VehicleVerdict

2012 Lincoln MKT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Lincoln MKT sits mid-pack among MKT years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 26, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 58% of all reports (19 of 33), far ahead of engine at 4.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other MKT years?

MKT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted92 complaints2010: 92 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 33 complaints2013: 90 complaints2014: 79 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 10 complaints2019: 12 complaints
MKT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Lincoln MKT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1958%
Engine412%
Electrical System39%
Other26%
Transmission26%
Body & Structure26%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

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 MKT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 7, 2015

“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that the twin-turbo became inoperable. The contact stated that oil was entering the exhaust and the contact was unable to see other vehicles. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2021

“STEERING COLUMN MOTOR GRINDS AND CLICKS WHEN EXTENDING AND RETRACTING. THIS OCCURS WHEN STARTING AND TURNING OFF THE CAR. STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. IT WON'T EXTEND FULLY, OR MOVE UP AND DOWN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 25, 2019

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY NO ONE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND LIKE IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE SHOT MY CAR IN A CLOSE RANGE AND AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE I STARTED SWERVING. PULLED OVER FRANTIC TO SEE WHAT IT WAS MY SUNROOF GLASS WAS SHATTERED ALL AROUND THE EDGES GONE. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 25, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY, THE FRONT PORTION OF THE GLASS PANORAMIC ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT RECEIVING ANY IMPACT. THERE WAS A VERY LOUD "POP" AND WHEN I PULLED OVER I DISCOVERED THE GLASS WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. NOTHING TO MY KNOWLEDGE IMPACTED THE ROOF.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 4, 2019

2012 Lincoln MKT — common questions

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKT reliable?

It is close to typical for the MKT: 33 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 MKT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (19 complaints), engine (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Lincoln MKT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKT years to avoid are 2010, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among MKT years belongs to 2017.

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.