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2017 Lincoln Mkc Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Lincoln Mkc carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine and camera. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear-view camera failure under Back Over Prevention recall.” Lincoln uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: it tracks how the vehicle is actually driven and calls for oil service when needed — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months on normal duty, much sooner with towing or repeated short trips. EcoBoost-powered Aviators and Nautilus models are turbocharged: heat is their maintenance story, so oil quality and cooling-system health matter more than on the old naturally aspirated V8s. Traditional V8 Navigators and Town Cars are long-interval machines — 100,000-mile plugs — that mostly reward fluid discipline.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE

Campaign #23V378000 · May 26, 2023

Issue: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #25V572000 · Apr 9, 2025

Issue: 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.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Campaign #25V685000 · Oct 10, 2025

Issue: 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 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Lincoln Mkc.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear-view camera failure under Back Over Prevention recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION

26 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2026-07

“Back up camera goes black or really fuzzy so everything is unrecognizable. This happens very sporadically. It could stay like this for days or sometimes just once in a few weeks. Never know when it will happen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682700
“Back up rear camera completely blacked out while I was back in up. The alarm did not alarm and a vehicle almost hit me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11527273
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image failed to function properly, and the image was blurry”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730151

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Torque converter failure and transmission slipping

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2025-07

“Transmission torque converter needs replacement i brought it to the dealer for inspection after feeling repeated hard shifts and feeling as though there is a severe vibration when accelerating. The dealer stated the torque converter needs to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642505
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291738
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle from second to third gear, there was an abnormal banging sound heard. The transmission was slipping gear while driving at various speeds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541684

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Swollen lug nuts requiring wheel hardware replacement

WHEELS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2022-09

“Lug nuts need to be replaced due to swelling”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485599
“Lug nuts are swollen. Doesn’t even have 33,000 miles on my vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455388
“I had my MKC at the dealership to get an oil change and check for an issue with electrical. They were checking the car and they had to replace all 20 lugnuts because they swelled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436775

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant intrusion requiring engine replacement

ENGINE

84 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-08

“Coolant intrusion into number 2 cylinder requiring full engine replacement of my 2017 my 2.0l eco boost engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756792
“Engine design flaw in the gaskets. Coolant leaking into the cylinders causing misfire. Had to replace the engine. $8000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692483
“There is a huge problem with my vehicle it started leaking coolant into the cylinder. The vehicle is using coolant and burning it through the exhaust. This defect in the engine block causes catastrophic failure if occuring during driving on highway can cause accident and fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612283

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery monitor sensor recall parts delay

ENGINE

21 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2025-11

“NHTSA Recall 23V378 Battery monitor sensor BMS Power Circuit in-line fuse installation. Everyone's safety in my family including myself is at risk. Received first recall notice June 2023. Second August 2023”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11551808
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11546014
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving, a burning odor was detected as the vehicle lost power. Upon the contact's arrival at home, her fiancé called AAA service”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632421

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failed to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2025-12

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON A MAIN ROAD, A VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CUT HER OFF TURNING INTO HER LANE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE MAIN ROAD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399135
“None of my airbags deployed in a one vehicle accident when my tire blew. I woke up sitiing in a guard rail.and injured. This happened on September 4th, 2025. Car totaled and Travelers Insurance already paid off finance company and I was left with nothing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687059
“The contact owned a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, when attempting to park the vehicle on a residential street, the vehicle heisted, and the vehicle independently accelerated into her cousin's house”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702963

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 14, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 14, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil-Life Monitor)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the Oil-Life Monitor calls it — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months. EcoBoost engines (Aviator 3.0T): use the specified synthetic and don't stretch the monitor; turbos cook marginal oil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Heavy Navigators shift a lot of weight — even wear is a ride-quality item, not just a tire-budget item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil service. Town Car livery duty and Navigator towing both count as severe service for brakes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford schedules the 10-speed (10R80) and 6-speed automatics at 150,000 miles normal duty — but 60,000 miles with towing or livery use, which describes many Lincolns. Mercon ULV / the specified Mercon type only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

V8 Navigator and Town Car: 100,000-mile plugs. EcoBoost V6 (Aviator, Nautilus 2.7T): commonly around 60,000 miles — check your year's guide; turbo engines run shorter plug lives.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles per Ford's schedule; sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Rear Differential Fluid (RWD/4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Navigator, Aviator RWD, and Town Car: replace rear axle fluid around 60,000 miles with towing or livery duty (150,000 normal per Ford). Limited-slip axles need the friction modifier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Serpentine / Accessory Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking. The 5.4L Navigator's belt also drives the cooling fan clutch on some years — a failure overheats fast.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped. (2004-era Town Cars predate cabin filters; modern Lincolns locate it behind the glovebox.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (OAT) on modern models: first change around 10 years / 200,000 miles per Ford, though shops commonly refresh by 100,000. Older green-coolant V8s: every 5 years. Never mix chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Feature-heavy Lincolns (air suspension compressors, power everything) expose weak batteries as electrical gremlins first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

13 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Lincoln Mkc reflects Lincoln's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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