Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKS, the most recent reported on June 2, 2015 (Steering: electric power assist system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (8 complaints), followed by electrical system (4).

How many 2012 Lincoln MKS complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 17 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 Lincoln MKS recalls and problems

3 recalls and 17 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Lincoln MKS.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Lincoln MKS recalls

Steering: electric power assist system

NHTSA campaign 15V340000 · reported June 2, 2015 · Ford Motor Company · 393,623 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
The risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The 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 will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Structure: body, door

NHTSA campaign 15V040000 · reported January 28, 2015 · Ford Motor Company · 194,889 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly

NHTSA campaign 13V109000 · reported March 27, 2013 · Ford Motor Company · 3,037 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Steering8
Electrical system4
Unknown or other4
Fuel system, gasoline2
Power train2
Structure2
Engine1
Exterior lighting1
Service brakes1
Visibility/wiper1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 10, 2026 · Fuel system, gasoline · 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over the right side of the road and exited the vehicle and became aware of a leak underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not…

Aug 9, 2025 · Steering
This is additional information related to my prior complaint 1167880 regarding the 2012 Lincoln MKS steering issue.

Aug 6, 2025 · Steering
I’ve owned my 2012 Lincoln MKS for 3 years. A warning recently appeared saying “Power Steering Assist Fault,” and now the steering is very hard to turn, especially at low speeds. I’ve already paid around $1,800 in the past to fix this issue once, but now I’m experiencing the same or similar problems again. I haven’t…

Jul 3, 2025 · Steering
After starting the vehicle on Thursday 6/26/2025, the Power Steering Assist Fault message appeared in the message center. The owner's manual was consulted and as recommended, the engine was turned off for over 10 seconds, turned back on, and the message returned. The Power Steering Assist Fault message has appeared…

Oct 9, 2024 · Steering · 158,000 miles
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 determined that the Power Steering Control Module…

MKS model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	1	56	4	1
2010	0	51	8	0
2011	3	43	3	1
2012	3	17	1	0
2013	7	142	6	4
2014	2	44	1	0
2015	3	18	0	1

Across all years, the 2013 MKS has the most complaints (142). All Lincoln MKS years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKS, the most recent reported on June 2, 2015 (Steering: electric power assist system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKS?: Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (8 complaints), followed by electrical system (4).
How many 2012 Lincoln MKS complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 17 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 10, 2026.