2012 Lincoln Mkz problems
The Lincoln MKZ, is a four-door, five-passenger mid-size luxury sedan manufactured by Ford and marketed as the Zephyr (MY 2006) and as the MKZ (MY 2007–2020) by Ford's Lincoln brand across two generations in both gasoline and hybrid gas/electric models.
Both generations of the MKZ were manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Mexico. Production ended in 2020 to make way for new Ford vehicles.
First generation (2006–2012)
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was initially unveiled in concept form at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, previewing a new entry-level luxury sedan. The front featured Lincoln's signature waterfall grille and jeweled quad projector beam headlights (HID headlights were available). Chrome trim extends along the Zephyr's beltline while the car's rear fascia features LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips. All Zephyrs featured low-profile tires on 17x7.5-inch wheels with painted aluminum versions standard and chrome versions optional.
Lincoln officially revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform, which was derived from the Mazda 6. Lincoln had previously used the Zephyr name in the late 1930s for the smaller Lincoln-Zephyr line of mid-size vehicles. The "Zephyr" name had also previously been used by Mercury during the late 1970s and early 1980s, for several vehicles built on the Fox Platform.
The Zephyr's sole powertrain was a 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission; identical to the V6 powertrain that was optional in the Fusion and Milan. The interior is largely unique to the Lincoln, along with different equipment packaging. The 2006 Zephyr started at a base MSRP of $28,995 USD, ranging up to $35,340 USD when fully optioned.
Though slightly smaller and front-wheel drive, the Zephyr was marketed as a replacement for Lincoln's previous entry level mid-size, the rear-wheel drive Lincoln LS. To facilitate a smooth transition, the Zephyr and LS were sold parallel to each other during the 2006 model year, the first model year of the Zephyr and the last for the LS. For 2007 the model was renamed MKZ, and took over the LS' market with sales beginning in September 2006. Lincoln's decision to resurrect the Zephyr name refers to the very early days of Lincoln before World War II. At that time, the only Lincoln manufactured was the Lincoln K-series which was a full-size sedan, and Lincoln, under the direction of Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's only son, hoped to introduce a smaller product to compete with the Packard One-Twenty, and the LaSalle, a smaller sibling offered at Cadillac dealerships.
The Zephyr featured a revised interior from the Fusion and Milan. The design featured shapes with real ebony or maple wood inserts (depending on desired trim) in metallic frames. These surfaces were contrasted with chrome-bezeled gauges, circular, chrome-finished vents and a metallic center stack where the radio and climate controls are housed. The Zephyr's steering wheel was leather-wrapped with real wood grips and satin-nickel audio, climate, and cruise control buttons. White LED backlighting was used for the Zephyr's controls and instrumentation. Leather seating surfaces were standard in all models.
Some of these standard features in the Zephyr included: cruise control, automatic headlights, fog lights, power door locks, "global" power windows (all windows can lower simultaneously at the push of a button), power adjustable and heated mirrors with puddle lamps, remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, rear-seat reading lamps, and a six-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo radio and a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer. Optional in the Zephyr was a power moonroof, a DVD-based satellite navigation system, HID headlights, heated and cooled front seats, and an industry-first THX II-Certified audio system with a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer and ten speakers. Safety features included standard dual front-side airbags, front seat-deployed side airbags, and curtain airbags that extend from the front to rear seats.
Mechanically the Zephyr was closely related to the Fusion and Milan. As mentioned, all three cars were based on Ford's CD3 platform, which was in turn derived from the Mazda 6. Like these cars the Zephyr is natively front-wheel drive (FWD). The Zephyr uses a coil-over damper, short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension with double-ball-joint control arms while the rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with lower control arms and a 17 mm (0.7 in) stabilizer bar. Spring rates, bushings, and dampers have been specially tuned for the Zephyr to provide excellent ride comfort without compromising handling. All Zephyrs feature standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control. The sole engine offered in the Zephyr was an all-aluminum 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 producing 221 hp (165 kW) at 6250 rpm and 205 lb·ft (278 N·m) of torque at 4800 rpm. This engine was mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission and had a final drive ratio of 3.46:1. This powertrain was identical to the V6 powertrain available in the Fusion and Milan from 2006 to 2009. With this powertrain the Zephyr could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds. The FWD Zephyr came with a 17.5 US gal (66 L; 15 imp gal) fuel tank and is rated to deliver 17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) in city driving and 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) on the highway based on the revised 2008 EPA fuel efficiency measurement standards.
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Common 2012 Lincoln Mkz problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ, several common problems have been reported:
- Climate System Issues:
- Complaints include problems with the AC compressor, blower motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, and refrigerant leakage. Owners have reported issues such as blowing out hot air, leaks, and the need for multiple repairs related to the A/C system.
- Braking System Faults:
- While specific details are not provided in the search results, owners have experienced braking system faults with the 2012 Lincoln MKZ. This could include issues with brake pads, rotors, calipers, or the overall braking performance of the vehicle.
