The Lemon Index
201120131st generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 12,524 in the U.S. in 2012 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
Better years to buy
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–20 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 Volvo S802012 Volvo S60 852012 Infiniti M35
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 15V340000 (steering), 15V040000 (body structure) and 13V109000 (fuel system, gasoline) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Lincoln sent dealers 34 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “No service action is recommended for this condition”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Lincoln's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 3 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 4.8M views · 2009–2016 Lincoln MKS
Most-watched topics
- Heat, A/C & blend door97K views
How to replace Temperature Blend Door Actuator - RH | Lincoln MKS 2013LuisMBuildz · 45K views · 5 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical76K views
How to Remove Radio / Navigation / CD Player from Lincoln MKS 2009 for Repair.HiTechElectronic · 25K views · 4 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors68K views
Replacing the crank shaft position sensor / crank sensor on a 2013 Lincoln MKS 3.7lWrenchTheory501 · 30K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter59K views
2014 Lincoln MKS Transmission Servicemassey706 · 59K views
Show 4 more
- No-start: theft light, key & ignition51K views
2013 Lincoln MKS fuel control module replacement Cranks but won't start quick fix!Jeff Mollan · 24K views · 3 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring47K views
Lincoln MKS - Oil Light Reset / Set to 100% (2009 - 2012)QuiteAlright · 25K views · 3 videos - Steering & suspension39K views
2011 Lincoln MKS Lower Control Arm & Sway Bar Link ReplacementAnything Auto · 33K views · 3 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors34K views
How To Find Lincoln MKS 2009 door code locationFoSeven · 30K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
The Snob Magazines Reviews the 2013 Lincoln MKSJeff's Auto · 128K views
2014 Lincoln MKS Test Drive and ReviewVehicle Virgins · 96K views
2013 Lincoln MKS Review - Interesting, or just a curiosity?AutoGuide.com · 86K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2012 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 34 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No service action is recommended for this condition
- Steering related noises
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Steering · recall issued 2015 Hybrid only
The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
- Body structure · recall issued 2015
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2013
In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKS 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,000–$3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Every Lincoln MKS year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 2 Lincoln MKS years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS reliable?
We can't score it: only 12,524 were sold in the U.S. in 2012 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2012 Lincoln MKS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (67%), electrical (33%) and body structure (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have?
3 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Lincoln MKS get?
19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Lincoln MKS cost in fuel a year?
About $3,000 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Lincoln MKS have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
What Lincoln MKS year is better than the 2012?
Nearby, the 2013 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about average).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works