Before you buy
This 2012 Lincoln Mks has 16 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2012 Lincoln Mks Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2012 Lincoln Mks trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2012 Lincoln Mks Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Lincoln Mks has 16 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Mks
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Lincoln Mks problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Lincoln Mks?
This LINCOLN MKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Lincoln Mks
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Lincoln Mks, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The LINCOLN MKS has 16 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 16 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 3 federal recall campaigns
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2012 Lincoln Mks complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Lincoln Mks. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Lincoln Mks. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
This is additional information related to my prior complaint 1167880 regarding the 2012 Lincoln MKS steering issue.
I’ve owned my 2012 Lincoln MKS for 3 years. A warning recently appeared saying “Power Steering Assist Fault,” and now the steering is very hard to turn, especially at low speeds. I’ve already paid around $1,800 in the past to fix this issue once, but now I’m experiencing the same…
After starting the vehicle on Thursday 6/26/2025, the Power Steering Assist Fault message appeared in the message center. The owner's manual was consulted and as recommended, the engine was turned off for over 10 seconds, turned back on, and the message returned. The Power Steeri…
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. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined…
Power Steering Assist Failure
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The veh…
I heard on the news that there is a recall on the brake hose and I am always putting brake fluid in i just put some in 03/27/2023 but when I put my vin # in nothing comes up for a recall I have a 2012 lincoln mks awd
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that after refueling, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mec…
I HAVE AN EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE AMOUNT OF MOISTURE IN THE PASSENGER HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. I'VE HAD IT CHECKED AT 3 DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS, INCLUDING A LINCOLN ONE HERE IN TULSA. ALL 3 SHOPS COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE THE MOISTURE IS COMING FROM. I HAVE SEEN THIS ON A COUPLE OF OTHER LINC…
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND OUT OF NOWHERE THE TEMP GAUGE SPIKES TO HOT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CAR SMELLED VERY STRONGLY OF COOLANT. AFTER GETTING THE CAR HOME AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I DETERMINED THAT THE INTERNAL WATER PUMP FAILED. THIS IS A…
OUTSIDE TEMP 27 F. OPENED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND IT WOULD NOT STAY SHUT. HAD TO USE ROPE TO TIE PASSENGER DOOR TO REAR DOOR BEHIND DRIVER TO KEEP IT SHUT SO I COULD GO TO EYE DOCTOR, A THREE HOUR DRIVE AWAY. AS TEMPERATURE HAS RISEN, IT SEEMS TO BE LATCHING TO STAY SHUT NOW,…
THE CAR STUTTERS ON SOFT ACCELERATION WHILE PULLING OUT OR INCREASE IN VELOCITY WHEN GOING UP HILL OR ON UPGRADES. PREMATURE VALVE COVER LEAKING INTO SPARK PLUGS AND SOAKING IGNITION PACKS OVERHEATING PREMATURELY WHILE IN SLOW MOVING TO MODERATE TRAFFIC INTERMITTEN WIPER…
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. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY, MOR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DRASTICALLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AFTER AN AUDIBLE AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE…
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.. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR FROM THE ACCIDENT AND THE WRECKERS GETTING IT OUT OF THE GULLY WAS $14,…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Lincoln Mks.
Safety recalls
2012 Lincoln Mks recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Lincoln Mks. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Lincoln Mks buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Lincoln Mks reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. This LINCOLN MKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln Mks?▾
#1: Steering Defects (8 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (4 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Lincoln Mks?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Lincoln Mks?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Lincoln Mks, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Lincoln Mks have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Lincoln Mks. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Lincoln Mks?▾
This LINCOLN MKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Mks reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.