2012 Lincoln MKX Problems
Compared with other Lincoln MKX years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
32/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Lincoln MKX year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 9 of its 84 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Brake pedal goes soft or to the floor (29 complaints, median 67,400 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 84filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles, 61 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Lincoln MKX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 MKX most often describe brake problems: a pedal that goes soft or to the floor, a hard pedal, or a hissing sound when braking, typically at moderate mileage. A second frequent theme is door-latch sensors that report a door ajar when it is shut, causing alarms, interior lights and battery drain. Loss of engine power with the wrench light and occasional transmission/PTU concerns round out the more common reports.
- Brakes
Brake pedal goes soft or to the floor
- 29 complaints (35%)
- median 67,400 mi at 7.9 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking to the floorboard, sometimes after a stiff or hard pedal and a hissing air sound, with the vehicle slow to stop or not stopping at all. In some cases owners say the car had to be stopped with the parking brake or by pumping the pedal repeatedly. Dealers and mechanics variously replaced the brake booster, master cylinder or hydraulic control unit, and several owners say the problem returned after the first repair. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 140,000 miles, with many reports between 28,000 and 80,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the brake booster or master cylinder has been replaced and whether any extended-coverage brake booster program was applied. On a test drive, listen for a hiss when pressing the pedal and check that the pedal holds firm under steady pressure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11372274, filed 2020-10, 43,000 miles“I was driving and brakes went to floor no pedal at all. Before this happened the pedal was stiff and hard to push. There are no brake leaks master cylinder is full the brake pads are fine. I was wondering if it had a brake booster issue”
NHTSA complaint #11109663, filed 2018-07, 129,600 miles - Body and structure
Door ajar warning with door closed
- 19 complaints (23%)
- median 68,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2023
Owners report the dash showing a door ajar warning even though the door is shut, often on the driver or a rear door. The condition keeps interior and mirror lights on, triggers the alarm at random, can drain the battery, and in some accounts prevents the doors from locking. Several complaints say the latch or sensor was replaced, sometimes more than once or under warranty, and the problem came back. Reported from very low mileage up to about 130,000 miles, with many cases between 37,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: With the doors shut and the car on, check whether any door ajar light stays lit, then lock the car and watch for lights staying on or the alarm arming unexpectedly. Ask whether any door latch has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The rear passenger door latch mechanism closed without the door actually being closed. This caused a false positive condition for the door ajar warning system. I thought that the door was secure, however the door was in fact not latched to the vehicle. My eight year old daughter was sitting in the seat. Were it not for the perception of my wife who suspected that the door was insecure I would have been driving with a door that would open while the car was moving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10435629, filed 2011-11, 1,100 miles“When my car is turned on and stationary with all doors closed, the dash gives me a warning that says the driver side rear door is ajar, when again, it is closed.”
NHTSA complaint #10915407, filed 2016-10, 60,120 miles - Engine
Loss of power and wrench light
- 14 complaints (17%)
- median 42,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2023
Complaints describe the vehicle losing power or stalling while driving, sometimes with rough running, and a wrench warning light on the dash. Owners say restarting the car often restored normal operation, and some were told by the dealer that a throttle body needed replacement or that nothing could be found. A few reports tie the behavior to the purge valve or to the engine quitting at low speed. Mostly reported between about 28,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body or purge valve has been replaced and whether any stored codes were diagnosed. During a test drive, watch for hesitation or a wrench light and note any rough running.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I noticed a few days ago when I was in traffic my brakes didn't want to hold. I pressed really hard and only then did my car stopped. I took it to a mechanic and he checked it out and said my brakes looked great. Two days ago I was driving and my car just shut off and the engine light came on. I took it to the ford dealer to have it checked out. I was told it was a faulty value and that my brakes were fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10653408, filed 2014-11, 46,700 miles“I was driving down 4 lane divided highway in florida and this time of year there are many citrus hauling semis on the road in fact three or four directly behind me during this occurrence. My vehicle was driving then suddenly without warning started to lose power. Engine was still running but vehicle would not respond while traffic barreling down on me during noon traffic. I had no other choice but to steer off. Had to restart engine and still not responding properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11154593, filed 2018-11, 42,000 miles - Electrical system
Backup camera image upside down or inoperative
- 9 complaints (11%)
- median 119,000 mi at 9.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2025
Owners describe the backup camera showing an upside-down or flickering image, or not working at all. In some cases a dealer replaced the camera assembly and the problem was resolved; in others the vehicle was not repaired. The behavior is sometimes described as weather-related and reported at high mileage. Reported mostly above 100,000 miles, including one at about 185,000 miles.
What to check: Put the car in reverse and check the camera image for orientation, flicker or a blank screen before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When making a stop the brakes are hard, then suddenly the go all the way to the floor. Then at at traffic light waiting for the light to change the car dies, I have to put it in park to start it up. The engine light will come on for about 30 minutes. I'd taken it to the ford Lincoln dealership the diagnosis was the brake booster cost was 905.00 also the back up camera us upside down.”
