This page covers 3 recalls, 16 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Lincoln Mks.
19–20 mpg combined
11.8–12.4 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Steering is the clear standout in owner complaints for the 2012 Lincoln MKS. Owners frequently report the electric power steering failing, most often accompanied by a "Power Steering Assist Fault" or "Power Assist Failure" warning in the message center. The loss of assist hits hardest at low speeds, parking-lot maneuvers and slow turns require noticeably more effort. Some owners describe the fault as intermittent, with the steering recovering on its own after a few minutes, while others report a complete and persistent loss of assist that required towing. Repairs described across multiple reports include replacement of the steering rack and reprogramming or replacement of the power steering control module. One report mentions the fault appearing without any warning message, with steering briefly cutting out at around 30 mph before returning. Powertrain and brake complaints each appear only once in this set and don't form a pattern.
16
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2012 Lincoln MKS has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the front axle halfshaft and linkshaft, which can disengage while driving and cut power delivery to the wheels entirely.
When the halfshaft and linkshaft separate, the vehicle loses drive power and the driver may be unable to accelerate or maintain speed, raising the risk of a crash. On the door side, a return spring inside the interior door handle can slip out of position, leaving the handle partially extended rather than flush. When that spring is unseated, the door latch can release in a side-impact crash, allowing the door to open when the vehicle needs it to stay closed. The third recall covers the electric power steering system on MKS models equipped with the 3.5L turbocharged engine: if the power assist fails, steering effort increases sharply at low speeds, such as in parking lots or tight turns, where more physical force is needed to turn the wheel.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering assist system may shut down due to a steering motor sensor fault, potentially eliminating power steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the steering control module for fault codes. If found, the steering gear is replaced. If none are found, the steering control module software is updated.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring inside the interior door handle may come loose, causing the handle to not snap back to its resting position after you pull it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect all four door handles and repair or replace them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The halfshaft retention circlip may not be properly installed, allowing the halfshaft to move outward and disengage from the linkshaft during driving without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the halfshaft retention. If improperly installed, they will replace the linkshaft and halfshaft if damaged, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
