Is the 2016 Lincoln MKC reliable?

The 2016 Lincoln MKC has 104 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Lincoln MKC?

Top problems: ENGINE (47 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (11 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Lincoln MKC?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, ENGINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Lincoln MKC?

The 2016 Lincoln MKC gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Lincoln MKC?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Lincoln MKC is approximately $2,038/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Lincoln MKC

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Lincoln MKC has 104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 129. The most common issue is engine problems (45% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 lincoln mkc. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving and "shift system fault" appeared on the instrument panel. the vehicle was towed to johnson's brother lincoln (7455 s general bruce dr, temple, tx 76502, (254) 773-5257) to be diagnosed, but the mechan. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 9 fire reports filed.

9 fire reports 1 injury

104

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

47 complaints

45%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND "SHIFT SYSTEM FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOHNSON'S BROTHER LINCOLN (7455 S GENERAL BRUCE DR, TEMPLE, TX 76502, (254) 773-5257) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHAN
• THE ENGINE STARTED STALLING WHEN CRANKING UP IN A PARKED POSITION, AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS, BUT LATELY IT ALSO STALLS JUST WHEN CRANKING UP IN A PARKED POSITION. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON.
• Unknown. Fire started in engine while car was not turned on and parked.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 5 fire reports

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND "SHIFT SYSTEM FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOHNSON'S BROTHER LINCOLN (7455 S GENERAL BRUCE DR, TEMPLE, TX 76502, (254) 773-5257) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHAN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Lincoln MKC

Based on 37 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 69K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Earlier than typicalmedian 28K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Reported earliermedian 58K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 82K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE31/03/2016

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Lincoln MKC

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Lincoln MKC

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,038

Full coverage / month

$170

Liability only / year

$717

vs US avg

+22%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2038

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKC Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2016 MKC, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 104 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND "SHIFT SYSTEM FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOHNSON'S BROTHER LINCOLN (7455 S GENERAL BRUCE DR, TEMPLE, TX 76502, (254) 773-5257) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHAN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COAST THE VEHICLE JERKS AND BANGS INTO GEAR. AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME WHETHER ON A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. FORD FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS CONCERN BUT SAID IT WAS WITHIN THE PARA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LEASING A 2016 LINCOLN MKC EQUIPPED WITH A 2.3 ECO-BOOST ENGINE. RECENTLY LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHICH WAS QUITE FRIGHTENING. ALSO OCCURRED TRAVELING UP THE STREET FROM OUR HOME WHILE GOING SLOWLY. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND WERE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)