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Model-year record

2012 Lincoln MKT
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Lincoln MKT

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

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

Known issues

Steering issues lead owner complaints (70% of 27 reports), followed by power train (7%).

Steering70% · 19 reports
Power Train7% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other7% · 2 reports
Electrical System4% · 1 report
Engine4% · 1 report
Engine And Engine Cooling4% · 1 report
Structure4% · 1 report

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.

Individual complaint reports(27)

Showing the 27 most recent reports
SteeringSep 2025 · ODI 11686723Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed, the Service Advancetrac warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair would be covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000(Steering); however, the contact was later informed that the recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer scheduled an appointment with the dealer on the contact's behalf; however, the dealer declined to perform the repair. The contact was informed that the repair was at the dealer's discretion because the recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11686723 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2024 · ODI 11629042Details +

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.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11629042 at NHTSA →
SteeringOct 2024 · ODI 11621244Details +

The car had a recall, and they worked on it. A few years later the power steering went out while driving and almost had an accident. They did not replace the steering gear they only worked on the steering module. If they had replaced the steering gear, it may have solved the whole problem. They know there was a problem and did not do their best to solve it. There may be thousands of vehicles waiting for the time when there could be a serious accident due to Ford's negligence. I was moving slow when the steering quit and may have saved my life or others in over vehicles. I was told it is over $4,000 to repair. I cannot afford the repair. I am without a vehicle to drive. I need it for doctors' appointments.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11621244 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2024 · ODI 11608361Details +

The recall work was done on 10/27/2015. Ford Lincoln knows there is a problem with the power steering. They will not redo the work that needs to be done properly because of their faulty power steering module. They did not replace the module; they only made an adjustment to it. I almost had an accident because of the faulty power steering. When it went out it is almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. This problem could have created a serious accident with another vehicle, property or even a pedestrian. Anyone owning one of these vehicles could have the same serious problem. I am on limited income and cannot afford to have the problem repaired. I should not have to pay for the repair since Ford Lincoln knows it is a problem. What happened to me was when I was making a turn around a corner the power steering when out and I almost hit a car. I struggled to get it into a parking lot. The driver of the other car followed me in to curse me out. I told him what happened. He got in and checked it and saw it was not working properly. He was nice to offer to drive it to my home a short distance away. His wife followed us in his car. He was strong enough to turn the wheel. He told me to never drive it again that it was dangerous to drive. Ford should correct the problem since it is dangerous when it suddenly goes out.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11608361 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingDec 2022 · ODI 11498231Details +

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.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11498231 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2022 · ODI 11496224Details +

The contact's grandmother owned a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that when his grandmother was starting the vehicle, she experienced a loss of power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The contact's grandmother was then offered and agreed to a trade-in. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11496224 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2021 · ODI 11419142Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11419142 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2020 · ODI 11327838Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11327838 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2020 · ODI 11327594Details +

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?

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11327594 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2020 · ODI 11326824Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED HIS WIFE CONTACTED KRIEGERS FORD LOCATED AT 3205 NORTH HIGHWAY 61, MUSCATINE, IA 52761, (563) 263-5324, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE MILEAGE EXCEEDED THE 150,000 MILES LIMIT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR THE FREE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11326824 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2020 · ODI 11315363Details +

MY 2012 LINCOLN MKT WITH THE 3.5L TWIN TURBO V6 ECOBOOST ENGINE IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP AS THE 2013-2015 MKT MODELS THAT WERE PART OF RECALL CAMPAIGN #16S31. MY CAR WAS ALSO MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY AND WITHIN THE DATES SPECIFIED. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE CAR STALLED AND THEN STOPPED SUDDENLY STOP AS I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. THERE WERE NO ALERTS OR INDICATORS ON THE DASH. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON, THE DASH LIT UP BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THERE WAS A LOT OF OIL UNDER THE CAR WHICH APPEARED TO SPILL OUT WHEN THE FUEL PUMP OVERHEATED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. I AM NOW BEING TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE AND TURBO CHARGERS. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 7 MONTHS AND HAVE DRIVEN IT ONLY 7500 MILES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR HAD 2 FULL SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES DURING THIS TIME. HOWEVER, THE LINCOLN MECHANIC TOLD MY WARRANTY COMPANY THAT THE ENGINE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO "OIL STARVATION" WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY INCORRECT. THE LACK OF OIL WAS DUE TO THE SPILLAGE AT THE TIME OF THE FUEL PUMP/ENGINE OVERHEATING. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN BECAUSE THERE WERE NO ALERTS ON THE DASH AND THE CAR APPEARED TO BE DRIVING WELL PRIOR TO THIS. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOT A LOT OF TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS ON A CITY STREET AND WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS SUDDENLY HAPPENED WHILE I WAS MAKING A TURN. SINCE MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN SEPT 2011 IN OAKVILLE I AM CONVINCED THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PART OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN THAT I MENTIONED ABOVE. THERE WERE FEW MECHANICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE 2012 AND 2013 LINCOLN MKT ESPECIALLY IF THEY HAD THE SAME ECOBOOST ENGINE. A LOT OF OTHER 2012 MKT OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE AND I BELIEVE THAT 2012 MKTS WITH THIS ENGINE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE CAMPAIGN. I DON'T THINK THAT LINCOLN WAS MAKING 2013 MODELS IN SEPT 2011 SO MAYBE CLERICAL ERROR

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11315363 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2019 · ODI 11292108Details +

LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE ENTERING A HIGHWAY. BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11292108 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2019 · ODI 11258443Details +

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

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11258443 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2019 · ODI 11245604Details +

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.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11245604 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2019 · ODI 11243520Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKT. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ACTON FORD (76 POWDER MILL RD, ACTON, MA 01720, (978) 897-7000). THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT FOR THE RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 3,000 MILES OVER THE RECALL WARRANTY DEADLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,600. *DT *TR *DT CONTACT STATED SHE WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL.*JB

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11243520 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2019 · ODI 11228589Details +

WAS DRIVING HEARD ODD NOISES AND BURNT FLUID TRANSFER CASE WAS DEFECTIVE BOTH OF MY FORD AWD DID ECACT SAME THING.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11228589 at NHTSA →
StructureApr 2019 · ODI 11194086Details +

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.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11194086 at NHTSA →
SteeringJan 2019 · ODI 11172181Details +

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.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11172181 at NHTSA →
SteeringJan 2019 · ODI 11170554Details +

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

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11170554 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2018 · ODI 11154854Details +

1) THE INSPECTOR REPORTED THE TIRES MOUNTED ON THE REAR OF YOUR VEHICLE ARE NOT THE MANUFACTURE'S RECOMMEND TIRE SIZE. THE INSPECTOR VERIFIED THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED INTERNALLY AND SNAPPED OFF OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE FRONT U-JOINT OF THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT IS BENT AND LEAKING GREASE (CAN NOT DETERMINE I. THERE IS TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE FLUID BLOWN BACK ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE.

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11154854 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2018 · ODI 11091063Details +

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST

Reported
Apr 2018
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11091063 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2017 · ODI 10993144Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VETERAN'S FORD (3724 VETERANS MEMORIAL BOULEVARD, METAIRIE, LOUISIANA 70002) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 07/18/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 08/08/2017*JS

Reported
Jun 2017
Incident date
May 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10993144 at NHTSA →
SteeringSep 2015 · ODI 10778396Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Jul 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10778396 at NHTSA →
SteeringSep 2015 · ODI 10778403Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Jul 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10778403 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2014 · ODI 10568286Details +

MY 2013 LINCOLN MKT ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF WHILE IN DRIVE BY SIMPLY PUSHING THE " PUSH START BUTTON". THAT'S RIGHT THE CAR TURNS ITSELF OFF WHEN IN DRIVE IF ONE MISTAKENLY TOUCHES THE 'PUSH START BUTTON' USED TO START THE CAR! TO RESTART THE CAR ONE MUST PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND APPLY THE BRAKE. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELING ON ANY ROAD OR HIGHWAY AND WILL CERTAINLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. NOTE: I HAVE FOUND THE SAME SYMPTOM IN BOTH LINCOLN AND FORD CARS WITH THE PUSH START BUTTON OPTION. I RECENTLY DROVE A FORD EXPLORER AND FLEX, BOTH WITH THE PUSH BUTTON OPTION AND BOTH COULD CARS ENGINE COULD BE TURNED OFF WHILE THE CARS WERE IN DRIVE. IT DOES NOT TAKE MUCH PRESSURE TO CAUSE THIS FAILURE TO OCCUR. IN FACT A SLIGHT GLANCE OF YOUR HAND OR FINGER ON THE PUSH START BUTTON IS ALL IT TAKES. I HAVE CONTACT LINCOLN AND FORD BUT WITH NO RESPONSE. YOUR INTEREST IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR

Reported
Mar 2014
Incident date
Mar 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10568286 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2012 · ODI 10486657Details +

POWER LIFTGATE OPENED WITHOUT COMMAND WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT COMMAND AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO INTERIOR CONTROL OR KEYFOB TO CLOSE AND HAD TO CLOSE MANUALLY. LIFTGATE OPENED ON THREE ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS WITHIN 45 MINS OF THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. THE THIRD OCCURRENCE RESULTED IN THE LIFTGATE BEING DAMAGED, (REPAIR EST AT $2,500), WHILE ENTERING AN UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE. IN ALL OCCURRENCES, THE LIFTGATE HAD TO BE CLOSED MANUALLY AS IT WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE INTERIOR CONTROL OR KEYFOB. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL LINCOLN DEALERSHIP WHERE IT REMAINED FOR 42 DAYS WITHOUT BEING REPAIRED. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE CONDITION AND REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE. FORD OGC DENIED CLAIM TO REPAIR RESULTING DAMAGE TO DUE TO MALFUNCTION. OWNERS OPINION IS THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT WHICH COULD RESULT IN CARGO FALLING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR MULTI VEHICLE PILE-UP DUE TO DRIVERS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID OR COLLIDING WITH OBJECTS FALLING FROM THE VEHICLE IF THE LIFTGATE OPENS AGAIN WITHOUT COMMAND. FORD/LINCOLN CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CASE [XXX] FILED 16 OCT 12. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Reported
Dec 2012
Incident date
Oct 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10486657 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2012 · ODI 10471553Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKT THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 60-75 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500.

Reported
Aug 2012
Incident date
May 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10471553 at NHTSA →

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 +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

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

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
MKT FWD3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel Drive172420
MKT AWD3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive162218

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 the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

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. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

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.