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2012 Lincoln MKX problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Lincoln MKX is brakes, typically around 70,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical MKX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
80/100
Owner complaints
84
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
56
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2012 Lincoln MKX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Lincoln MKX

Brake failure 9Door locks 9ABS 5Backup camera 5

Recalls 1

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported July 2, 2014 · 83,250 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Risk
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

Recall number 14V393000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKX

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Lincoln MKX 56

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 56 bulletins for the 2012 Lincoln MKX

2012 Lincoln MKX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.7L 6‑cylFWD192621
3.7L 6‑cylAWD172319

What 2012 Lincoln MKX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 1, 2025 · Brakes · TN

Recalled master cylinder brake booster was repaired at the dealership under the recall approx 4 or 5 years ago. The same issue has began again. Out of nowhere while braking, the pedal will become soft and press to the floor. During this time, the car will not slow down. This is resembling a defective part.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Electrical · PA

The camera change from vertical to horizontal, the camera shutdown while in motion.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Driver assistance · 185,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was reversed. The contact stated that the image was upside down and the camera was flickering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact believed that the failure was weather-related. The contact called an unknown local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Jan 10, 2025 · Electrical · TX

Backup camera faulty won’t connect just black screen

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Brakes · TN

brake booster

Filed May 30, 2024 · Brakes · IL

What system Failed: Hydraulic Control Unit within the braking system. Brake Pedal and Master cylinder in good working order. Safety Concern: Vehicle failed to stop. Peddle completely to the floor. Accident avoided. Problem Reproduced or confirmed by Service Center: Yes, at a cost of $1,699.00 Inspected: Yes. Vehicle has low miles. Odometer: 114,591 Warnings: No lights or warnings, attempted to stop and brake pedal to the floor. Stopped driving until repairs made. Unsafe! Vehicle failed to stop in normal traffic without warning, speed was approximately 45 mph. Personal Information: Site stated do not list personal information. Therefore, repair invoice available upon request. No upload given at this time.

Filed Nov 10, 2023 · Airbags, Body · MD

Driver side front door sensor says car door is open even when door is firmly shut. Causes doors not to lock, interior and puddle lights remain on, drains battery, doors won't lock even with car in motion. Severe rust problems under carriage air bag light remains on

Filed Jun 22, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

Entering I-294 express ramp, vehicle was not accelerating beyond 40mph. then as I entered highway it shut down completely. I coasted to the right shoulder. The dash displayed a "low oil pressure" alert. So I did not attempt to restart the car. When I had it towed home, I checked the oil level and it was full. Nothing like this happened before. The vehicle is almost 12 years old with 167,000 miles. Had this happened in traffic on the expy, I could have been creamed by other cars or a truck. I am going to the dealer today to investigate but this seems like an anomaly where the engine shuts down because the computer thinks there is a catastrophic failure that is not really happening.

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · KS

I am having issues with my touch screen. My screen will go black every other week, for about a day and the the SNYC will update. This time, it’s been over a week, and the screen is still black. I have tried changing fuses to no avail. Also, the rear camera does not work. Along with the blind spot warning or the rear cross traffic warning. How should I proceed? I believe it may be a faulty chip in the computer board.

Filed Jan 19, 2023 · Brakes · OH

While leaving out my driveway my brakes went straight to the floor before stopping. After I put the car in park and put my foot on the break again it was hard to push the brake pedal. I also hear air coming from the break pedal area. I had no warning and still do not have any warnings. I’ve noticed after reading a lot of reviews this seem to be a common problem and it’s not safe. Mileage 104,000

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Compare the 2012 Lincoln MKX

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Questions about the 2012 Lincoln MKX

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKX reliable?

Owners have filed 84 complaints about the 2012 Lincoln MKX, fewer than a typical MKX model year.

What is the 2012 Lincoln MKX year score?

The 2012 Lincoln MKX scores 80 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lincoln MKX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Lincoln MKX?

Brakes, with 33 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is electrical (17).

How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have?

1 recall, covering power train.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Lincoln MKX get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Lincoln MKX range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.7L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 26 highway.

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