2012 Lincoln MKS

This is additional information related to my prior complaint 1167880 regarding the 2012 Lincoln MKS steering issue.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I’ve owned my 2012 Lincoln MKS for 3 years. A warning recently appeared saying “Power Steering Assist Fault,” and now the steering is very hard to turn, especially at low speeds. I’ve already paid around $1,800 in the past to fix this issue once, but now I’m experiencing the same or similar problems again. I haven’t had it officially diagnosed this time because both Ford and the dealer told me it wouldn’t be covered, since the recall (15S18) is now expired. This is a serious safety issue. The car is difficult to control and unsafe to drive. I’m a full-time worker and a father of two toddlers, and I’m still making payments on this car that I now can’t safely use — or only for short trips while constantly worrying about steering failure. I just found out about this old recall, and the dealership never told me anything about it when I bought the car used. I strongly believe I’m experiencing the same issue Ford previously recalled these vehicles for, and I’m asking NHTSA to investigate or reopen the recall so it can be repaired before me or my family is seriously injured.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while attempting to drive out of a parking space, the message "Power Assist Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) needed to be reprogrammed, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15N01. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer ordered the part for the repair; however, the manufacturer's warranty department denied the claim for the repair after several attempts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Power Steering Assist Failure

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the lower control arms and bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the lower control arms and bushing did not need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 104,000.

Reported

Mar 2023

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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

Reported

Mar 2023

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Feb 2023

Incident date

Jan 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I HAVE AN EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE AMOUNT OF MOISTURE IN THE PASSENGER HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. I'VE HAD IT CHECKED AT 3 DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS, INCLUDING A LINCOLN ONE HERE IN TULSA. ALL 3 SHOPS COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE THE MOISTURE IS COMING FROM. I HAVE SEEN THIS ON A COUPLE OF OTHER LINCOLN MKSS. ON THE OTHER AUTOMOBILES THAT I HAVE SEEN THEIR PEERS TO BE NO DAMAGE ANYWHERE AS IS THE CASE WITH MINE. MY CONCERN IS THE MOISTURE IS GOING TO GET TO THE BULB OR GET BULB SOCKET AND CAUSE OF TO SHORT. IT SEEMS HARDLY FAIR THAT A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD BUT UNDER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON IT IS ALREADY HAVING ISSUES THAT ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND SEEM TO BE THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS NOW.

Reported

Nov 2020

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Jul 2019

Incident date

Jul 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Jan 2019

Incident date

Dec 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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

Reported

Feb 2018

Incident date

Nov 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Dec 2017

Incident date

Nov 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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

Reported

Oct 2015

Incident date

Oct 2015

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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

Reported

Jun 2015

Incident date

May 2015

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I STOPPED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE AND PUSHED THE KEYLESS IGNITION BUTTON, BUT DID NOT PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I EXITED THE CAR AND IT SLOWLY COASTED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO A DEEP GULLY.. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR FROM THE ACCIDENT AND THE WRECKERS GETTING IT OUT OF THE GULLY WAS $14,400. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED MOST WELL-ENGINEERED CARS, EXCLUDING FORD/LINCOLN, LOCK THE BREAKS OR PUT THE CAR INTO PARK IF THE KEYLESS IGNITION BUTTON IS PUSHED BEFORE THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK. (EXAMPLES OF WELL ENGINEERED CARS INCLUDE BMW AND TOYOTA PRIUS WITH RESPECT TO THIS ISSUE.) THIS IS A MAJOR ENGINEERING SAFETY ISSUE. A DRIVER CAN PARK A FORD PRODUCT ON A HILL, PUSH THE IGNITION BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, BUT NOT PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND EXIT THE CAR AND THE CAR WILL COAST DOWN THE HILL HITTING ANYTHING OR ANYBODY IN ITS PATH. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD ENGINEER THEIR CARS SO THIS OVERSIGHT WILL NOT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE OR, WORSE, DEATH OF INNOCENT PEOPLE. CLEARLY OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE CHOSEN TO DEAL WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Reported

Sep 2013

Incident date

Aug 2013

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

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.

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.

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.