2012 Lincoln MKZ Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 146 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ, 3% of the 146 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“On spetember 5, 2014, I was traveling in missouri. The car didn't seem to handle as it should. I had a stop sign, and it seemed to be okay then. I decided to slow down in case there was an issue. The first curve I came to, the car would not turn right, and went down a steep embankment. According to the police report, I was never able to steer it right towards the road again. My left knee was injured. Also, the car needed a new PCM. ...updated 01/29/15”
NHTSA complaint #10680205, filed 2015-01, 34,000 miles“At 69,000 miles the transmission in my 2012 Lincoln MKZ failed due to defects in materials and workmanship, according to my Lincoln/ford dealer. When accelerating into overdrive, the transmission would shudder and experience shifting problems, usually around 40 MPH. The shifting issue occurred whether driving on city streets or on the highway. Upon inspection, the dealer determined the transmission was damaged beyond repair due an excessive amount of metal shavings left behind in the manufacturing and assembly processes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11267957, filed 2019-10, 69,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the stop car safely now warning message illuminated as the vehicle independently decelerated. The contact shut the engine off and was able to drive without failure after restarting the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10536082, filed 2013-08, 51,000 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
- 10234103Apr 7, 2023Some 2010-2012 Fusion hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), 2010-2011 Milan HEV and 2011-2012 MKZ HEV vehicles may experience reduced electric vehicle operation and increased gasoline…
- 10160931May 10, 2019On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was…
- 10095858Feb 27, 2017Some 2007-2016 edge/mkx/flex/mkt/mkz/mks/taurus/taurus police/explorer/explorer police equipped with all wheel drive (awd) and built on or before 30-jun-2016 may exhibit a…
- 10056711Aug 26, 2014Ford/lincoln: there is an extended warranty coverage for the loss of abs speed signal related communication that disable obdii system monitors for pcm reprogramming. Model…
- 10044127Feb 29, 2012Ford: awf21 aisin 6 speed transmission built on or between 8/22/2011 and 12/05/2011 -unique tcm part- service information.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 10% |
| 2018 | 9 | 25% |
| 2017 | 24 | 17% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 15 | 14% |
| 2012 | 4 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ
68 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine
5 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 30, 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