DecodedCars2018 Lincoln MKC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,951 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Lincoln MKC is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.3L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,951 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 8% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 MKC →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 179.1 in | 73.2 in | 65.4 in | 105.9 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,951 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKC FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 386 |
| MKC AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| MKC AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 413 |
| MKC AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -14% | $3,350 | 436 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln MKC SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
| 2018 Lincoln MKC SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln MKC (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Volvo XC60 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2018 Lexus NX | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Acura RDX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 December 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.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 3, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V572000 · 1,456,417 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 driverâs 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.
Engine · May 26, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V378000 · 142,734 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Feb 12, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V104000 · 88 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2018 Lincoln MKC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
76Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
50,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lincoln MKC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 47 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lincoln MKC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKC years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →