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 ↗2016 Lincoln MKC powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKC have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 MKC | 17 |
| 2016 MKC (this page) | 11 |
| 2017 MKC | 8 |
| 2018 MKC | 4 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Lincoln MKC, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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.
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
The 2016 Lincoln MKC powertrain complaints cluster around three major trouble areas. First: Ecoboost engine failures tied to coolant leaks. Multiple owners describe low coolant levels with no visible external leaks, leading to overheating, misfire codes, rough idle, and in one case a complete engine fire. One owner was told by a Lincoln retailer that 10 vehicles were waiting for engine replacement due to coolant leaks. Gasket failure allowed coolant into the engine, cracking cylinder heads and warping the block. Warranty denials left owners facing $10K replacement costs.
Second: transmission problems manifest as harsh jerking, banging into gear, shuddering, and loss of power. One owner's torque converter and transmission failed multiple times even after dealer repairs, with Ford's field engineer dismissing the concern as normal operation. A Ford CSP 20N07 was referenced by one owner.
Third: shifter failures prevent gear engagement. Cable shifter bushings cracked or damaged, locking vehicles in park or making them inoperable—one blocked a drive-thru for 16 hours. Motor mount and rear differential binding at 85K miles resulted in a redesigned rear differential with no replacement parts available for two weeks. One owner also reported consistent coolant loss with unexplained jerking, no heat, and fume odors—signs of internal engine trouble.
Same Lincoln MKC powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Ecoboost Engine Coolant Leak / Engine Failure
Multiple owners report coolant leaks, overheating, and catastrophic engine failure on 2.0L Ecoboost engines. A gasket failure allowed coolant to leak into the engine, causing cylinder head cracks and engine block warping. One vehicle caught fire; another required complete engine replacement. Owners cite news and recalls about widespread Ecoboost failures with similar symptoms.
When: 34K–117K miles; failures occurred within 4 years of ownership for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Loud startup and rough idle; Blue-gray smoke from exhaust; Check engine light (misfire in cylinder 4); Loss of cabin heat despite engine overheating; Chemical burning odor; Coolant reservoir near empty with no visible external leaks; Engine overheating and hood very hot to touch; Smoke and flames under hood (one vehicle totaled)
Codes mentioned: P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire), Check engine light – blinking rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; costs cited as $10,000. One vehicle declared totaled by Fire Department after catching fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln retailer noted 10 vehicles waiting for engine replacement due to coolant leaks. Ford retailer declined to discuss recalls or TSBs. Warranty had expired in one case. CarMax MaxCare claims denied on fire-damaged vehicle. One warranty case half-covered.
Motor Mounts and Rear Differential Binding
Owner reported grinding noise during sharp turns caused by motor mount failure and rear differential binding. Mechanic found rear differential near failure and contacted Ford/Lincoln for replacement, but was told no parts were available due to a redesign and had to wait two weeks. Owner states the problem is frequent on Lincoln MKC and Ford Edge models and similar failures are occurring on sheriff department Ford Edges.
When: 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from front end during sharp left or right turns; Motor mount failure; Rear differential binding and close to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mounts replaced. Rear differential replacement not completed due to unavailable parts (redesigned); owner had to wait two weeks without vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FOMOCO (Ford Motor Company) told mechanic no replacement rear differentials available due to redesign; advised to check back in two weeks. No recall mentioned by owner.
Cable Shifter Bushing Failure / Gear Selection Failure
Multiple owners report gear shifter failures. Cable shifter bushing cracking or damage prevents the vehicle from shifting into gear. Shifter either locks in park or will not engage any gear, leaving the vehicle immobile and requiring towing.
When: 117,524 miles (one case); undisclosed mileage (other cases)
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter would not engage any gear and became inoperable; Gear shifted into neutral instead of drive; Park mode light displayed; Shifter locked in park; could not be manually shifted into neutral; Vehicle unable to move without towing
Repairs/costs cited: Cable shifter bushing replacement needed. One owner's vehicle was not repaired. Another required towing with dolly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised owner to report failure to NHTSA hotline. Manufacturer made aware but provided no other assistance.
Transmission Shudder, Power Loss, and Jerky Shifting
Owners report transmission shuddering, loss of motive power, harsh jerking and lurching during acceleration and deceleration, and banging into gear. One owner experienced repeated torque converter and transmission failures even after dealer repairs. Transmission failures recur despite multiple repair attempts.
When: 58,000–82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuddered and lost motive power; Harsh jerking and lurching when accelerating from coast or slowing down; Transmission bangs into gear (feels like vehicle hit from behind); Shifting suddenly and harshly grabs and lurches, affecting vehicle stability; Loud transmission noise at highway speeds; Vehicle lunges forward as shifting occurs when braking; Vehicle jerks and kicks in and out of gear while driving
Codes mentioned: Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replaced; transmission repaired. Failures recurred after repairs. No permanent fix achieved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Field Service Engineer duplicated the jerking concern but stated it was within normal vehicle parameters because it occurs at low speed. Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07 noted by one owner. Manufacturer provided no assistance.
Engine-Related Smoke, Electrical Damage, and Catalytic Converter Failure
Owner reports smoke entering cabin through vents and catalytic converter failure. After repair, vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH and dealer diagnosed an unknown brake part melted and electrical system damaged. Owner related the failure to NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine).
When: Approximately 82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke entering cabin through vents; Vehicle unable to exceed 40 MPH; Unknown brake part melted; Electrical system damaged
Codes mentioned: Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replaced; failure recurred. Unknown brake part and electrical system damage diagnosed but repair status not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V378000 (Engine) cited. Manufacturer was not contacted by owner.
Low Coolant with No Visible External Leaks
Owner reports consistently low coolant levels despite no visible external leaks found by mechanic. Vehicle also exhibited jerking, gear-shift issues, fume odors, and loss of cabin heat—symptoms consistent with internal coolant loss or gasket failure.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant always low; No visible external leaks; Loss of cabin heat; Vehicle jerks and kicks in and out of gear; Fume odors while driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; mechanic found no visible leaks.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
A gasket failed which allowed coolant to leak into the engine. Due to lack of coolant, two of the cylinder heads cracked and warping of the engine block occurred. No coolant in the engine could result in a engine seizure or fire which poses an extreme risk to one's safety. The check engine light came almost immediately before the cylinders started to misfire. 11/25/2023. The vehicle and…
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke entering the cabin through the vents. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact…
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that she started the vehicle and when she shifted the gear shifter into drive, the gear shifted into neutral instead. The contact stated that she noticed that the park mode light was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to drive the vehicle to her destination. The contact stated when leaving her…
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was repaired, but…
At 85,000 miles I was experiencing a grinding noise coming from my front end when making sharp turns to left or right. Took car to my mechanic immediately for diagnosis. They found the motor mounts and rear differential is binding and close to failure. My mechanic contacted FOMOCO to see about a replacement for the rear differential and was told that there were not any available due to a REDESIGN…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Lincoln MKC?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 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?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 59,111 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 $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/2016/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.