VehicleVerdict

2012 Lincoln MKX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Lincoln MKX sits mid-pack among MKX years: 108 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 92, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (31% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

108

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other MKX years?

MKX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted350 complaints2007: 350 complaints2008: 303 complaints2009: 77 complaints2010: 125 complaints2011: 190 complaints2012: 108 complaints2013: 203 complaints2014: 48 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 207 complaints2017: 68 complaints2018: 38 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints
MKX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Lincoln MKX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3331%
Electrical System1918%
Transmission1110%
Body & Structure109%
Engine87%
Other76%
Driver Assistance66%
Fuel System44%
Airbags44%
Lighting22%
Speed Control11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Latches & Locks11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V393000TransmissionJuly 2, 2014 · 83,250 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.

Consequence

If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Driving late at night from dinner, brakes failed. Took MKX to servicing dealer, replaced m/cyl problem still there, order brake controller two weeks ago, part on shortage no due date. Part fit alot of models and years. FMC should pay for parts, very safety failure, we live in rural area and have…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 29, 2021

“SINCE 2017, TOUCH SCREEN WENT TO BLACK SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I STARTED THE CAR ON A CITY STREET, AND WOULD NOT TURN ON WITHIN 24 HOURS. GOT MORE SERIOUS IN 2019, THE SCREEN DIDN'T TURN ON AFTER 3 DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER. WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED DEFECTIVE APIM AND UPDATED TO LATEST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S GARAGE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE FENDER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 21, 2018 · crash

“THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH WOULD SAY ITS TILL OPEN WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. HAD TO REPAIR IT TWICE AT THE DEALER. NOW THE RIGHT REAR DOOR HAS THE SAME ISSUE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 1, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND RESUMED DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 21, 2016

2012 Lincoln MKX — common questions

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKX reliable?

It is close to typical for the MKX: 108 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 MKX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (33 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have recalls?

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

Which Lincoln MKX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKX years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2017, 2015. The cleanest record among MKX years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2012 Lincoln MKX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Lincoln MKX earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.