NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
This page covers 5 recalls, 204 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Lincoln Mkz.
19–38 mpg combined
6.2–12.4 L/100km
Midsize 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.
The 2011 to 2012 Lincoln MKZ received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, the MKZ earned three stars. Side crash protection was rated at four stars, while rollover resistance and side pole crash performance both received four-star ratings. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2011 to 2012 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ centers on the airbag system and electric power steering. Airbag complaints make up the single largest share of reports, though owners' descriptions of what they experienced vary. Steering draws the second-highest volume, and the pattern is consistent: owners report the power steering cutting out while driving, sometimes accompanied by a "Power Steering Assist Fault" message on the dash and no warning beforehand. Several owners describe the problem recurring after repairs, including repeated rack-and-pinion module replacements. Brake complaints are the third-most-reported area, with some hybrid owners describing a brake pedal that travels to the floor before the vehicle slows, occasionally with the ABS warning light coming on. A smaller number of owners mention interior door handles failing to release the door latch, requiring use of the exterior handle instead.
204
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ has 5 recalls, the most serious involving both front airbag inflators, which can rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The driver-side inflator can degrade over time when exposed to high humidity and heat cycles, eventually exploding rather than deploying normally. The passenger-side inflator carries a similar rupture risk and is the subject of multiple recalls. Vehicles registered in high-heat, high-humidity states and territories, including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and several others, face a heightened risk from this defect. There is also a separate passenger-side inflator recall covering vehicles that previously received a replacement airbag under an earlier repair program, where the replacement inflator may itself fail to deploy correctly in a crash, reducing protection for the front passenger.
On the mechanical side, the electric power steering system can lose its power assist, which means the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn, especially at low speeds or when parking. This recall only affects MKZ hybrid models within this trim scope. A sudden increase in steering effort in a parking lot or slow-speed maneuver can make the vehicle harder to control and raises the risk of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket holding the passenger air bag inflator to the module housing may bend during a crash, causing the inflation gas to escape instead of deploying the air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire passenger air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost. Ford will mail recall notices and notify owners when parts are available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.