2017 Lincoln MKC problems
The 2017 Lincoln MKC has 182 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2017 Lincoln MKC has 182 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 106 complaints, typically surfacing around 78,143 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 MKC | 129 | 3 |
| 2016 MKC | 77 | 0 |
| 2017 MKC (this page) | 182 | 0 |
| 2018 MKC | 67 | 0 |
| 2019 MKC | 109 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2017 Lincoln MKC SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2017 Lincoln MKC? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 106 owner reports · tends to show around 78,143 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- electrical — 18 owner reports · tends to show around 54,243 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 90,550 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- airbags — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 60,500 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 54,243 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2017 Lincoln MKC
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 . Very well known problem with Ford EcoBoost engines. This car has the 2.0L engine and there hasnt been a recall on it yet. It becomes a safety concern when the problem gets bad enough to allow oil to leak , causing a engine fire. The…
The transmission on my 2017 mkc developed a slipping issue at around 81000 miles. This occurred first in the range of 25-35 MPH. Now it seems to have broadened. Had the car inspected by sanderson Lincoln in phoenix, az. Their initial determination was a new transmission or a…
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving, a burning odor was detected as the vehicle lost power. Upon the contact's arrival at home, her fiancé called AAA service. Where upon inspection the AAA technician diagnosed the vehicle with a battery…
First noticed the problem when I had no heat blowing from my heater, (car was not overheating or anything), I checked my antifreeze and it was low so I added it and I had heat in my car again. Four days later, I had the same thing happen, no antifreeze (and again nothing…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKC reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Lincoln MKC is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2017 Lincoln MKC?
On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Lincoln MKC does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Lincoln MKC?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 106 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 78,143 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKC a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 182 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 78,143 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Lincoln MKC?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 106 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 78,143 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 78,143 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lincoln MKC has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Lincoln MKC?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 182 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.