2012 Lincoln MKZ Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 20 steering complaints for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ, 14% of all complaints that year, tied to 5 crashes and 4 injuries. A related recall (15V340000) covers the Power Steering Control Module, though some owners report the fix did not apply to their VIN.
- Steering complaints
- 20
- 14% of 146
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 65,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Steering wheel or assist suddenly fails or freezes while driving at low or moderate speeds, sometimes triggering a "service" or "power steering failure" warning light.
- Power steering cuts out specifically during turns, with some owners reporting it only happens when turning right, then returns once the wheels straighten.
- Vehicle displays a "power steering assist fault" message alongside traction control or StabiliTrak warnings, and steering becomes extremely hard to turn.
- Complete loss of steering control at speed leads to the car drifting off the road, onto curbs, or into fixed objects, in some cases with tire and rim damage.
- Owners with steering assist failures say a recall exists for the same issue but dealers tell them it does not apply to their specific VIN.
When 2012 Lincoln MKZ steering complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 27, 2012, latest Nov 6, 2025.
Steering recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ
- 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.
Steering complaints by MKZ model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2012 Lincoln MKZ have?
- NHTSA lists 20 steering complaints for the 2012 MKZ, which is 14% of the 146 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2012 Lincoln MKZ?
- Yes. Recall 15V340000 covers the Power Steering Control Module on certain 2011-2012 MKZ hybrid vehicles; dealers check for diagnostic trouble codes as the remedy.
- Do steering problems on the 2012 MKZ cause crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 4 injuries linked to steering complaints for this model year.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across steering complaints for the 2012 MKZ is 65,000 miles, though individual reports range from very low to very high mileage.
- Is the 2012 MKZ worse for steering issues than other years?
- Steering complaint share was 14% in 2012, lower than 2014's 26% and 2016's 19%, but higher than 2017's 4% and 2018's 0%, based on this model's own year-by-year data.