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 ↗2017 Lincoln MKC engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Lincoln MKC have filed 106 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 71,000 miles 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 →
Failure mileage
Complaints
106
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 MKC | 25 |
| 2016 MKC | 35 |
| 2017 MKC (this page) | 106 |
| 2018 MKC | 43 |
| 2019 MKC | 77 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 106 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Lincoln MKC, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 5 model years of Lincoln MKC we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 106.
Engine accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
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 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the long block engine assembly.
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 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the long block engine assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Lincoln MKC with 2.0L EcoBoost engine exhibits a recurring pattern of coolant leaking from the head gasket or cylinder head into the combustion chambers. Owners describe the same sequence: check engine light illuminates, cylinder misfire codes (P0302, P0303, P0304, P0301) appear on scan, the engine runs rough and sputters on cold start, white smoke pours from the exhaust, and coolant levels drop rapidly with no visible external leak. Replacing spark plugs and coils provides temporary relief before the check engine light returns.
Dealerships eventually diagnose the true problem—coolant intrusion requiring full engine replacement at $6,500–$10,000+ in parts and labor. Ford issued TSB 19-2346 in December 2019 and subsequent bulletins (22-2133, 22-2229) acknowledging the defect. NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 was issued, but recall parts remained unavailable for extended periods, leaving owners with inoperable vehicles they couldn't repair.
Most failures occur between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, often outside the 6-year/70,000-mile warranty window. Owners report dealerships blamed other issues (transmission, evap system, electrical) during initial visits, delaying proper diagnosis. One owner experienced head gasket replacement in 2023 that failed again by 2026, indicating the design defect causes recurring failure even after repair.
Same Lincoln MKC engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Coolant Intrusion into Combustion Chambers
Head gasket and cylinder head/block design defect allows coolant to seep into engine cylinders, contaminating the combustion chamber. Owners report the defect occurs across multiple model years (2015-2020) with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Multiple narratives indicate Ford issued TSBs (19-2346, 22-2133, 22-2229) acknowledging the issue but no public recall has been issued. Repair requires complete engine replacement; owners cite estimates ranging from $6,500 to $10,000+.
When: Varies from 26,809 miles to 190,500 miles; most commonly reported between 40,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination (often intermittent, then constant); Cylinder misfire codes (P0302, P0303, P0304); Rough or shaky startup; Engine hesitation and sputtering during acceleration; White smoke from exhaust; Rapid coolant loss without visible external leaks; Engine overheating warnings on instrument panel; Violent shaking during startup; Low coolant light illumination; Loss of power while driving; Engine stalling
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire), P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; owners report long-block assembly replacement costs of $6,500–$10,000+ plus tax and labor. One owner reported $7,494.72 for closed-block engine replacement. One owner reported $3,500 for head gasket replacement in 2023, but the underlying defect recurred by April 2026 requiring full engine replacement (~$11,200). Some owners report warranty denial due to mileage or time-of-ownership limitations despite known defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSBs 19-2346 (December 2019), 22-2133, and 22-2229 acknowledging coolant intrusion. NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine) was referenced in several narratives but parts for recall repair were not available at time of complaint. Ford has not issued a public recall. Dealerships have acknowledged the defect internally and informed customers they do not repair these engines. Manufacturer declined assistance or referred owners to NHTSA hotline, citing warranty expiration. One owner reported Lincoln dealership noted TSB but did not disclose it at time of purchase.
Delayed or Unavailable Recall Parts
Multiple owners received notification of NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine) but were unable to have the recall repair performed because the required parts were not yet available from the manufacturer. This created a prolonged period where vehicles with known defects remained unrepaired and potentially unsafe.
When: Recall notifications issued; failures occurred at 35,040–85,000 miles with parts unavailable for extended periods
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to start; Sputtering during startup; Check engine light and battery warning lights illuminated; Vehicle overheating while idling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owners reported waiting indefinitely for recall parts. One owner stated manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for parts availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine); notification issued to owners but parts distribution was delayed. Dealers confirmed parts were not available and referred owners to wait for parts. Manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Cracked Engine Block and Head Gasket Failure
Hairline cracks or mechanical failure of the engine block or head gasket, typically discovered during diagnosis of coolant intrusion or misfire issues. One owner reported initial head gasket replacement in 2023 that failed again by 2026, with mechanic attributing recurrence to inherent design defect in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
When: Reported across mileage range; one owner experienced failure approximately 3 years after initial head gasket repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Coolant temperature warning message; Engine overheating; White smoke from exhaust; Coolant leaking into cylinders
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair: head gasket replacement (~$3,500). Recurrence: full engine and turbo replacement (~$11,200) approximately 3 years later. Owners note that replacement may not be permanent solution due to underlying design defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined assistance, citing warranty expiration. One owner mentioned a potential class action lawsuit (Reed et al v. Ford Motor Company 2:2021cv00417).
Unrelated or Misdiagnosed Repair Issues
Several owners reported taking vehicles to dealerships for check engine light and misfire symptoms, where dealers performed incomplete or incorrect repairs (spark plug/coil replacement, fuel injector replacement, transmission diagnosis) without identifying or disclosing the underlying coolant intrusion defect. This extended the time before proper diagnosis and delayed owners' awareness of the true scope of damage.
When: Occurred during initial visits, sometimes before proper diagnosis at 55,000–61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Misfire symptoms
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (~$100–300); ignition coil replacement (~$325); tune-up (~$250); fuel injector replacement (~$214–400 including labor); transmission torque converter replacement. All repairs proved temporary; owners then had to pay for full engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported dealership was aware of the TSB but did not disclose it. Another reported suspicion that dealers intentionally delayed diagnosis to allow warranty expiration. One owner reported dealer had knowledge of the defect (per TSB 19-2346) but continued selling vehicles without disclosure.
Synthesized from 106 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
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 problem was diagnosed by a Lincoln dealer. No, it was not inspected by the manufacturer but my dealer did communicate the…
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 issue stating that the was about to explode. No warning lights were illuminated. The battery was replaced by the however…
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 showing my car overheating), added antifreeze and had heat again. Parked my car on a cement driveway and observed no…
TSB 19-2346 ... Engine gives no warning until to late ... Then multiple warnings and alarms happen all at once ... says the car is overheating but before you have time to react (Like pulling over) the alarms clear ... engine light is only warning on ... This could cause the motor to seize or stop running loosing power steering and control ... This has been known since 2019 when TSB-19-2346 was…
Engine failure due to known coolant intrusion defect documented under Ford EcoBoost TSB guidance. Denied goodwill assistance despite defect being manufacturing-related.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that coolant was leaking into the engine. Additionally, the brakes were firm while being depressed. The contact stated that the battery was replaced. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that…
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was no heat being distributed throughout the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine…
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact was able to pull over. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that cylinder #4 had misfired. The contact stated that the engine block was defective, and the vehicle…
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly Auto Parts and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The dealer replaced the ignition coils and the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Lincoln MKC?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 106 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?
Across the 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 55,453 and 99,800 miles, with the median around 71,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,453; a quarter make it past 99,800. 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 $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/2017/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.