Model year guide

2012 Lincoln MKS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Lincoln MKS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 111 on record.

2012 Lincoln MKS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Lincoln MKS at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints17
Typical price$18,934

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Lincoln MKS recalls 3

Structure:body:door NHTSA Campaign #15V040000 · 28/01/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

Steering:electric Power Assist System NHTSA Campaign #15V340000 · 02/06/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles ha…

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software …

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #13V109000 · 27/03/2013

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Lincoln MKS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2012 Lincoln MKS safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2012 Lincoln MKS worth?

Low
$15,300
Typical price
$18,934
High
$23,000

From 111 comparable 2012 Lincoln MKS listings.

2012 Lincoln MKS trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · EcoBoost
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl 275 hp · 3.5L 6-cyl 355 hp

2012 Lincoln MKS vehicles on record

Other Lincoln MKS model years

2012 Lincoln MKS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, electrical system, fuel system.

What is the 2012 Lincoln MKS safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Lincoln MKS crash-test ratings of rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2012 Lincoln MKS worth?

Comparable 2012 Lincoln MKS listings run roughly $15,300–$23,000, typically around $18,934 (from 111 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.