VehicleVerdict

2012 Lincoln MKS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 2012 Lincoln MKS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

25

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other MKS years?

MKS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted181 complaints2009: 70 complaints2010: 64 complaints2011: 57 complaints2012: 25 complaints2013: 181 complaints2014: 59 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 5 complaints
MKS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Lincoln MKS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering832%
Other416%
Electrical System416%
Body & Structure28%
Transmission28%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Engine14%
Fuel System14%
Lighting14%
Brakes14%

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V340000SteeringJune 2, 2015 · 393,623 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Consequence

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

15V040000Body & StructureJanuary 28, 2015 · 194,889 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Consequence

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

13V109000Fuel SystemMarch 27, 2013 · 3,037 units

Defect

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 30, 2015

“I STOPPED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE AND PUSHED THE KEYLESS IGNITION BUTTON, BUT DID NOT PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I EXITED THE CAR AND IT SLOWLY COASTED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO A DEEP GULLY.. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR FROM THE ACCIDENT AND THE WRECKERS GETTING IT OUT OF THE GULLY WAS $14,400. I HAVE SINCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 29, 2013 · crash

“LOUD POPPING AND CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM SPEAKERS EVEN WHEN THE AUDIO IS POWERED OFF. I TRIED TO UPDATE MY SYNC SYSTEM, BUT THAT DIDN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CALL THE MANUFACTURE FOR HELP, BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE 0 ASSISTANCE. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY, MORE IN THE EVENING OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 20, 2017

“THE CAR STUTTERS ON SOFT ACCELERATION WHILE PULLING OUT OR INCREASE IN VELOCITY WHEN GOING UP HILL OR ON UPGRADES. PREMATURE VALVE COVER LEAKING INTO SPARK PLUGS AND SOAKING IGNITION PACKS OVERHEATING PREMATURELY WHILE IN SLOW MOVING TO MODERATE TRAFFIC INTERMITTEN WIPERS DEFECTIVE WHEN I ACQUIRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 15, 2017

“I STOPPED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE AND PUSHED THE KEYLESS IGNITION BUTTON, BUT DID NOT PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I EXITED THE CAR AND IT SLOWLY COASTED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO A DEEP GULLY.. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR FROM THE ACCIDENT AND THE WRECKERS GETTING IT OUT OF THE GULLY WAS $14,400. I HAVE SINCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 29, 2013 · crash

2012 Lincoln MKS — common questions

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2012 MKS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (8 complaints), other (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Lincoln MKS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKS years to avoid are 2013. The cleanest record among MKS years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.