Verdict
2012 Lincoln MKT: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2012 Lincoln MKT — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Not enough federal data to rank this one yet.
Complaint data for this model year is still being compiled. Steering leads the reports (70%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2012 vehicles, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
27
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
19
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Peer ranking not yet available for this model year.
Known issues
Steering issues lead owner complaints (70% of 27 reports), followed by power train (7%).
Share of all 27 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11686723, ODI 11629042, ODI 11621244, ODI 11608361, ODI 11496224.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
SteeringFeb 2015 · 15V340000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Lincoln MKT SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2012 Lincoln MKT SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKT FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| MKT AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 16 | 22 | 18 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2012 Lincoln MKT: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Lincoln MKT?
Owners filed 27 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Lincoln MKT. Among the 10 model years of this MKT, that ranks #7 by complaint volume, where #1 has the fewest.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Lincoln MKT?
The most-reported problem areas are Steering (70% of complaints) and power train (7%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKT have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2012 Lincoln MKT, covering components such as steering. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Lincoln MKT get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Lincoln MKT between 18 and 20 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.