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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2016 Lincoln MKC Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
15%of 80 total for the year
Median mileage
58,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Lincoln MKC, 15% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When vehicle is slowed (even slightly) by deaccelerating or sped up by accelerating the shifting suddening and harshly grabs and lurches effecting vehicle stability. The impact is very pronounced and audibly loud at highway speeds. The vehicle has also lunged forward as shifting occurs when braking just prior to coming to a full stop. This has happened on multiple dates.”

NHTSA complaint #11165541, filed 2019-01, 31,300 miles

“When accelerating from a coast the vehicle jerks and bangs into gear. At times it feels like the vehicle was hit from behind. This happens anytime whether on a city street or highway in traffic conditions. Ford field service engineer was able to duplicate this concern but said it was within the parameter of the vehicle because it happens at low speed. I find this a not acceptable answer for a faulty transmission.”

NHTSA complaint #11074541, filed 2018-02, 6,729 miles

“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 of the product. He was asked to check back in two weeks! Two weeks w/o my transportation! …”

NHTSA complaint #11685464, filed 2025-09

“In 2019 I bought a used 2016 Lincoln MKC Reserve 2.0 Ecoboost Engine w 34K miles. In 4 years I've driven 11,400K miles. A few weeks ago my vehicle would not start. I had a tow to a Ford Retailer because the Service Tech at a Lincoln Retailer informed me they were backed up having 10 vehicles waiting to replace failed Ecoboost engines all with coolant leaks most likely I would need the same. After the $400 diagnostics I was told that I needed a new engine! Unlike the Lincoln Tech, Fords would not discuss anything about all the news, recalls or TSBs on Failed Ecoboost Engines. …”

NHTSA complaint #11503269, filed 2023-01

“2016 LINCOLN MKC parked on driveway for over 24 hours, when my father was outside gardening he noticed smoke and flames coming from under the hood, the Fire Department was called who out the fire out and stated it was totaled . Fire Department conducted their own investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The report returned indicating the Engine was the origin of the fire. Thank the lord my father was outside or our garage and house could have burnt down with all of us in it. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!! I opened two claims with CarMax MaxCare Warranty which were denied. …”

NHTSA complaint #11479246, filed 2022-08

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201965%
201868%
2017105%
20161215%
20151814%

Other parts of the 2016 Lincoln MKC

Engine
41 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Lincoln MKC

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology