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Model year record

2016 Lincoln MKC recalls & problems

The 2016 Lincoln MKC has 5 safety recalls and 80 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (41 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints80filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 7reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2016 Lincoln MKC in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

EquipmentJan 15, 2026

Electrical › Engine block heater

Recall 26V011000116,672 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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 plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
EquipmentOct 10, 2025

Electrical › Engine block heater

Recall 25V68500059,006 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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 December 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.
Back over preventionSep 3, 2025

Sensing system › Camera

Recall 25V5720001,456,417 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
EngineMay 26, 2023

Engine

Recall 23V378000142,734 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Engine and engine coolingMar 31, 2016

Engine

Recall 16V1830001,543 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Risk
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2016 Lincoln MKC SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.9%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2016 Lincoln MKC SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.4%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2016 Lincoln MKC NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2016 Lincoln MKC NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

MKC FWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

MKC AWD

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

MKC AWD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine4105182,000 mi
Power train1201058,000 mi
Electrical system11000—
Unknown or other902015,672 mi
Engine and engine cooling7000101,200 mi
Steering5000—
Back over prevention400063,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system4000—
Exterior lighting3000—
WheelsLugs/nuts/bolts/studs3000—
StructureBody2010—
Vehicle speed control2000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations