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Lincoln MKCModel year report

2019 Lincoln MKC Problems

Compared with other Lincoln MKC years

Typical for this model

37/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
123filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
58,278miles, 22 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
23 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Lincoln MKC (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Complaints on this model year centre on the 2.0L EcoBoost engine: a large share describe coolant getting into the cylinders and leading to engine replacement, often in the 50,000-100,000 mile range but sometimes far earlier. A second, smaller cluster involves the rearview camera showing a distorted or blank image, and many engine-file complaints simply record that a recall (23V378000) was received but parts were not yet available.

  1. Engine

    Coolant leaking into engine cylinders (engine failure)

    • 62 complaints (50%)
    • median 72,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $9,500 (median of 14 quotes)
    • filed 2022–2026

    Owners describe the engine misfiring, running rough or shuddering, the check engine light coming on, the coolant reservoir running low or empty, white smoke from the exhaust, and overheating. Several report that the dealer or an independent shop performed a pressure test or borescope inspection, found coolant in a cylinder (often #1, #2, #3 or #4) with head gasket or block damage, and recommended a complete long block engine replacement, with estimates commonly in the $10,000-$14,000 range. Some owners say the repair was declined or partly covered as goodwill, and several mention TSB 19-2346 or 22-2229 in connection with this symptom. Spread across the range, with many reports between about 35,000 and 96,000 miles; a few are below 20,000 miles.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for service records showing the coolant level has been checked and any cooling-system pressure test result, and look for a low coolant reservoir, white exhaust smoke or a sweet smell. Have a pre-purchase inspection include a cooling-system pressure test and a check for misfire codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My car misfired, then the heat wouldn't work then started to overheat. The car is 2019 MKC 2.0L engine. Only 64k miles on it. I am the original owner. Took it to the dealership and they said the coolant has back up into the engine. I read that this has been a known issue with these engines and was never notified. It is going to cost 10k to replace this engine.”

    NHTSA complaint #11702879, filed 2025-12

    “Coolant leaked into the emgine block that resulted in the engine being damaged so it needed to be replaced at my expense. The car was purchased on july 2022 and only has 17500 miles on it. This is a know problem with many Lincoln kmc's. I think Lincoln should pay for engine replactment.”

    NHTSA complaint #11653911, filed 2025-04
  2. Electrical system

    Recall 23V378000 battery monitor sensor / fire risk

    • 33 complaints (27%)
    • median 51,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2023–2026

    Many owners report receiving notice of the battery monitor sensor recall and then being told by the dealer that parts were not available, sometimes waiting months. A few complaints describe the battery monitor sensor failing, with messages such as Service AdvanceTrac, Hill Start Assist Not Available and a battery-saver shutdown prompt; one complaint describes an engine-compartment fire while the vehicle was parked at a fuel station. Reported across a wide mileage range and primarily in complaints filed from mid-2023 onward.

    Recall 23V378000

    What to check: Confirm with a dealer, using the VIN, whether recall 23V378000 has actually been completed rather than only scheduled, and ask for the repair paperwork.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the messages Service Advancetrac , Hill Start Assist Not Available , System Off - To Save Battery Please Turn Off Ignition or Start Engine were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery and the battery monitor sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The parts were ordered to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11715225, filed 2026-02, 98,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) 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 and manufacturer were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”

    NHTSA complaint #11530958, filed 2023-07, 32,128 miles
  3. Engine

    Rough idle and starting problems

    Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners report the vehicle running rough or vibrating at idle after start-up, shuddering while driving, hesitation when the accelerator is pressed, and in some cases a no-start or a start-then-jolt. Dealers variously replaced spark plugs and coils, cleaned or replaced the purge valve, or advised software updates; several complaints tie the symptoms back to coolant or compression problems found later. Commonly reported in the 50,000-100,000 mile range, with some reports in the 30,000-40,000 range.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Start the engine from cold and listen for roughness or a ticking noise, and ask whether the vehicle has had repeated spark plug or coil replacement or a VCT-solenoid or purge-valve repair.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Service Soon” was displayed on the app, and the failure was caused by a misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11758499, filed 2026-08, 95,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a rough start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11549420, filed 2023-10, 70,000 miles
  4. Back-over prevention (rear camera)

    Rearview camera distorted or blank image

    • 7 complaints (6%)
    • median 51,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2025–2026

    Owners describe the backup camera showing a distorted, inverted, black or blue image, or a Camera Not Available message, when reverse is selected. Some say the problem is intermittent; others report the dealer confirming the recall remedy but saying the parts are not yet available, and one owner was told the vehicle was not included in the campaign. Mostly reported between about 31,000 and 65,000 miles, though a few are lower.

