Ford Motor Company has announced a significant safety recall affecting 142,734 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured between August 20, 2013, and August 2, 2019. This urgent safety action comes in response to multiple documented cases of underhood fires, highlighting a serious defect in the vehicle’s battery monitoring system. The recall is particularly critical as fires can occur even when vehicles are parked and completely powered off, presenting a significant risk to both property and safety.
Why is Lincoln Recalling These Vehicles?
This recall involves the 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC models, where a defective battery monitor sensor can cause underhood fires. The most concerning aspect is that fires can occur even when vehicles are parked and completely turned off. This safety issue has already resulted in 19 confirmed fire incidents across multiple countries, prompting immediate action from Ford Motor Company.
How Does the Battery Sensor Defect Cause Fires?
The problem stems from the battery monitor sensor’s location and lack of protective fusing. During routine maintenance or battery service, the sensor can become damaged, leading to electrical shorts in the printed circuit board. Without proper current-limiting features, these shorts can generate enough heat to start a fire. The design flaw means that even basic battery maintenance could potentially trigger this dangerous condition.
What Warning Signs Should MKC Owners Watch For?
The most alarming aspect of this defect is the complete absence of warning signs before a fire occurs. Unlike many vehicle problems that show symptoms gradually, this issue can manifest suddenly and without any indication of trouble. Standard vehicle diagnostics cannot detect the developing problem, leaving owners without any way to predict when their vehicle might be at risk.
Key concerns for owners:
- No warning indicators before potential fires
- Standard diagnostic systems cannot detect the problem
- Risk exists at all times, even during normal operation
- Traditional vehicle warning lights won’t activate
How Will Lincoln Fix the Problem?
Ford has developed a comprehensive repair strategy to address this critical safety issue. The fix involves installing an in-line fuse in the battery monitor sensor power circuit, which will prevent excessive current flow that could lead to overheating. This repair is more than just a simple parts replacement – it’s a complete system modification designed to eliminate the fire risk entirely.
The recall service includes:
- Complete diagnostic system inspection
- Installation of new protective fusing
- System testing and verification
- Quality control checks
- Safety validation
What Should MKC Owners Do Right Now?
If you own a 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, immediate action is crucial for your safety. First and foremost, park your vehicle outdoors, away from any structures or other vehicles. This precaution is essential until you can have the recall repair completed.
Follow these important steps:
- Move your vehicle to an outdoor location immediately
- Schedule a recall repair appointment with your local Lincoln dealer
- Keep detailed records of any unusual observations
- Maintain documentation of all dealer communications
For immediate assistance or to verify if your vehicle is affected, contact:
- Ford Customer Service: 1-866-436-7332
- Your local Lincoln dealership
- NHTSA Website: www.nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA Recall Number: 23V-378
Understanding Your Legal Rights
When recall repairs aren’t enough to resolve persistent vehicle problems, you may have additional legal protections under state lemon laws. If your Lincoln MKC continues to experience issues even after the recall repair, or if you’ve had multiple problems with your vehicle, you could be entitled to significant compensation.
Common scenarios that might qualify for legal action:
- Multiple repair attempts for the same issue
- Extended periods in the repair shop
- Recurring safety concerns
- Persistent problems after recall repairs
Get Professional Legal Help Today
Consumer Action Law Group specializes in helping vehicle owners who continue to experience problems even after recall repairs. Our experienced legal team understands how the lemon law works and will work to get you compensated.
We offer comprehensive support:
- Free case evaluation
- Handling negotiations with the manufacturer
- Proven track record of successful cases
Don’t continue driving a vehicle that puts you and your family at risk. Contact Consumer Action Law Group today to understand your rights and explore your options for compensation. Your safety is our primary concern, and we’re here to help you get the resolution you deserve.
Citations
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Recall Report 23V-378.” NHTSA, 2024, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V378-7777.PDF
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Recall Acknowledgement 23V-378.” NHTSA, 2024, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V378-6762.pdf
