2012 Lincoln MKS Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
17/100
#6 most-complained of 7 MKS years
The 2012 Lincoln MKS ranks 6th of 7 model years with a Complaint Index of 17 and 17 complaints, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other MKS years. Steering issues lead at 47% of complaints, with 3 recalls covering steering, structure/body, and fuel system.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 24 hwy
Top 2012 Lincoln MKS problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering8 (47%)
- Electrical System5 (29%)
- Other4 (24%)
- Fuel System2 (12%)
- Structure & Body2 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (12%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
- Engine1 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (6%)
What owners report
- Steering wheel becomes drastically difficult to control while coming to a stop, sometimes preceded by an audible warning and power steering light.
- Loud popping and cracking noises come from speakers even when the audio system is powered off, occurring randomly day or night.
- Engine stutters during soft acceleration or on inclines, with valve cover leaks soaking spark plugs and ignition packs.
- Front passenger door will not stay latched shut, especially in cold temperatures, requiring owners to tie it closed.
- Temperature gauge spikes suddenly while driving due to internal water pump failure, filling the cabin with a coolant smell.
- Moisture builds up inside the passenger headlamp assembly with no identifiable source found by multiple shops.
2012 Lincoln MKS recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V340000Jun 2, 2015Steering393,623 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 15V040000Jan 28, 2015Structure & Body194,889 vehicles
Structure:body:door
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 13V109000Mar 27, 2013Fuel System3,037 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
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.
Risk: 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.
2012 Lincoln MKS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other MKS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS reliable?
- Compared to other MKS model years, the 2012 ranks 6th of 7 with a Complaint Index of 17, the second-lowest among all years, giving it a "Best" verdict relative to the rest of the lineup.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKS?
- Steering issues account for 47% of complaints, followed by electrical system problems at 29%. Median mileage at failure across all reported issues was 74,625 miles.
- Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKS: one for the power steering control module, one for interior door handles, and one for fuel tank sealing issues. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2012 MKS compare to other years?
- The 2012 has a Complaint Index of 17 versus 100 for 2011 and 83 for 2013, both rated "Avoid." The 2015 model year scores even lower at 33 with a "Good" verdict.