[Qaitt]

I have a 2017 MKC with a 2.3 T engine. Is there a way to tell from the VIN, or some other number(s), which block I have? I’m concerned about the coolant/ head gasket problem the 2.3T has had. I know they changed the design for the coolant pass thru to stop the blown head gasket problem. My car has 47K+ miles. If I have the ‘bad’ block, would replacing the head gasket help ward off any potential problem?

 

[Buckeye]

I don't think it is which "block", rather it is which engine. The 2.0L are known to have the coolant loss issue not the 2.3L . Some need replacing after 20k miles and some go 180k miles with no issues.
Plus I am not sure if proactively changing the gasket would prevent the issue. If it is a 'cheap' replacement it probably couldn't hurt if you did it.
I think you could ask a mechanic for a pressure test every year. Or you could buy a test kit for fumes in the antifreeze called "Block Tester" there are youtube videos on how to use it.

 

[Qaitt]

I don't think it is which "block", rather it is which engine. The 2.0L are known to have the coolant loss issue not the 2.3L . Some need replacing after 20k miles and some go 180k miles with no issues.
Plus I am not sure if proactively changing the gasket would prevent the issue. If it is a 'cheap' replacement it probably couldn't hurt if you did it.
I think you could ask a mechanic for a pressure test every year. Or you could buy a test kit for fumes in the antifreeze called "Block Tester" there are youtube videos on how to use it.

Thanks for the clarification. Now I don’t have to trade my MKC because of this problem. Whew!

 

[copbait]

It always looks worse on a forum because everybody meets at one place when they have a problem. It is most definitely a problem, from what I've seen the 2.3 liters are not near as common for failure as a 2.0 liter. But you still see one every now and again.

I recently sold my 2.3 l. It was a solid car and gave me no problems. My parents still drive a 2.3 l without any problems as well. So there are more good ones out there than bad IMHO