VehicleVerdict

2017 Lincoln MKC problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 221 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median MKC year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 5 MKC years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 55% of all reports (122 of 221), far ahead of driver assistance at 26. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

221

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other MKC years?

MKC NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted221 complaints2015: 165 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 221 complaints2018: 81 complaints2019: 129 complaints
MKC NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKC years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Lincoln MKC problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine12255%
Driver Assistance2612%
Other2110%
Electrical System2110%
Transmission105%
Airbags31%
Brakes31%
Fuel System31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seats21%
Steering21%
Body & Structure10%
Speed Control10%

Does the 2017 Lincoln MKC have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V685000Electrical SystemOctober 10, 2025 · 59,006 units

Defect

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. 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.

25V572000Driver AssistanceSeptember 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 units

Defect

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 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.

23V378000EngineMay 26, 2023 · 142,734 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CAR WAS IN DRIVEWAY. AUTO STOP FEATURE WAS ON. FOOT WAS ON BRAKE, ENGINE STOPPED IDLING. AS I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE A/C COMPRESSOR ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT A BRICK COLUMN CAUSING OVER $2000 IN DAMAGE.CAR WAS SERVICED AT DEALER FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 2, 2018 · crash

“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The dealer was not contacted regarding the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 5, 2026

“The head gasket leaked resulting in having to put in an entirely new engine. The dealer suggested that this was a known issue and that the gasket breaks in the corner. After the replacement, I was told that the manufacturer improved the gasket and I should not see this issue happen again. When the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 23, 2023

“USB CHARGING AND SNYC CONNECTION STATION AT THE BOTTOM OF CONSOLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BARELY ESCAPED WITH MY LIFE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 27, 2017 · fire

“THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2017 MKC DEVELOPED A SLIPPING ISSUE AT AROUND 81000 MILES. THIS OCCURRED FIRST IN THE RANGE OF 25-35 MPH. NOW IT SEEMS TO HAVE BROADENED. HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY SANDERSON LINCOLN IN PHOENIX, AZ. THEIR INITIAL DETERMINATION WAS A NEW TRANSMISSION OR A REBUILD. COST IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 4, 2019

2017 Lincoln MKC — common questions

Is the 2017 Lincoln MKC reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 221 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 5 MKC years. It is one of the MKC years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 MKC problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (122 complaints), driver assistance (26 complaints), other (21 complaints).

Does the 2017 Lincoln MKC have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Lincoln MKC. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKC years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKC years to avoid are 2017, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among MKC years belongs to 2018.

How safe is the 2017 Lincoln MKC?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Lincoln MKC earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.