NHTSA complaint #11374620, filed 2020-11, 190,650 miles“While driving on the highway, brake pedal goes to the floor board. Replaced rotors brake pads and calipers. A couple of weeks later, pedal goes to floorboard again. Replaced master cylinder, but was told it was probably the ABS booster. Needs to be a recall. This is the 60 th complaint. Also back up camera is upside down.”
NHTSA complaint #11376636, filed 2020-11, 129,000 miles
Buying note. The brake complaints are the ones worth taking seriously on a used 2012 MKX: budget for a brake system inspection and ask for repair records, and check the door latches, backup camera and shift-to-park behavior during a test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2012 Lincoln MKX. 61 of the complaints include a mileage, and 34% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 65,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 56 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Lincoln MKX model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 32 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes33 39%
- Electrical system17 20%
- Body and structure10 12%
- Engine8 9.5%
- Other or unknown7 8.3%
- Air bags4 4.8%
- Fuel system4 4.8%
- Exterior lighting2 2.4%
Also reported: Lane departure (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I was driving on the highway when the vehicle in front of me suddenly slowed down cause the traffic was stopped ,as I hit the brake it went to the floor and the vehicle could not stop I had to pull off to the shoulder to avoid hitting the car, I also had to pump the brakes a number of times before the vehicle came to a stop this was n the 3rd or 4th time this happened to me and 2 times with my wife driving the SUV this is car was repaired by the dealer in 2018 for the extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11395212, filed 2021-02, 109,705 milesElectrical system: “While in motion it states that the sensors for collision are blocked. While running but parked the electrical/ electronics that run the entertainment system and touch screen are off and will not turn on. The back hatch buttons do not open or close the rear door properly. The sun roof does not fully open whether parked or in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11373662, filed 2020-11, 144,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I was driving 35 MPH on single lane road. All wheel drive off came on and car stopped. Luckily nobody rearended me. Same thing happened to our friend's 2014 MKX. Turned engine off and drove to dealer. They could not reproduce the error so they could not fix it. Next time it happens it would probably kill me.”
NHTSA complaint #11341146, filed 2020-07, 65,000 milesBody and structure: “My 2012 Lincoln MKX is experiencing an issue with the brakes making it almost impossible to stop. The brake pedal is requiring extreme force to stop and goes all the way to the floor, followed by a hissing airy sound. The vehicle was taken to the Lincoln dealer who diagnosed the issue as a brakes and charged me $900. After picking up the vehicle and test driving it, the problem persisted. After re-diagnosing they pointed the finger to a hydraulic control unit. This issue poses great danger and the inability to stop without literally standing and applying force to the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385756, filed 2020-12, 11,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
34% of the 61 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 109,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Lincoln MKX. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKX · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.0% risk |
| MKX · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2012 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Lincoln MKX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKX AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| MKX FWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V393000Jul 2, 2014Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaftCovers: Lincoln MKX 2012–2014, Ford Edge 2012–2014, Lincoln MKS 2013–2014 +3 more
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Lincoln MKX → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 56 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code…
- 10251228Feb 20, 2024Brakes. Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX Vehicles - Extended Warranty Coverage on Brake Booster
- 10246076Nov 27, 2023Brakes. Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX Vehicles - Extended Warranty Coverage on Brake Booster
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement…
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020Engine cooling. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020Engine cooling. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as…
- 10176123May 29, 2020Electrical system. Some 2012-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a 'Vehicle Failed To Start' message when using MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile…
- 10169994Dec 12, 2019Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages. Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX and 2013-2014 Model Year Explorer, Flex, and MKT Vehicles Left Front Door Latch Extended Coverage
- 10164508Aug 9, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash…
- 10164497Aug 7, 2019Electrical system. For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern…
Other model years of the Lincoln MKX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 31 | 17,914 | 5 | 5 | 20 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 52 | 29,713 | 5 | 5 | 20 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 156 | 20,000 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 19 | 27,500 | 0 | 4 | 20 | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 35 | 28,000 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 14 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 164 | 59,000 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 84 | 65,000 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 149 | 81,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 111 | 89,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 66 | 86,500 | 6 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 253 | 89,000 | 6 | — | 19 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 298 | 90,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Lincoln MKX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKX?
Owners of the 2012 MKX most often describe brake problems: a pedal that goes soft or to the floor, a hard pedal, or a hissing sound when braking, typically at moderate mileage. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal goes soft or to the floor; Door ajar warning with door closed; Loss of power and wrench light.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have?
NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2012 Lincoln MKX as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Lincoln MKX is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 33 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 17.
Has the 2012 Lincoln MKX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Lincoln MKX do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Lincoln MKX 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Lincoln MKX get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Lincoln MKX (MKX FWD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Lincoln MKX reported?
Among the 61 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 65,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 109,000 miles; 34% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.