2018 Lincoln Mkc Safety Report
2018 LINCOLN MKC Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Lincoln Mkc. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (63) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2016 | Compare against the 2016 Lincoln Mkc with 72 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Lincoln Mkc before buying across this generation. |
Lincoln Mkc Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Lincoln Mkc years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Lincoln Mkc | 96 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Lincoln Mkc | 163 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkc | 72 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Lincoln Mkc | 126 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Lincoln Mkc Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Lincoln Mkc, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
31 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Lincoln onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Lincoln onlyWheels
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Lincoln onlyBack Over Prevention
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Lincoln onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Lincoln onlyPower Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc
Reliability Score
The 2018 Lincoln Mkc receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Coolant Intrusion Coolant intrusion into the engine can lead to engine failure, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a high-severity issue. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System Failure The back over prevention system, including the camera, has been reported to fail, posing safety risks. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes And Hydraulic Components Issues with service brakes and hydraulic components, such as hoses, lines, and fittings, can lead to brake failure. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Misfire Cylinder misfire, particularly in cylinder 4, has been reported, leading to engine light and rough running issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Lincoln Mkc:
Engine issues are the most common problem, with 31% of reported issues.
Back over prevention system issues are the second most common, with 7% of reported issues.
Service brakes have 4% of reported issues.
Wheels have 4% of reported issues.
Recall Details for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for thi...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identificatio...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles. The battery monitor sensor may short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will add an in-line fuse to the battery monitor sensor power circuit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S28.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Lincoln Mkc with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The check engine light came on and car started to over heat when taken into shop was told need to replace entire engine this is a known issue in these make / model cars with these engines and it is not being addressed
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed displayed a distorted image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine maintenance; how...
Ford is well aware of the scam and refuses to fix the faulty engine for millions of these vehicles. 2018 MKC is trash. Already rebuilt the engine, turbo is garbage and the coolant will continue to leak with new engine because it’s a flawed design. They are fully aware but greed is more important than safety or a satisfied customer. I pray the are held accountable eventually.
The check engine light came on and it would run rough when started. It was determined the number four cylinder head was cracked, allowing antifreeze to leak into the engine block. I bought the car new in January 2019. The problem appeared with under 57,000 actual miles. The car has always been serviced on time at the dealership. The cost to fix the problem with a new engine is approximately $...
I was driving home from work on December 24th 2025 and my 2018 lincoln mkc 2.3l shut off on me while I was in motion. There were several cars that had to swerve and not hit me. The car would not start but I was able to put the vehicle in neutral and roll to the shoulder of the road. I was very scared and angry because this vehicle only has 54,646 miles currently, give or take 50 miles. I had to ge...
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle revved and then the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's brother was following the contact and assisted with traffic. The Sheriff’s Department assi...
The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of their driveway in the rain at approximately 2 MPH...
Coolant intrusion in engine
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufac...
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the failure was due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repa...
Car had engine light come on, was told from dealer need completely new engine despite only 70k miles. Is a known issue, please protect US consumers.
Check engine light came on. The engine has coolant intrusion and the engine would have to be replaced, quoted me $17,240.83 I called [XXX] Lincoln client relationship center and I was told there was nothing they can do to help me. After doing some research, this has been a known problem by Lincoln and they have not put out any recalls. They also have a class action lawsuit against them INFORMA...
The engine light has appeared approximately in April 2025. The inspection advised that the engine code indicated a misfire in cylinder 4. The engine rough idles when started. The coolant loss is extensive due to an engine issue and must be constantly filled.vwe were told by, iPaul's Repair shop, that upon calling Ford, that there was a Lincoln technical service bulletin re: the 2 liter eco boost ...
I am writing regarding my 2018 Lincoln MKC, VIN # [XXX] which is experiencing clear symptoms of coolant intrusion into the cylinders. These include low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, engine misfires, and a rough-running condition. According to **Technical Service Bulletin 19‑2346** (NHTSA ID 10169807, dated December 20, 2019), this issue is a known defect affecting MKC models with the 2....
Kirk Brothers ford supposedlly put a new engine in my vehicle. I've had issues with it ever since they supposedly put the engine in. I had another mechanic just look at it on 14AUG25 and he informed me that the engine was shot.
I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with the well known coolant intrusion complete engine failure. I need a new long block at a cost of 9500 dollars. I had no warning light or check engine light to warn me about this issue prior to taking it to Ford dealer in Buellton to ask why coolant was emptying so fast. I had previously taken it to Lincoln dealer while under warranty and was told no issues. Even though...
Coolant is leaking into the cylinders and could cause the engine to seize while driving. The issue was identified at a Ford dealership and is a known issue on this engine and has been admitted by Ford/Lincoln as a problem. The only warning was a check engine light which appeared after the problem existed and only fix is to replace the engine. Ford/Lincoln did not make any attempts to notify own...
The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was traded. The manufacturer was notifie...
Dealer service technician states the a crack in the engine block is allowing coolant to enter the cylinder causing misfiring. This appears to require engine replacement with only 59000 miles on the vehicle. This is a common problem with the 2018 engine and could result in a fire.
I have a 2018 Lincoln MKC with approximately 58,000 miles, always taken care of and maintained, in excellent condition. Almost immediately after my extended warranty ran out the check engine light came on and it started to start and idle rough. Took it to a Lincoln dealer, they replaced coil assembly # 4 and the 4 spark plugs, told me if it continues there might be coolant intrusion to the engi...
Showing 20 of 63 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Lincoln Mkc
Has the 2018 LINCOLN MKC been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 LINCOLN MKC has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 LINCOLN MKC have?
The 2018 LINCOLN MKC has 63 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
The 2018 LINCOLN MKC received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 LINCOLN MKC involve engine (31 complaints), engine and engine cooling (7 complaints), wheels (4 complaints). Other affected components include back over prevention, unknown or other, power train,unknown or other,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2018 LINCOLN MKC have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2018 LINCOLN MKC out of 63 total complaints (4.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 LINCOLN MKC have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 LINCOLN MKC. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 LINCOLN MKC is acceptable with caveats. It has 63 complaints, 4 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 LINCOLN MKC are: 1. ENGINE (31 complaints), 2. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (7 complaints), 3. WHEELS (4 complaints), 4. BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 31 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
Be cautious of engine coolant intrusion and back over prevention system failures. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid these issues. The 2018 LINCOLN MKC has 63 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
The 2018 LINCOLN MKC receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 63 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Coolant Intrusion and Back Over Prevention System Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2018 LINCOLN MKC?
Known issues with the 2018 LINCOLN MKC include: Engine Coolant Intrusion, Back Over Prevention System Failure, Service Brakes and Hydraulic Components, Engine Misfire. These are based on patterns found across 63 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Lincoln MKC?
Engine issues and back over prevention system failures are the most common.
Can coolant intrusion affect the engine of a 2018 Lincoln MKC?
Yes, coolant intrusion can lead to engine failure, requiring a complete engine replacement.
What should I do if I experience engine misfire in my 2018 Lincoln MKC?
Check the engine code and consult a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine coolant intrusion and back over prevention system failures. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid these issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Lincoln Mkc
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Lincoln Mkc. The data includes 63 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Lincoln Mkc an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16