Is the 2018 Lincoln MKC reliable?

The 2018 Lincoln MKC has 81 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKC?

Top problems: ENGINE (48 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (7 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Lincoln MKC?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ENGINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, 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 2018 Lincoln MKC?

The 2018 Lincoln MKC gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Lincoln MKC?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Lincoln MKC is approximately $2,215/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.

2018 Lincoln MKC

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Lincoln MKC has 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 129. The most common issue is engine problems (59% of all complaints), specifically: engine light came on and my linolnway app told me to not drive over 45 mph because my car may start having smoke come out. i took the car to the dealership and was told that i needed a new engine because the coolant has leaked over . i was told that my car was the 5th lincoln that came in and neede. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

4 crash reports 7 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

48 complaints

59%

• Engine light came on and my LinolnWAy app told me to not drive over 45 mph because my car may start having smoke come out. I took the car to the dealership and was told that I needed a new engine because the coolant has leaked over . I was told that my car was the 5th Lincoln that came in and neede
• Misfire cylinder2 coolant found in combustion chamber requiring longblock engine replacement. Through investigation found that this is a widespread factory defect that Ford is well aware of. A diagnostic check was not performed on this issue during any routine service visit even though a technical s
• My check engine light went on one week ago and we received a message that my vehicle was unsafe to drive due to an engine misfire. We did not drive the vehicle, but could not take it into the dealership until today as they were backlogged and could not fit it in until today (9/13/22). I just receive

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Engine light came on and my LinolnWAy app told me to not drive over 45 mph because my car may start having smoke come out. I took the car to the dealership and was told that I needed a new engine because the coolant has leaked over . I was told that my car was the 5th Lincoln that came in and neede”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Lincoln MKC

Based on 31 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K 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+

ENGINE

Reported earliermedian 59K mi · 12 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 (4)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS12/02/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.

Risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Lincoln MKC

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/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 2018 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

$2,215

Full coverage / month

$185

Liability only / year

$717

vs US avg

+32%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2215

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 2018 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

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 81 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Engine light came on and my LinolnWAy app told me to not drive over 45 mph because my car may start having smoke come out. I took the car to the dealership and was told that I needed a new engine because the coolant has leaked over . I was told that my car was the 5th Lincoln that came in and neede
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE LANE DEPARTURE SAFETY FEATURE ACTIVATED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE FROM VEERING OUT OF THE LANE. THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE STEERED THE VEHICLE TOO FAR TO THE LEFT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN AND FLIP OVER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SUNROOF HAS A LARGE CRACK IN IT AND LINCOLN DEALERSHIP STATES IT WAS HIIT BY SOMETHING. NOTHING HIT THAT GLASS. LINCOLN WILL NOT COVER THE CHARGE AND WANTS TO CHARGE ME$1500. THE GLASS SUNROOF IS DEFECTIVE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL AWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REENTER THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONTACT FELL AND S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)