Most common 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems
Share of the 59 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid complaints by model year
Best MKZ Hybrid years: 2016, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2014. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid:
Electric power steering failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate complaints of the loss of power steering while driving. The subject vehicles are equipped with a rack mounted Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) unit.Some of the complaints alleged that the steering assist failed and resulted in increased steering efforts that contributed to a loss of control and in some cases a crash.The…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid owners say
Steering
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a beeping sound heard and the "Steering Assist" and "Service Track" warning lights illuminated. The contact stated slightly corrected the steering wheel and became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and shifted the vehicle into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted however, the power steering functionality was still inoperable. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist and driving track warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his place of employment. The contact stated that after work he started the vehicle and, while driving, the steering seized. The contact used both hands to turn and steer the vehicle. The contact phoned the local dealer and made the dealer aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report to failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated that Ford completed the work necessary to repair the vehicle.
I currently have a rental car because of the "Takata recall", but the main issue is the traction control function. The adjustments made when traction control is on, during periods of rain have almost cause 3 collisions I think of. Its not like a loss of power steering, but an overcompensation. It feels ready to hydroplane when ever there is heavy rain. I have also replaced all four wheels and it makes no difference.
Electrical system
While driving there is a large pop sound and then extreme static / "white noise" that comes through the speaker system even if the audio is turned off. It will periodically do this off and on and is extremely loud and distracting while driving. Also because it is so sporadic and the pop and static noise is never known when it is going to happen it has nearly caused accidents from being scared when it comes on suddenly. It does this while city driving or highway driving. I can not take a picture of a sound but I do have video and you can also youtube other peoples complaints about this issue. It began for me on July 24, 2018 and has continued to happen on a daily basis since then.
I currently have a rental car because of the "Takata recall", but the main issue is the traction control function. The adjustments made when traction control is on, during periods of rain have almost cause 3 collisions I think of. Its not like a loss of power steering, but an overcompensation. It feels ready to hydroplane when ever there is heavy rain. I have also replaced all four wheels and it makes no difference.
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 41 / 35 / 38 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid a good car?
Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 MKZ Hybrid rates avoid: 3.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the MKZ Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the MKZ Hybrid years we suggest avoiding. 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 MKZ Hybrid?
The steering — 19 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (17) and electrical system (8).
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011 and 2014. See the full Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 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.