Most common 2012 Lincoln MKX problems
Share of the 84 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln MKX complaints by model year
Best MKX years: 2015, 2014, 2009. Years to avoid: 2016, 2013. Compare all years →
2012 Lincoln MKX recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
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…
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…
What 2012 Lincoln MKX owners say
Brakes all 33 →
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the brake master cylinder was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was then diagnosed with a defective ABS system; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal became firm and difficult to depress. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the failure to be brake booster and brake master cylinder failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. The contact stated the brake booster was replaced.
Electrical system
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.
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
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light and the power train warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and waited for 15-20 seconds. The contact then continued driving; however, the failure recurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown NHTSA Campaign because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 97,400.
I have a 2012 Lincoln MKX and a piece of the transmission broke off while I was driving on the highway at night. I was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder but this could have caused a serious accident even resulting in fatalities. I have contacted the dealership but he is not cooperating and says that he is going to do nothing about it. I have an estimate from the repair where I had to have the vehicle towed. There were no type of warning lights at all on the dash board.
2012 Lincoln MKX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Lincoln MKX a good car?
Based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 MKX rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MKX at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Lincoln MKX?
The brakes — 33 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about power assist › vacuum. Next are the electrical system (17) and transmission & drivetrain (11).
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Lincoln MKX, the most recent from July 2, 2014 (axle shaft). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln MKX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2014 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016 and 2013. See the full Lincoln MKX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Lincoln MKX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 34% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.