Verdict
2018 Lincoln MKC: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2018 Lincoln MKC — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.
Owners filed 67 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 59% of 2018 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (52%). 4 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2018 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
67
Reports to NHTSA, 2018
Safety recalls
4
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
21.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 59% of 2018 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2018 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (52% of 67 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (12%).
+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 67 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11748109, ODI 11748159, ODI 11740666, ODI 11735495, ODI 11723290.
Recalls(4)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
EquipmentOct 2025 · 25V685000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. 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 this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Back Over PreventionApr 2025 · 25V572000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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 June 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Service BrakesDec 2018 · 18V104000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Engine · 23V378000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2018 Lincoln MKC SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2018 Lincoln MKC SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKC FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 28 | 23 |
| MKC AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 25 | 22 |
| MKC AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| MKC AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 | 25 | 20 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2018 Lincoln MKC: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Lincoln MKC?
Owners filed 67 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKC — fewer complaints than 59% of comparable 2018 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2018 Lincoln MKC?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (52% of complaints) and engine and engine cooling (12%).
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKC have?
4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Lincoln MKC, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Lincoln MKC get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Lincoln MKC between 20 and 23 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.