Who's at Fault When a Car's Engine Blows: The Case of a Lincoln MKC

When a car's engine fails, especially after a recent checkup, it can be a complex situation with multiple parties potentially at fault. This article explores the details of a specific case involving a Lincoln MKC, a discussion about who is responsible, and general insights into engine failures and car maintenance.

The Tragedy of the Lincoln MKC

A recent incident involving a Lincoln MKC has sparked a debate on who is responsible when a car's engine fails. The vehicle in question, a 2016/17 model with 98,000 miles, experienced an engine failure three weeks after undergoing a 100,000-mile checkup at a dealership. This article delves into the circumstances and highlights the complexities of such situations.

Engine Failure and the Unforeseen Blowout

The failure of the engine block is a dramatic and costly incident. The term "engine block blew up" is often used to describe a catastrophic failure, but it can lack technical precision. In this case, the user suggests that the term is perhaps overly dramatic, offering alternatives to consider the specific circumstances and technical details.

Lincoln's Manufacturing Defect

Further investigation revealed that Lincoln had a manufacturing defect in the engine block between 2016 and 2017. It was common for engines with this defect to develop issues, including the one the user experienced. Despite this, the recall had already expired for their specific model. As a result, the user turned to a copper-based engine block sealant called Bar’s Leaks to address the issue. This solution solved the problem for over 25,000 miles, demonstrating that proactive maintenance can prevent issues when a recall is no longer available.

Discussion on Car Maintenance and Responsibility

The importance of proactive car maintenance cannot be overstated. A regular checkup provides excellent insurance, but it does not guarantee the prevention of all failures. The user, who has maintained their Lincoln MKZ impeccably, still experienced a failure. This highlights that no matter how well a vehicle is cared for, mechanical issues can still occur.

Debate About Dealer Responsibility

There is ongoing debate about whether the dealership or the vehicle owner is responsible for the failure. The user suggests that if the failure was related to the recent service work, such as a loss of oil pressure due to a failure of the oil filter, the dealership might be at fault. However, if the failure was unrelated, such as damage from hitting a piece of metal on the highway, the dealer would not be responsible.

Expert Insights

Expert opinions vary, but they generally agree that the specific details of the engine failure and the paperwork from the last service visit are crucial. The term "blew up" lacks technical precision, and a detailed, technical description of the failure is necessary for a fair assessment of responsibility.

Conclusion

While it is impossible to give a straightforward answer without specific details, the case of the Lincoln MKC highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and the complexities of car maintenance. Regular checkups do not guarantee that all issues can be prevented, but they can provide valuable insurance against unexpected failures.

Takeaway

When a car's engine fails, it's essential to gather detailed information about the failure and the recent maintenance history. This transparency can help in determining the responsible party and in making informed decisions about future car maintenance and repairs.