Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS reliable?

The 2012 Lincoln MKS has 25 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Top problems: STEERING (8 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (4 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Lincoln MKS?

The 2012 Lincoln MKS gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Lincoln MKS is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Lincoln MKS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Lincoln MKS has 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 57. The most common issue is steering problems (32% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 lincoln mks. while coming to a stop, the steering wheel became drastically difficult to control after an audible and power steering warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. the vehicle was not rep. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

8 complaints

32%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DRASTICALLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AFTER AN AUDIBLE AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 1/1
• The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to th

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DRASTICALLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AFTER AN AUDIBLE AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Lincoln MKS

Based on 15 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 75K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR28/01/2015

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.

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.

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 Cost Calculator for 2012 Lincoln MKS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Lincoln MKS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKS Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2012 MKS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 25 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DRASTICALLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AFTER AN AUDIBLE AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I STOPPED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE AND PUSHED THE KEYLESS IGNITION BUTTON, BUT DID NOT PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I EXITED THE CAR AND IT SLOWLY COASTED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO A DEEP GULLY.. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR FROM THE ACCIDENT AND THE WRECKERS GETTING IT OUT OF THE GULLY WAS $14,400. I HAVE SINCE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: LOUD POPPING AND CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM SPEAKERS EVEN WHEN THE AUDIO IS POWERED OFF. I TRIED TO UPDATE MY SYNC SYSTEM, BUT THAT DIDN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CALL THE MANUFACTURE FOR HELP, BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE 0 ASSISTANCE. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY, MORE IN THE EVENING OR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: I STOPPED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE AND PUSHED THE KEYLESS IGNITION BUTTON, BUT DID NOT PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I EXITED THE CAR AND IT SLOWLY COASTED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO A DEEP GULLY.. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR FROM THE ACCIDENT AND THE WRECKERS GETTING IT OUT OF THE GULLY WAS $14,400. I HAVE SINCE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)