2012 Lincoln MKS
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 17 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 56 |
| 2010 | 51 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 17 |
| 2013 | 142 |
| 2014 | 44 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
8 of 17 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
After starting the vehicle on Thursday 6/26/2025, the Power Steering Assist Fault message appeared in the message center.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-03
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-09
Power Steering Assist Failure
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-17
Electrical system
4 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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..
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-28
Also filed under Structure
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-06
Structure
2 of 17 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Power train
2 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 17 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-10
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013-05-09Fuel system, gasoline13V109000 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…
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…
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2015-03-23Structure15V040000 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.
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.
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2015-07-21Steering15V340000 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...
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Lincoln MKS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V109000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 15V040000 · Structure
- Recall 15V340000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKS?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.