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 MKTProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 28 owner complaints about the 2012 Lincoln MKT, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 15V-340 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elveres, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Lincoln MKT has problems
28 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
20Steering
3Electrical system
2Engine
2Power train
2Structure
1Engine and engine cooling
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 20 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2012 Lincoln MKT 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.
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 MKT 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 MKT median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Lincoln MKT safety ratings
2012 Lincoln MKT SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What MKT owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2012 MKT?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.