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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-LINCOLN-MKX
2012 · lincoln

lincoln MKX problems

0 safety recalls. 84 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.8 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

brakes
32 reports · avg $450
moderate
electrical
14 reports · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
11 reports · avg $2,500
severe
body
7 reports · avg $1,500
severe
airbags
3 reports · avg $1,100
moderate
engine
3 reports · avg $3,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 MKX · body
MY 2012 LINCOLN MKX IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL IS REQUIRING EXTREME FORCE TO STOP AND GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, FOLLOWED BY A HISSING AIRY SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LINCOLN DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385756.0
2012 MKX · other
DIVERSIDE DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON EVEN WHEN DOOR CLOSED, WHEN VEHICLE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION
12/28/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057213.0
2012 MKX · brakes
HIT POTHOLE OR DEPRESSION IN ROAD, BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR. VERY MUSHY. HARD TO BRAKE. SOMETIMES IT COMES BACK AFTER SEVERAL PUMPS SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. TOO IN FOR REPAIR TO FORD AND LINCOLN DEALER, 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FIX SINCE ISSUE WAS NOT…
12/16/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11289243.0
2012 MKX · powertrain
I have a 2012 Lincoln MKX and a piece of the transmission broke off while I was driving on the highway at night. I was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder but this could have caused a serious accident even resulting in fatalities. I have contacted the dealership but he is…
12/09/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11443238.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKX reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Lincoln MKX 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 MKX?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 32 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Lincoln MKX 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 MKX?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 84 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, 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 10 hours 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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