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2016 Lincoln MKCProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 82 owner complaints about the 2016 Lincoln MKC, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-572 the manufacturer reports only 21% of affected cars repaired.

2016 Lincoln MKC
60
CarFlaw IndexSolid year34% below the MKC median · #4 of 5 years by complaints
Safety recalls5Lowest repair rate 21%Owner complaints829 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage82kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Navigator84, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Lincoln MKC has problems

82 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine425
Power train121
Electrical system120
Engine and engine cooling70
Steering50
Back over prevention40
Fuel/propulsion system40
Exterior lighting30
Wheels20
9 other systems124

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2016 Lincoln MKC recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

21%repaired · 2026 Q3

Sensing system: camera

Recall 25V-572 · Sep 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 vehicles · 307,410 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

73%repaired · 2025 Q2

Engine

Park outside

Recall 23V-378 · May 26, 2023 · 142,734 vehicles · 104,732 repaired

Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall
88%repaired · 2017 Q3

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 16V-183 · Mar 31, 2016 · 1,543 vehicles · 1,356 repaired

Risk. Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other MKC year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKC median. How we score

'15'16'17'18'19
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 Lincoln MKC safety ratings

2016 Lincoln MKC SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2016 Lincoln MKC frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2016 Lincoln MKC side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2016 Lincoln MKC side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Lincoln MKC, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEA21002 · still open
    Open
In owners' words

What MKC owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

My 2016 Lincoln MKC with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine experienced coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, leading to engine misfire and check engine light to turn on. The dealership confirmed the issue for $176.55 and recommended a full long block engine replacement, estimated at over $11,000. This failure…
Complaint 11738186 · May 15, 2026
I have Coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 91000 miles this should be a recall it's a problem that's well documented There's a recall for the back up camera hope the camera can see through the white smoke!
Complaint 11736199 · May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the supercharger-A and the under boost needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired;…
Complaint 11734365 · Apr 28, 2026 · 60,000 miles

Own a 2016 MKC?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.