repaired · 2016 Q4
Steering: electric power assist system
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.
2012 Lincoln MKSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2012 Lincoln MKS, most often about the steering. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-040 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Lincoln MKS has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Steering
4Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Structure1 crash/fire/injury
2Power train
2Fuel system, gasoline
1Visibility/wiper
1Engine
1Exterior lighting
1Service brakes
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 Lincoln MKS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Body: door
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.
no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other MKS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKS median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Lincoln MKS safety ratings
2012 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What MKS owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. I’ve already paid around $1,800 in the past to fix this issue once, but now I’m experiencing the same or similar…
After starting the vehicle on Thursday 6/26/2025, the Power Steering Assist Fault message appeared in the message center. The owner's manual was consulted and as recommended, the engine was turned off for over 10 seconds, turned back on, and the message returned. The Power Steering Assist Fault…
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while attempting to drive out of a parking space, the message "Power Assist Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the Power…
Own a 2012 MKS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.