This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Lincoln MKC electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKC have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 MKC | 21 |
| 2016 MKC (this page) | 8 |
| 2017 MKC | 18 |
| 2019 MKC | 12 |
When does it fail?
Of the 8 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Lincoln MKC, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
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.
Of the 4 model years of Lincoln MKC we track for electrical problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (8).
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 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 electrical 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.
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 ↗Certain 2014-2020 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines 3G Telematics Control Unit to 4G Upgrade Kit REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms & Urgency / Expiration Date: Program extension until July 31, 2023. Service Action: o IDS level 128 or higher is now required to address various programming issues encountered. o C-MAX Energi vehicles are now serviceable with new software and hardware. Labor Allowances: C-MAX labor has been updated. Parts Requirements / Ordering Information: o The C-MAX 4G Upgrade Kit is now orderable at this time with a new part number. o MKX Rear seat backrest nut claim quantity updated. Technical Information updates: o Ensure IDS level 128 or higher is used. o Toggling
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX 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 will be displayed on SYNC infotainment screen during the Authorization process. The vehicle may also not have proper functionality of remote app features such as remote start, and return odometer and fuel information to the app. This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to toggle Val
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, a message displayed on the instrument panel “Battery disconnected” and the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet…
Faulty rear camera system. When reversing the vehicle, the infotainment screen shows a turbulent gray static screen rather than a rear view of the vehicle. Extreme safety concern and hazard. Issue is recurring.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while opening or closing the front driver’s and passenger’s side doors, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound in the front driver’s and passenger’s side doors. The mirrors also clicked erratically and inadvertently moved making it difficult to use while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while the…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Lincoln MKC?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 51,000 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.