2012 Lincoln MKZ Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 146 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ, 3% of the 146 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was at the gas station putting gas to my car when I noticed flames coming from the engine then I told the people around the staff od the gas station shut off all the gas pumps and help me to tryied to use extinguishers toend the fire until the fire departnen people came. I do not realy know what hapoened but iwas having some electrical problems and was smoking when we were driving the car. We thought need antifreeze liquid and put it but still running weird.”
NHTSA complaint #11254457, filed 2019-09, 200,000 miles“While driving around 40 MPH a ding and then red triangle appeared with message to safely stop, felt as if engine completely shut down with no other warning. I have already had one air bag replaced and now have been informed the driver side needs to also be replaced so this is not a good time for car engine to shut off in middle of driving. Thankfully not on interstate. This is not the first time something similar happened with brakes and power steering locking a few months prior to this. I can't get appointment at dealer until mid may but was told there were no problems like this reported. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414517, filed 2021-04, 136,000 miles“I fully stopped in a parking place where I use to go every monday to pick up kids from a dancing school. After I fully stopped and try to put the clutch on p the car accelerated by itself. I went trough a building and as I tried to control the car I was trying to put in p and I was not able. I kept my foot on the brake and tried to stabilize the car..eventually the car ended in a ditch and I was able to exit immediately. The air begs opened only after I exit the car. I was in complete shock and I was taken to a local hospital by the rescue squad. …”
NHTSA complaint #10678750, filed 2015-01, 14,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle shook and went into limp mode. The contact also stated that while making a turn at an unknown speed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they could not duplicate the cause of failure. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 1,000. Tyhe consumer stated the vehicle idles rough at stand still. It surges when accelerating from an almost braking stop while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10500661, filed 2013-02, 1,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10095154Jan 10, 2017To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored fluorescent engine oil dye is available. Workshop manual (wsm), section 303-00 has been…
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
- 10044230Mar 1, 2012Ford/mercury/lincoln: some vehicles exhibit a cold weather phenomenon where fluid has expelled out of vent on rear drive units (rdu) and fluid, on occasion, would burp out.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8 | 38% |
| 2018 | 13 | 36% |
| 2017 | 76 | 54% |
| 2016 | 6 | 9% |
| 2015 | 7 | 8% |
| 2014 | 10 | 10% |
| 2013 | 10 | 9% |
| 2012 | 5 | 3% |
| 2011 | 10 | 7% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ
68 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology