YearToAvoid

2012 Lincoln MKT Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

56/100

#5 most-complained of 10 MKT years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2012 Lincoln MKT has 27 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 56, and ranks 5th worst of 10 model years, earning a 'Caution' verdict. Steering issues dominate, making up 70% of complaints, with one recall tied to the power steering control module.

Complaints
27
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19
16.5 city / 23 hwy

Top 2012 Lincoln MKT problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering19 (70%)
  2. Engine3 (11%)
  3. Electrical System2 (7%)
  4. Other2 (7%)
  5. Structure & Body2 (7%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain2 (7%)
  7. Brakes1 (4%)
  8. Fuel System1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the steering wheel and driver's seat shaking abnormally at highway speeds between 60-75 mph.
  • Power steering has failed while maneuvering at low speed, requiring replacement of the power steering gear.
  • Some owners with the steering recall reported the replacement part was unavailable for an extended period.
  • The power liftgate has opened on its own while driving on the highway and would not respond to controls, in one case causing damage.
  • The steering column motor has been reported to grind and click when extending or retracting, preventing the wheel from adjusting.
  • The panoramic glass roof has shattered while driving without any impact.
2012 Lincoln MKT complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2012Sep 2015Nov 2018Jul 2019Dec 2019Jun 2021Oct 2024
32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2012 to Sep 2025; peak Jan 2019 (3).

2012 Lincoln MKT recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2012 Lincoln MKT fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16.5 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
19 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,425
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 MKT years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Avoid7864018
2011Best2219118
2012Caution5627119
2013Avoid10069719.5
2014Avoid8954419.5

All Lincoln MKT years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKT reliable?
NHTSA lists 27 complaints for the 2012 MKT with a Complaint Index of 56, ranking it 5th worst out of 10 model years, so it carries a 'Caution' verdict relative to other MKT years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Lincoln MKT?
Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 70% of complaints (19 of 27), with a median failure mileage of 115,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKT have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 15V340000) covers the power steering control module, which Ford addresses by checking for diagnostic trouble codes.
How does the 2012 MKT compare to other MKT years?
The 2012 MKT's Complaint Index of 56 is lower than the 2010 (78), 2013 (100), and 2014 (89) model years, which are all rated 'Avoid', but higher than 2011 (22), 2016 (33), and 2018 (11), which rank 'Best' or 'Good'.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Lincoln MKT?
EPA rates the 2012 MKT at 19 mpg combined (16.5 city / 23 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,425.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.