Lincoln MKC Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKC model year (2015–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKC Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 162 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 175
12 recalls · 126 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 166
3 recalls · 94 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 103
Best Lincoln MKC Years to Buy
4 recalls · 63 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 83
5 recalls · 72 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 89
3 recalls · 94 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 103
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKC with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKC — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 94 | 103 | Caution |
| 2018 | 4 | 63 | 83 | Caution |
| 2017 | 3 | 162 | 175 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 5 | 72 | 89 | Caution |
| 2015 | 12 | 126 | 166 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Lincoln MKC Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent MKC models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2018 stands out with just 83 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade MKC units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MKC should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2017 Lincoln MKC if possible. It has 3 recalls, 162 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is ENGINE. The overall problem score is 175 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year MKC to buy?+
The 2018 Lincoln MKC is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 83. It has only 4 recalls and 63 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MKC has the fewest problems?+
The 2018, 2016, 2019 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lincoln MKC Research
Check a Specific Lincoln MKC VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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