    Recall 25V5720001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check by putting the vehicle in reverse and watching the display for distortion or a blank screen; ask whether recall 25V572000 or the camera inspection program has been applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When placing the vehicle in Reverse, the camera image is distorted. This problem happens intermittently but when it does, I am unable to view any potential hazards as I back up.”

    NHTSA complaint #11663692, filed 2025-05

    “The contact owns a 2019 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 rearview camera had become inoperable while reversing. The local dealer was contacted, but the contact was informed that assistance could not be provided because the part needed for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11702262, filed 2025-12, 31,500 miles

Buying note. The main thing to establish before buying is the condition of the 2.0L EcoBoost engine: ask for a cooling-system pressure test and any repair history for coolant intrusion or engine replacement. Also confirm, by VIN, which of the open recalls have actually been completed, since several complaints are about parts not being available at the time.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 123 consumer complaints for the 2019 Lincoln MKC. 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 32% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 58,278 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 99 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Lincoln MKC model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 37 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Interior lighting (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “While driving my vehicle on a highway, smoke started to come from the hood. This is approximately 10-15 minutes after I had been driving the vehicle. The smoke became worse and luckily I was able to pull over to turn the vehicle off. The smoke continued to intensify and started to come through the vents. I exited the vehicle and saw fire underneath the the car. Not too long after the entire hood of the vehicle was engulfed in flames, which cause the windshield to bust. The fire department was called and was able to put the fire out. …”

NHTSA complaint #11298516, filed 2020-01, 15,000 miles

Electrical system: “I received a recall in July 2023 recall (23v378). It has now been six months of parking my car outdoors. I have contacted the dealership 3 times to no avail about the repair. Last contact was on 1/24/2024 no returned phone call.”

NHTSA complaint #11567720, filed 2024-01

Other or unknown: “While driving the vehicle (since 02/02/19), there is a constant vibration that feels like I'm driving on rumble strips over newly paved roads. When on patched roads, the vehicle shakes so violently, that it feels like the vehicle is going to fall apart. No pics to show or sound from the vehicle. There have been multiple trips the dealership, who initially reported it was a problem with flat spots in the tires, however, after they we changed (with tires from another vehicle on the lot) the problem continued. …”

NHTSA complaint #11192793, filed 2019-03, 155 miles

Back-over prevention (rear camera): “The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11692531, filed 2025-10, 51,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

32% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,128 and 76,131 miles.

9%0–105%10–2518%25–5041%50–7527%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (22 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 58,278 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

2019202020212022202320242025202642
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Lincoln MKC. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
MKC · SUV AWD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 16.9% risk
MKC · SUV FWD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 16.4% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking standard.

Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2019 Lincoln MKC version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
MKC AWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic192522$3,050
MKC AWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic192521$3,200
MKC AWD2.3L 4-cyl6-speed automatic182520$3,350
MKC FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic202723$2,900

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2019 Lincoln MKC → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 99 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 99 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lincoln MKC

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
201912358,278342337 · TypicalRising
20187650,000442330 · FewerRising
201719363,000342367 · MoreRising
20168069,000542350 · TypicalRising
201513149,2001242384 · MoreRising

All Lincoln MKC model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Lincoln MKC?

Complaints on this model year centre on the 2.0L EcoBoost engine: a large share describe coolant getting into the cylinders and leading to engine replacement, often in the 50,000-100,000 mile range but sometimes far earlier. The issues reported most often: Coolant leaking into engine cylinders (engine failure); Recall 23V378000 battery monitor sensor / fire risk; Rough idle and starting problems.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Lincoln MKC have?

NHTSA recorded 123 consumer complaints for the 2019 Lincoln MKC as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2019 Lincoln MKC is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 92 complaints (75% of the total), followed by electrical system with 12.

Has the 2019 Lincoln MKC been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2019 Lincoln MKC do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 Lincoln MKC 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Lincoln MKC get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Lincoln MKC (MKC FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Lincoln MKC reported?

Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 58,278 miles and the middle half falls between 32,128 and 76,131 miles; 32% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.