Lincoln MKS, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Navigator84, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2012 Lincoln MKS recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2012 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
3
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
17
Latest campaign
Jun 2, 2015

Recall summary by component3

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Steering1Jun 2, 2015
Structure1Jan 28, 2015
Fuel system, gasoline1Mar 27, 2013

Safety recalls3

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Jun 2, 2015Latest campaign
Jun 2, 201515V340000

Steering: electric power assist system

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.

DetailsHide details for campaign 15V340000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 15V340000 · Jun 2, 2015
Jan 28, 201515V040000

Structure: body door

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.

DetailsHide details for campaign 15V040000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 15V040000 · Jan 28, 2015
Mar 27, 201313V109000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage tank assembly

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

DetailsHide details for campaign 13V109000
What's wrong
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign
NHTSA 13V109000 · Mar 27, 2013
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Lincoln recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2012 Lincoln MKS? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component17

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
17Complaints filed
1Involving a crash
0Involving a fire
0Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Steering847000
Electrical system424100
Unknown or other424000
Fuel system212000
Gasoline212000
Power train212000
Structure212100
Service brakes16000
Exterior lighting16000
Engine16000
Visibility/wiper16000

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Fuel system

    “The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle.”

    Filed 08/10/2026 · ODI 11755941
  • Steering

    “This is additional information related to my prior complaint 1167880 regarding the 2012 Lincoln MKS steering issue.”

    Filed 08/09/2025 · ODI 11679596
  • Steering

    “I’ve owned my 2012 Lincoln MKS for 3 years. A warning recently appeared saying “Power Steering Assist Fault,” and now the steering is very hard to turn, especially at low speeds.”

    Filed 08/06/2025 · ODI 11678807

Other Lincoln MKS model years

Other Lincoln models

2012 Lincoln MKS recall questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Lincoln MKS. The most recent, 15V340000 (reported June 2, 2015), concerns steering. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Steering is the most-reported component, named in 8 complaints out of 17 filed with NHTSA (47%). Across all complaints, owners reported 1 crash and 0 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2012 Lincoln MKS?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Lincoln recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Lincoln dealer.

Check a specific Lincoln by VIN

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