while in motion. There has already been a recall for this for Ford products of this era, why not Lincolns? Very dangerous if this had happened at high speed!
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 Lincoln MKC?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 49,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 53,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.