- Electrical Accessories Malfunctions:
- The electrical system of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ has been a source of complaints, although specific details are not outlined in the search results. Electrical accessory malfunctions can range from issues with power windows, mirrors, seats, to problems with the vehicle's lighting system.
- Exhaust System Concerns:
- The exhaust system of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ has been a reported problem area. Specific details are not provided, but exhaust system issues can include leaks, emissions problems, or unusual noises coming from the exhaust.
- Drive System Challenges:
- Owners have faced complaints related to the drive system of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ. Drive system issues can encompass problems with the transmission, drivetrain, or overall vehicle handling and performance.
- Body Hardware Problems:
- Complaints regarding body hardware issues have been reported by owners. Body hardware problems can involve issues with door handles, hinges, trunk mechanisms, or other exterior components of the vehicle.
- Engine Major Concerns:
- While specific details are not provided in the search results, owners have expressed concerns related to major engine issues with the 2012 Lincoln MKZ. Engine major problems can include issues with the engine's performance, reliability, or components like the cylinder head, pistons, or valves.
- Noises and Leaks:
- Owners have reported various noises and leaks with the 2012 Lincoln MKZ. These could be related to any of the aforementioned systems or components, indicating potential underlying issues that require attention.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ highlight a range of issues spanning different systems and components of the vehicle. Addressing these concerns promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the performance, safety, and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the common problem with Lincoln MKZ?
Some common problems with the Lincoln MKZ include transmission shifting issues, premature dashboard wear, power steering fluid leaks, and brake failure. You should still do your own research about the Lincoln MKZ so you can make an informed decision before getting one.
What is the transmission problem on a 2012 Lincoln MKZ?
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Transmission Problems
One of the most common signs is when your transmission shifts gears but the result of those shifts are delayed. Transmission fluid leaks are the most common and urgent sign you need a transmission fluid change or potentially even a complete flush service.
How many miles will a 2012 Lincoln MKZ last?
A standard Lincoln MKZ will last 180,000-200,000 miles if it's cared for by the owner. Thus, high mileage for the Lincoln MKZ is anything over 150,000 miles or more. Though the MKZ can perform well beyond this mileage market, you're much more likely to encounter expensive repairs here.
Are there any recalls on 2012 Lincoln MKZ?
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ vehicles that previously received a replacement passenger air bag under recall 16V-384, 17V-024 or 18V-046.
What is the common problem with Lincoln MKZ?
Some common problems with the Lincoln MKZ include transmission shifting issues, premature dashboard wear, power steering fluid leaks, and brake failure. You should still do your own research about the Lincoln MKZ so you can make an informed decision before getting one.
What is the transmission problem on a 2012 Lincoln MKZ?
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Transmission Problems
One of the most common signs is when your transmission shifts gears but the result of those shifts are delayed. Transmission fluid leaks are the most common and urgent sign you need a transmission fluid change or potentially even a complete flush service.
How many miles will a 2012 Lincoln MKZ last?
A standard Lincoln MKZ will last 180,000-200,000 miles if it's cared for by the owner. Thus, high mileage for the Lincoln MKZ is anything over 150,000 miles or more. Though the MKZ can perform well beyond this mileage market, you're much more likely to encounter expensive repairs here.
Are Lincoln MKZ expensive to repair?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Lincoln MKZ is $831, compared to an average of $739 for luxury midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
2012 Lincoln Mkz car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Mkz problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Lincoln Mkz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Lincoln Mkz
The NHTSA has received 144 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Lincoln Mkz. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Lincoln Mkz vehicles.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
- VIN: 3LNDL2L37CR
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I became the owner of a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid in 2016. At first there was no issues. Roughly a couple of months later, there was a power steering issue- so the car was driven to Ford with great difficulty where they reset the sensor or something and the power steering was working again. Now a couple of years later, the problem occurred again. The power steering chime came on, the car read “service advancetrac” in yellow and “power steering assist fault” in read, accompanied by the wheel stiffening. I pulled over turned the car off and back on, and the problem went away. It occurred several more times and turning the car off and back on remedied the problem. It would only occur every couple of months, but more recently it started happening every couple of weeks and now- the last ten days it has happened every time I drive. Each of those times, with the exception of the most recent occurrence, turning the car off and letting it sit for a couple of minutes, followed by turning it back on, solved the problem. The most recent time, I was traveling on the highway going 60 mph when the messages appeared and my wheel stiffened. It terrified me as I was moving fast on a Southern California highway where there are hundreds of cars. I was on my way to take a final exam, that I could not miss, so I kept driving. Steering was near impossible at low speeds. I went in to take my final and three hours later, when I turned the car back on, the power steering still was not working. After hours of research and years of dealing with this problem, I have found that there was a recall regarding the PSCM in the 2012 Lincoln MKZ. I am unsure if this problem extends to the hybrid model, and if so whether it was remedied by a past owner, but a detailed vehicle history report indicates that it was not. I have never received any notice as to this recall. I do know that my car was manufactured in the applicable time period (2011), and that it is experiencing exactly what the recall describes.