Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Lincoln MKC, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 76 | 66% |
| Back over prevention | 6 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 2% |
| Wheels | 2 | 2% |
| Power train | 1 | 1% |
| Power train | 1 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Coolant intrusion into the cylinder and requires a replacement of the long block engine assembly which was a known issue by Ford/Lincoln with no recalls issued. The problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford/Lincoln
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Service Soon” was displayed on the app, and the failure was caused by a misfire. The vehicle was t
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
The vehicle needs a complete engine replacement due to a coolant intrusion issue. The safety of myself and my family are of my utmost concern. Overheating of the system can cause sudden engine stalling, catastrophic powe
NHTSA complaint: Power train
To NHTSA: I am filing this complaint about a dangerous stall/overheat defect in my 2019 Lincoln MKC, VIN [XXX], currently at 79,820 miles. This vehicle was built 2018-10, before Ford's engine redesign, and it is now und
NHTSA complaint: Engine
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: Engine / Powertrain (Engine Block & Cooling System). The vehicle suffered an internal engine failure caused by
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Car started shaking roughly when started, check engine light came on for cylinder misfire. Known engine problem where coolant leaks in to the engine block due to a known defect from Ford for these 2.0L engines. There is
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Component: Engine (2.0L EcoBoost) — coolant intrusion into cylinders What failed: The engine in my 2019 Lincoln MKC (2.0L EcoBoost, approximately 83,000 miles) failed due to internal coolant intrusion into the cylinders
NHTSA complaint: Engine
There is coolant intrusion into the cyl. It is a known concern and many complaints on line. Lincoln refuses to assist in the engine repair or replacement. Going down the road the engine misses and looses power causing di
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2019 Lincoln MKC. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 n
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 distort
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 Janua
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 t
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
| Reliability raw | 80 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 74 | good |
| Maintenance | 64 | average |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 62 | average |
| Efficiency | 39 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 76 of them (66%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 80/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 74/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.