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2012 Lincoln MKT recalls and problems

The 2012 Lincoln MKT has 1 safety recall and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
28
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Lincoln MKT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Lincoln MKT recalls

Recall 15V-340: Steering

Reported Jun 2, 2015 · 393,623 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

2012 Lincoln MKT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering20
Electrical System3
Structure2
Engine2
Power Train2
Unknown or Other2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Steering › Column — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 84,445 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Lincoln MKT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 21, 2026
My 33,000 miles 2012 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost previously received a software-only update for Federal Safety Recall 15S18 (NHTSA Campaign 15V340). The Power Steering Assist Fault dash light has shown up on a trip out of town making it now completely unable to drive safely on the street. We took it to an independent mechanic who determined various codes of U3000, and UO428. The software update failed to protect the vehicle's electronic power steering system. The steering gear has now suffered a total internal electronic failure at only 33,000 miles, completely disabling the power steering. The…
Steering · at 200,000 miles · reported Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed, the Service Advancetrac warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair would be covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000(Steering); however, the contact was later informed that the recall had expired. The…
Steering · at 12,980 miles · reported Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the power steering system failure warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 12,980.
Steering · reported Oct 22, 2024
The car had a recall, and they worked on it. A few years later the power steering went out while driving and almost had an accident. They did not replace the steering gear they only worked on the steering module. If they had replaced the steering gear, it may have solved the whole problem. They know there was a problem and did not do their best to solve it. There may be thousands of vehicles waiting for the time when there could be a serious accident due to Ford's negligence. I was moving slow when the steering quit and may have saved my life or others in over vehicles. I was told it is over…
Steering · reported Aug 13, 2024
The recall work was done on 10/27/2015. Ford Lincoln knows there is a problem with the power steering. They will not redo the work that needs to be done properly because of their faulty power steering module. They did not replace the module; they only made an adjustment to it. I almost had an accident because of the faulty power steering. When it went out it is almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. This problem could have created a serious accident with another vehicle, property or even a pedestrian. Anyone owning one of these vehicles could have the same serious problem. I am on…

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Lincoln MKT: 15V-340 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report steering problems most often (20 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 84,445 miles.

Are Lincoln recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lincoln dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.