Owners have filed 108 complaints
about the 2012 Lincoln MKX with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 19
3.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
33.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
810.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1721.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2227.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
911.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1721.5%
150,000+ miles
22.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2011peak 7Sep 2025
Recalls on the 2012 Lincoln MKX
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V393000
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 43,000 milesBushkill, PA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
MY 2012 LINCOLN MKX HAS A VERY LOW BREAK PEDAL AND IS A RESULT OF THE (HCU) HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. AS MY CAR'S BREAK PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND IT MAKES STOPPING THE CAR ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AT ANY SPEED.THIS IS VERY PROBLEMATIC FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL.I AM ASSUMING FORD WILL WAIT TILL SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED BEFORE THEY RECALL THE PROBLEM.BUYER BEWARE STAY AWAY FROM THIS MODEL AND THE MAJORITY OF FORD PRODUCTS. STILL VERY CONFUSED AS TO HOW AND WHY FORD CAN GET AWAY WITH SUCH A SERIOUS BREAKING PROBLEM WITH NO RECALL SINCE 2012.
NHTSA complaint #11372274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesManassas, VA2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHEN SHUTTING PASSENGER DOOR LATCH, LATCH WILL NOT MOVE TO GRIP INNER PART OF THE DOOR. THIS WILL CAUSE THE DOOR TO BOUNCE BACK OR NOT CLOSE. THIS USUALLY OCCURS WHEN EXISTING OR ENTERING CAR. OPEN DOOR WARNING WILL REMAIN ON UNTIL LATCH IS PROPERLY HOOKED.
NHTSA complaint #11342003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesCarmel, INCrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S GARAGE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE FENDER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER (TOM ROUSH LINCOLN, MAZDA, & MITSUBISHI, 525 DAVID BROWN DR., WESTFIELD, IN 46074, (317)-896-5561) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11114556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesBrunswick, OHCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH WOULD SAY ITS TILL OPEN WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. HAD TO REPAIR IT TWICE AT THE DEALER. NOW THE RIGHT REAR DOOR HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10981725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Antioch, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11684240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The camera change from vertical to horizontal, the camera shutdown while in motion.
NHTSA complaint #11683970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesHurdle Hills, NC
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11668525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weinert, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Backup camera faulty won’t connect just black screen
NHTSA complaint #11635348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
brake booster
NHTSA complaint #11630580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carterville, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
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 do not list personal information. Therefore, repair invoice available upon request. No upload given at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11591518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11554554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11554554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11554554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, IL
ENGINE
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 because the computer thinks there is a catastrophic failure that is not really happening.
NHTSA complaint #11528289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 because the computer thinks there is a catastrophic failure that is not really happening.
NHTSA complaint #11528289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lenexa, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am having issues with my touch screen. My screen will go black every other week, for about a day and the the SNYC will update. This time, it’s been over a week, and the screen is still black. I have tried changing fuses to no avail. Also, the rear camera does not work. Along with the blind spot warning or the rear cross traffic warning. How should I proceed? I believe it may be a faulty chip in the computer board.
NHTSA complaint #11526703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lenexa, KS
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I am having issues with my touch screen. My screen will go black every other week, for about a day and the the SNYC will update. This time, it’s been over a week, and the screen is still black. I have tried changing fuses to no avail. Also, the rear camera does not work. Along with the blind spot warning or the rear cross traffic warning. How should I proceed? I believe it may be a faulty chip in the computer board.
NHTSA complaint #11526703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lenexa, KS
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
I am having issues with my touch screen. My screen will go black every other week, for about a day and the the SNYC will update. This time, it’s been over a week, and the screen is still black. I have tried changing fuses to no avail. Also, the rear camera does not work. Along with the blind spot warning or the rear cross traffic warning. How should I proceed? I believe it may be a faulty chip in the computer board.
