2012 Lincoln MKX

▲ Better than typical
2012 Lincoln MKX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:42.239Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

Complaints
84
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Service brakes

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

2007: 298 complaints 2007 2008: 253 complaints 2009: 66 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2011: 149 complaints 2012: 84 complaints 2012 84 2013: 164 complaints 2014: 35 complaints 2015: 19 complaints 2015 2016: 154 complaints 2017: 52 complaints 2017 2018: 31 complaints 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 0 complaints
2007: 298 complaints 2007 2008: 253 complaints 2008 2009: 66 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 149 complaints 2011 2012: 84 complaints 2012 84 2013: 164 complaints 2013 2014: 35 complaints 2014 2015: 19 complaints 2015 2016: 154 complaints 2016 2017: 52 complaints 2017 2018: 31 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 0 complaints 2020
2007: 298 complaints 2007 2008: 253 complaints 2008 2009: 66 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 149 complaints 2011 2012: 84 complaints 2012 84 2013: 164 complaints 2013 2014: 35 complaints 2014 2015: 19 complaints 2015 2016: 154 complaints 2016 2017: 52 complaints 2017 2018: 31 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 0 complaints 2020

2012: 84 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2007298
2008253
200966
2010111
2011149
201284
2013164
201435
201519
2016154
201752
201831
20190
20200

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

39% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My 2012 Lincoln MKX has a very low break pedal and is a result of the (Hcu) hydraulic control unit.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-29

Electrical system

20% · 17 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Driver side front door sensor says car door is open even when door is firmly shut. Causes doors not to lock, interior and puddle lights remain on, drains battery, doors won't lock even with car in motion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-10

Also filed under Structure and air bags

The rear passenger door latch mechanism closed without the door actually being closed. This caused a false positive condition for the "Door ajar" Warning system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-14

Also filed under Structure and latches/locks/linkages

Power train

13% · 11 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. While the contact was exiting the vehicle, the gear shifted into reverse without warning. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the contact's garage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-30

Structure

12% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

When shutting passenger door latch, latch will not move to grip inner part of the door. This will cause the door to bounce back or not close. This usually occurs when existing or entering car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-29

The driver door latch would say its till open when the door is closed. Had to repair it twice at the dealer. Now the right rear door has the same issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-01

Reflection from the chrome air vents shows on both the driver and passenger side mirrors which poses a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-26

Also filed under Visibility

Engine

10% · 8 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2014-08-04Power train14V393000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30,...

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained.

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Lincoln MKX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V393000 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Lincoln MKX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKX?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.