2012 Lincoln MKX recalls and problems

The 2012 Lincoln MKX has 1 safety recall and 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
84
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

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

2012 Lincoln MKX recalls

Recall 14V-393: Power Train

Reported Jul 2, 2014 · 83,250 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2012 Lincoln MKX problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes26
Electrical System17
Power Train11
Structure10
Engine8
Unknown or Other7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Air Bags4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Back Over Prevention3
Exterior Lighting2
Lane Departure2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 9
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 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 MKX complaints

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

Service Brakes · reported Sep 1, 2025
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.
Back Over Prevention · at 185,000 miles · reported Jun 23, 2025
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. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
Service Brakes · reported May 30, 2024
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! Vehicle failed to stop in normal traffic without warning, speed was approximately 45 mph. Personal Information: Site stated…
Air Bags · reported Nov 10, 2023
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
Engine · reported Jun 22, 2023
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 cars or a truck. I am going to the dealer today to investigate but this seems like an anomaly where the engine shuts down…

Other Lincoln MKX years

Compare all Lincoln MKX years · All Lincoln models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Lincoln MKX: 14V-393 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report service brakes problems most often (26 reports), followed by electrical system (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 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.