NHTSA complaint #11526703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
While leaving out my driveway my brakes went straight to the floor before stopping. After I put the car in park and put my foot on the break again it was hard to push the brake pedal. I also hear air coming from the break pedal area. I had no warning and still do not have any warnings. I’ve noticed after reading a lot of reviews this seem to be a common problem and it’s not safe. Mileage 104,000
NHTSA complaint #11502644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHattiesburg, MS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the brake master cylinder was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was then diagnosed with a defective ABS system; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11500171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,400 milesParkersburg, WV
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light and the power train warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and waited for 15-20 seconds. The contact then continued driving; however, the failure recurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown NHTSA Campaign because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 97,400.
NHTSA complaint #11481754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,300 milesBethel Park, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a brake booster fault and the contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the failure with the brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,300.
NHTSA complaint #11466118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesMadison, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal became firm and difficult to depress. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the failure to be brake booster and brake master cylinder failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. The contact stated the brake booster was replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11460937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
The braking system failed to adequately stop the car. In contacting the Lincoln Customer Service, this failure mode is associated with a Lincoln Customer program # 13N02. This program has a 10 years or 150000 miles limit for repair. The vehicle (MKX - 2012) has 65000 miles and was purchased 12/20/2011. It is 1 month out of the defined period. The car has only been driven a few hundred miles since 2020 due to illness and death of the owners. The brake system is a safety device and should not be considered a "Customer Care" program with limits as noted above. The failure of a breaking system will cause potential personal injury including death and should be reconsidered as a safety recall or the program should be extended. The incident of a major traffic accident on the highway was avoided that would have involved multiple cars if not taking evasive action in the median. The problem was confirmed by a dealer, verbally given the operation of the brake system. There were no warning lamps or any other indication prior to the incident. The VIN: [XXX] Thank you for your follow-up of this situation. [XXX], [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11449752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capitol Heights, MD
POWER TRAIN
I have a 2012 Lincoln MKX and a piece of the transmission broke off while I was driving on the highway at night. I was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder but this could have caused a serious accident even resulting in fatalities. I have contacted the dealership but he is not cooperating and says that he is going to do nothing about it. I have an estimate from the repair where I had to have the vehicle towed. There were no type of warning lights at all on the dash board.
NHTSA complaint #11443238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Enfield, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake pressure loss without warning
NHTSA complaint #11436105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesMiddleton, WI
BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the backup camera was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the backup camera assembly and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
NHTSA complaint #11435729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eustis, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I had to slam on the brakes due to a driver pulling out in front of me without looking. The brakes went to the floor and I had difficulty getting the car stopped. I took it in to my mechanic and they diagnosed as a master cylinder, which I had replaced 7 months prior for a similar incident. But, replacing the master cylinder didn’t solve the problem. After more work, they replaced the entire ABS system for the rear brakes ($1900). I drove it 3 times and the brakes locked up on their own while I was driving at 60 miles an hour. When we got to the side of the road, smoke was billowing out of the brakes and the car would not move even though we were pushing the gas. We had the car towed ($300) back to the mechanic. They said the brake fuel line had gotten clogged and the front master cylinder needed to be replaced ($900). Drove twice and same issue, this time smoke billowing out of rear brakes. All brake fluid has completely drained and car needs to be repaired again. It is not drivable, so we will have to have it towed again. I’m so frustrated because this is extremely dangerous and I am stuck with a vehicle that seems to be irreparable and not drivable. Shame on Ford for not recalling this when it is obviously such an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11435249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving and when I pressed on the brake, the pedal went far down and had no indication of the care stopping. It did, but it took a long time to brake. I took it for repair at Firestone, because my dealer warranty was expired. However, the Firestone let me know there is a booster brake replacement letter; the number of the recall is: 13N02. My car still qualifies as it is under 150,000 miles. The dealership repair denies my car is eligible; the main Lincoln office customer service representative also denied my car based on the vin. Is this correct? The letter of Customer Satisfaction Warranty shoes no exception based on vin?
NHTSA complaint #11432991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.