2012 Lincoln MKX
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 298 |
| 2008 | 253 |
| 2009 | 65 |
| 2010 | 111 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 84 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 145 |
| 2017 | 52 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20201029
20% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.
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, 20231110
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, 20111114
13% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20180730
11% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20200729
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, 20170501
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, 20231110
10% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V393000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Lincoln MKX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V393000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.