2012 Lincoln MKS: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Jun 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over the right side of the road and exited the vehicle and became aware of a leak underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V109000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2026
“After starting the vehicle on Thursday 6/26/2025, the Power Steering Assist Fault message appeared in the message center. The owner's manual was consulted and as recommended, the engine was turned off for over 10 seconds, turned back on, and the message returned. The Power Steering Assist Fault message has appeared each time upon starting the engine (both by remote and push-button) for 8 days and counting. In September of 2015, the recall associated with a fault in the electric power steering system (number 15S18) was completed at the dealership. The recommended maintenance scheduled has been followed since the vehicle was purchased in January 2012.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2025
“I heard on the news that there is a recall on the brake hose and I am always putting brake fluid in i just put some in 03/27/2023 but when I put my vin # in nothing comes up for a recall I have a 2012 lincoln mks awd”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that after refueling, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V109000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2021
“Driving down the road and out of nowhere the temp gauge spikes to hot. I was able to pull over off the side of the road and the car smelled very strongly of coolant. After getting the car home and upon further inspection I determined that the internal water pump failed. This is a recurring problem with the duretec engines. No warning from the manufacturer or the dealer who sold me the car. There is currently a class action law suit addressing this issue. A recall on this part needs to happen.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2019
“Outside temp 27 f. Opened front passenger door and it would not stay shut. Had to use rope to tie passenger door to rear door behind driver to keep it shut so I could go to eye doctor, a three hour drive away. As temperature has risen, it seems to be latching to stay shut now, but I do not trust it.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2018
“Loud popping and cracking noise coming from speakers even when the audio is powered off. I tried to update my sync system, but that didn't seem to resolve the problem. I have call the manufacture for help, but they were able to provide 0 assistance. This happens randomly, more in the evening or night time. While the car is both stationary and in motion.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2017
“The car stutters on soft acceleration while pulling out or increase in velocity when going up hill or on upgrades. Premature valve cover leaking into spark plugs and soaking ignition packs overheating prematurely while in slow moving to moderate traffic intermitten wipers defective when I acquired it”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lincoln mks. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering) however, the dealer stated that the vehicle should not have been included in the recall repair. The vehicle was repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 1/14/16 ln *js”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lincoln mks. While coming to a stop, the steering wheel became drastically difficult to control after an audible and power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000. Updated 8/6/15*cn”Owner report · Steering · May 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact MKS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Lincoln MKS. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.