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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-LINCOLN-MKS
2012 · Lincoln

Lincoln MKS problems

0 safety recalls. 16 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.6 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

steering
8 reports · avg $700
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 MKS · electrical
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,…
12/06/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11052821.0
2012 MKS · lighting
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…
11/10/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11373903.0
2012 MKS · steering
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…
10/30/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10787292.0
2012 MKS · steering
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…
10/09/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11618842.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Lincoln MKS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 8 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Lincoln MKS has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 16 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Lincoln. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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