VehicleVerdict

2018 Lincoln MKC problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2018 Lincoln MKC is among the quieter years of the MKC on NHTSA's books: 81 complaints (37% below the model's median year), 4 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 59% of all reports (48 of 81), far ahead of driver assistance at 7. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

81

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other MKC years?

MKC NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted221 complaints2015: 165 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 221 complaints2018: 81 complaints2019: 129 complaints
MKC NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKC years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Lincoln MKC problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4859%
Driver Assistance79%
Transmission56%
Tires & Wheels56%
Other56%
Electrical System34%
Fuel System22%
Steering22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKC have recalls?

4 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.

18V104000BrakesFebruary 12, 2018 · 88 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE LANE DEPARTURE SAFETY FEATURE ACTIVATED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE FROM VEERING OUT OF THE LANE. THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE STEERED THE VEHICLE TOO FAR TO THE LEFT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN AND FLIP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 22, 2018 · crash

“I purchased this vehicle in 2020 and it came with these tires. THREE of the four tires either had a bubble or repeatedly lost air around 28000 miles. These are very unsafe tires and unlikely a road hazard damaged three of the four. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 1, 2021

“SUNROOF HAS A LARGE CRACK IN IT AND LINCOLN DEALERSHIP STATES IT WAS HIIT BY SOMETHING. NOTHING HIT THAT GLASS. LINCOLN WILL NOT COVER THE CHARGE AND WANTS TO CHARGE ME$1500. THE GLASS SUNROOF IS DEFECTIVE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 6, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL AWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REENTER THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONTACT FELL AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 18, 2019 · crash

2018 Lincoln MKC — common questions

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKC reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 81 NHTSA complaints, below the typical MKC year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 MKC problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (48 complaints), driver assistance (7 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKC have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 Lincoln MKC?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.