VehicleVerdict

2019 Lincoln MKC problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Lincoln MKC sits mid-pack among MKC years: 129 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 129, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 64% of all reports (83 of 129), far ahead of electrical system at 12. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

129

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other MKC years?

MKC NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted221 complaints2015: 165 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 221 complaints2018: 81 complaints2019: 129 complaints
MKC NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKC years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Lincoln MKC problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine8364%
Electrical System129%
Other97%
Driver Assistance86%
Brakes22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Transmission22%
Fuel System22%
Airbags11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Latches & Locks11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2019 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.

“VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ERROR MESSAGE "THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN" APPEAREDIN ON THE DASHBOARD. HAD THERE BEEN A TRANSPORT TRAILER BEHIND US, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS DOING NOTHING FOR US. VERY DISAPPOINTING AS MY MOTHER NOW HAS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 14, 2019 · crash

“VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ERROR MESSAGE "THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN" APPEAREDIN ON THE DASHBOARD. HAD THERE BEEN A TRANSPORT TRAILER BEHIND US, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS DOING NOTHING FOR US. VERY DISAPPOINTING AS MY MOTHER NOW HAS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 14, 2019 · crash

“VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ERROR MESSAGE "THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN" APPEAREDIN ON THE DASHBOARD. HAD THERE BEEN A TRANSPORT TRAILER BEHIND US, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS DOING NOTHING FOR US. VERY DISAPPOINTING AS MY MOTHER NOW HAS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 14, 2019 · crash

“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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 8, 2025

“The coolant/ transmission fluid is found to be leaking into the engine. Now I to pay for a new engine when I have had the car 1 year and 8 months. I still owe $22,000 on the vehicle, and while it’s said that Lincoln knew about this problem, no recall was ever issued. I am 3,000 miles over the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 25, 2024

2019 Lincoln MKC — common questions

Is the 2019 Lincoln MKC reliable?

It is close to typical for the MKC: 129 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 MKC problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (83 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2019 Lincoln MKC have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 Lincoln MKC?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 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.