2012 Lincoln MKZ
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 259 |
| 2008 | 281 |
| 2009 | 114 |
| 2010 | 169 |
| 2011 | 144 |
| 2012 | 146 |
| 2013 | 108 |
| 2014 | 97 |
| 2015 | 75 |
| 2016 | 62 |
| 2017 | 130 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: air bags — 68 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180302
I FULLY STOPPED IN A PARKING PLACE WHERE I USE TO GO EVERY MONDAY TO PICK UP KIDS FROM A DANCING SCHOOL. AFTER I FULLY STOPPED AND TRY TO PUT THE CLUTCH ON P THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150125
14% of complaints: steering — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AUG 2, MY HUSBAND & I WERE APPROACHING A 4-WAY LIGHT NEAR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN TO TURN RIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION. AS WE BEGAN THE TURN, THE TIRES LOCKED & OUR CAR SLIDE LEFT ACROSS LANES THAT RESULTED IN A CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190808
12% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I was driving and all of a sudden break light came on service break system came on all at one time I never had a problem with this never got a warning before hand , I couldnât stop the car, break pedal literally on the floor, almost hit 2 cars...
NHTSA ODI report, 20230912
6% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
Electric power steering failure
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.
Campaign 15V340000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Campaign 17V024000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ vehicles that previously received a replacement passenger air bag under recall 16V-384, 17V-024 or 18V-046.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S34.
Campaign 18V775000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019.
Campaign 19V001000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair.
Remedy: Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 21E013000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge.
Campaign 21V158000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Lincoln MKZ — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (68 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V340000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V024000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V775000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V001000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21E013000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V158000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Lincoln MKZ is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKZ?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKZ have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.