2012 Lincoln MKX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Lincoln MKX, most often about brakes. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
34
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Median mileage
109,852 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 18 of 34 complaints (53%).
  • Electrical System (8) and driver assistance & safety tech (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 109,852 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2012 Lincoln MKX has 1 recall on file.
  • It ranks 7th of 12 Lincoln MKX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 43% fewer complaints than the 2011 model year (60).

2012 Lincoln MKX problems by category

  • Brakes
    18 complaints
  • Electrical System
    8 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    3 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Engine
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes13
Electrical system8
Structure:body3
Power train3
Service brakes, hydraulic3
Unknown or other2
Lane departure: blind spot detection2
Forward collision avoidance: warnings1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k460k–100k9100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2012 Lincoln MKX complaints that list mileage.

2012 Lincoln MKX recalls (1)

  • Recall 14V393000Jul 2, 201483,250 vehicles
    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 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.

Recent 2012 Lincoln MKX complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 1, 2025TNBrakes
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11684240 · source
  2. Filed Jun 23, 2025185,000 miNCDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11668525 · source
  3. Filed May 30, 2024ILBrakes
    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!…
    NHTSA complaint #11591518 · source
  4. Filed Nov 10, 2023MDAirbagsBody & StructureElectrical System
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11554554 · source
  5. Filed Jun 22, 2023ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11528289 · source
  6. Filed Jun 12, 2023KSDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical 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.
    NHTSA complaint #11526703 · source
  7. Filed Jan 19, 2023OHBrakes
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11502644 · source
  8. Filed Jan 4, 2023130,000 miMSBrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11500171 · source

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Other 2012 Lincoln models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology