The 2012 Lincoln MKS has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (8 reports).
2012 Lincoln MKS recalls
Power Steering May Cut Out, Making Steering Harder at Low Speed
The electric power steering assist system in certain vehicles may shut down because of a fault in the steering motor sensor.
Door May Unlatch in a Side Impact Crash
The interior door handle return spring can become unseated, so the handle does not return fully to its stowed position after it is used.
Most common 2012 Lincoln MKS problems
Problem areas named in the 17 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 8 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
What owners report
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 taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V109000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
This is additional information related to my prior complaint 1167880 regarding the 2012 Lincoln MKS steering issue.
Iâve owned my 2012 Lincoln MKS for 3 years. A warning recently appeared saying âPower Steering Assist Fault,â and now the steering is very hard to turn, especially at low speeds. Iâve already paid around $1,800 in the past to fix this issue once, but now Iâm experiencing the same or similar problems again. I havenât had it officially diagnosed this time because both Ford and the dealer told me it wouldnât be covered, since the recall (15S18) is now expired. This is a serious safety issue. The car is difficult to control and unsafe to drive. Iâm a full-time worker and a father of two toddlers, and Iâm still making payments on this car that I now canât safely use â or onl
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 each time upon starting the engine (both by remote and push-button) for 8 days and counting. In September of 2015, the recall associated with a fault in the electric power steering system (number 15S18) was completed at the dealership. The recommended maintenance scheduled has been followed since the vehicle was purchased in January 2012.
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 (PSCM) needed to be reprogrammed, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15N01. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer ordered the part for the repair; however, the manufacturer's warranty department denied the claim for the repair after several attempts. The vehicl
2012 Lincoln MKS questions
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKS: Power Steering May Cut Out, Making Steering Harder at Low Speed; Door May Unlatch in a Side Impact Crash; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
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 (8), Electrical System (4), Unknown Or Other (4).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Lincoln MKS has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.