2012 Lincoln MKT: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · 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 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the power steering system failure warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 12,980.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2024
“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact drove at a slow speed to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was over 150,000 miles and NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (Steering) would not be honored. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and stated that the recall letter was sent to the previous owner and since the vehicle was over 150,000 the repairs would be out of pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 151,566.”Owner report · Steering · May 2021
“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that the twin-turbo became inoperable. The contact stated that oil was entering the exhaust and the contact was unable to see other vehicles. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lincoln mkt. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on after refueling, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to napleton lincoln located at 1610 waukegan ave, glenview, il 60025, (888)214-2155, where it was stated that the mileage was exceeded for inclusion in NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the mileage was exceeded and that the vehicle was no longer eligible for the free repair. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2020
“I started my 2012 lincoln mkt 3.5l the steering was hard to turn and the dashboard error message reads 'power steering assist fault. I google it and it showed that the 'power steering assit fault error message was on recall on june 2015. I towed the car to lincoln on 1610 waukegan ave glenview il, the service manager said after the diagnosis that the steering gear should be replaced. I said okay thinking that since the error message was on recall it will be free. But when I was picking the car I was charged $2806.21. My question is should I pay for this recall repaits?”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2020
“I was driving on the highway no one was on the highway a loud explosion sound like it felt like someone shot my car in a close range and am lucky to be alive I started swerving. Pulled over frantic to see what it was my sunroof glass was shattered all around the edges gone. I couldn't believe that out of nowhere. The temperature was like 67 degrees no hot or cold outside. Am just glad that the highway was empty”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2019
“Twice I have received the message 'power steering fault' when starting my car. When this happens the steering wheel will not move or is hard to move. Luckily I haven't been driving down the highway when this has happened. I have seen recalls for other vehicles regarding this issue.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2019
“While driving down the freeway, the front portion of the glass panoramic roof shattered without receiving any impact. There was a very loud "pop" and when I pulled over I discovered the glass was completely shattered. Nothing to my knowledge impacted the roof.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2019
“Steering column motor grinds and clicks when extending and retracting. This occurs when starting and turning off the car. Steering wheel cannot be adjusted. It won't extend fully, or move up and down.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2019
“Was driving to work and the old sistem shut down with out warning maintenance almost hit two cars begging me just the time to stop mi car turn engine off and on I just feel insecure I use this car to do uber and lift how I can work like this when I take look on internet found this page and lot complain like this to ford company”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2019
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 MKT 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 MKT reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 Lincoln MKT. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKT have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering:electric power assist system. 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.