NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Lincoln Mkc Safety Ratings
The 2019 Lincoln Mkc scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 107 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Lincoln MKC's safety profile is marked by a critical recall for an engine fire risk that advises parking outside. This significant defect contributes to its placement in the Average band with a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100. While the vehicle earned a strong 5-star rating in NHTSA's side-impact crash tests, its overall NHTSA rating stands at 4 stars. This rating, coupled with a modest score for its avoidance technology, defines its safety assessment.
The 2019 Lincoln MKC received a 4-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Lincoln Mkc ranks 66 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 107 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 66 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Lincoln Mkc?
The 2019 Lincoln MKC achieved an Average NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, notably impacted by its defect record. The vehicle's crash protection sub-score, 61 out of 70, is a strong point, with a 5 out of 5-star rating for side impact and 4 out of 5-star ratings for frontal impact and rollover. The rollover risk was not provided. However, the MKC's active safety technology sub-score is 6 out of 10. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional features, rather than standard, a factor that significantly limits the score in this category. The defect record sub-score is 11.5 out of 20, reflecting three recall campaigns. One recall, issued in 2023, addresses a battery monitor sensor that may overheat, requiring the vehicle to be parked outdoors. A separate recall for the backup camera also raises an active safety concern for this model year. Owners filed 107 complaints, 80 of which are engine-related, underscoring the issues that brought the overall Safety Index below what its crash-test ratings alone would suggest.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Lincoln Mkc perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Lincoln MKC received a perfect 5-star rating for side-impact protection from NHTSA. Its overall safety rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal protection also earning 4 stars. The risk of rollover for the MKC is calculated at 16 percent, and dynamic testing concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13309
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Lincoln Mkc have any recalls?
Yes. Three recall campaigns cover the 2019 Lincoln MKC. The most serious is an engine recall flagging a battery monitor sensor that may short-circuit and overheat, carrying a park-outside warning. A second campaign addresses a backup camera sensing system. A third targets the engine block heater on certain models. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2025-10-10
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V572000
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.
Remedy: 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 Identificatio
Reported 2025-09-04
ENGINE23V378000
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-05-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Lincoln Mkc?
NHTSA has logged 107 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Lincoln MKC. Alleged problem areas include the Engine (80 reports), Electrical System (12), and Back Over Prevention (7). One crash and two fire incidents are alleged among those reports. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
107 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Lincoln Mkc?
Three open campaigns exist for the 2019 Lincoln MKC, including a park-outside engine recall; any shopper considering this model should confirm all three remedies have been completed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer.
- The 2019 Lincoln MKC carries a park-outside engine recall tied to a battery monitor sensor that may short-circuit and overheat, a serious defect designation that shoppers must verify as resolved by VIN.
- A separate 2025 backup camera recall covers 2015 through 2019 MKC vehicles, meaning this specific model year falls within the affected range and may still have an open remedy.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on this model year, contributing to a below-average avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 within the Safety Index.
- NHTSA has received 107 unverified complaints for the 2019 MKC, with 80 alleging engine-related issues and two alleging fire, making the engine recall history especially relevant context for used-market buyers.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Lincoln Mkc places
The 2019 Lincoln Mkc qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Lincoln Mkc safety questions
Was the 2019 Lincoln Mkc crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Lincoln Mkc, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Lincoln Mkc crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Lincoln Mkc earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln Mkc have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Mkc, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Lincoln Mkc?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 107 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Mkc. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13309), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Mkc 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 66 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.