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 3LNDL2L35CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Power steering control module stop working. Ford is aware of this issue and refusing to classify it as a recall. Vehicle inoperable at 83k miles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC4CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: While driving I noticed that at times my steering wheel would be difficult to turn. At first, the problem seemed small until I was trying to make a left turn on a very busy 4-lane road, and without warning the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. I narrowly avoided being hit and ever since then, the steering has not been the same. I sought help at my nearest Ford dealership and after they inspected the car they determined that there was a problem with the steering assist and possibly the rack and pinion. We then discovered that the very same parts were recalled in 2011 for the same make and model car. I was never notified of any recalls and I asked why I was never contacted. The Ford dealership did not know why. According to them the vehicles that were recalled were vehicles that were made at the same facility as mine. They pointed out that normally my car would have been included in the recall and they did not know why I was excluded. I have attached the documentation they provided me proving that my car was built in a factory that had other cars recalled for the same reason. Currently, they are telling me that they cannot honor this recall because my car is not in the system as one that should be included in this recall. Due to the near misses that I have had I believe that this is a serious safety issue and should not be something that I pay over 2000 dollars to repair. Especially since all the other vehicles that had the same problem were recalled and repaired for free. Please help me figure out how to hold them accountable for not notifying me and refusing to honor the safety recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 15V340000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC4CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed abnormal soft feedback from the brake pedal and that the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard before bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a possible brake fluid leak with the brake master cylinder or hydraulic control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 138,000.
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
- VIN: 3LNDL2L33CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My brakes stopped working with no warning while driving. All of the brake related lights came on and the pedal went to the floor and I was unable to stop the car. This is a safety issue for the driver and everyone else because there seems to be no warning that the brakes will stop working. I brought the vehicle into a repair shop and they could not find anything wrong with the brakes, however there are multiple reports on this website of the very same issue that I dealt with. When attempting to report this to the ford/lincoln manufacturing, they stated that their system was down and they had no way of taking a report. This is very dangerous and needs to be addressed.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-13
- VIN: 3LNHL2JC5CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: i cannot open the front drivers side door from the inside... it is as if the latch became disconnected
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-11
- VIN: 3LNDL2L38CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving and all of a sudden break light came on service break system came on all at one time I never had a problem with this never got a warning before hand , I couldn’t stop the car, break pedal literally on the floor, almost hit 2 cars trying to stop the vehicle, I have brand new break pads, break fluid was checked, had to get the car towed back home because its no longer drivable
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-03
- VIN: 3LNDL2L37CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Breaks suddenly stopped working. Lights on dash including ABS came on. Car would not stop until pedal pressed almost to floor. Almost as quickly it started working again and our mechanic can not reproduce it. There a number (17) of other complaints describing the problem with more drama. (See [XXX] for one) Incident happened three times, twice going forward and once backing up. Please recall this quickly before someone is killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-01
- VIN: 3LNHL2JC6CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: There have been several occasions now where I go to brake and there is no brake! My foot goes all the way down to the floor. This can happen at a steady speak of 50 or at 10 miles an hour. It is very scary and very dangerous. I have had to use my emergency brake to stop the car. I have had my brakes changed and "bled" several times. I am concerned this is going to cause a catastrophic accident. In researching this issue, I have seen that this is a common issue with the Lincoln MKZ. In fact prior years have already had a recall. Please, remedy this issue.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FIRERELATED PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3LNDL2L35CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FIRERELATED
- Summary: On August 30, 2022, upon traveling home from Palm Springs airport, I stopped at a restaurant in Morongo Valley. As I was eating, someone said that a car was on fire under the hood. The fire department jawed up the hood and put the fire out under the hood. The police and the fire department were called and present to file a report. I had it towed to my house. I believe that this a safety issue.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-03
- VIN: 3LNDL2L30CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: After getting an oil change and battery software update, I headed home. Before arriving home the warning light to service Power steering and traction control came on. Returned to dealer, they said the power steering needed to be calibrated. Left and before making it home power steering stopped working and warning lights returned. Dealer has stated the power steering gear needs to be replaced but because the milage is 224,000 and the car is over 10 years old Ford will not extend the warranty and it will cost $2,500 to repair.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-07
- VIN: 3LNDL2L30CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Took the car to the dealer to have the driver airbag inflator replaced when it says here there are no parts available yet the dealer fixed something? The dashboard airbag light never went out!!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-01
- VIN: 3LNHL2JC5CR
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I was notified April 2021, that my vehicle had an airbag safety recall repair. To date, I have not been notified to bring my vehicle in for the repair to be performed. The parts were to be in the third quarter of 2021, I have been patient. But, this recall addresses the driver side airbag. I am concerned that if it explodes, I could be seriously hurt. Please advise me. What is my next step.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-05
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC3CR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The middle rear seat belt became stuck around my child and could not be removed. It progressively became tighter and tighter as we tried to unbuckle it. Ultimately the seatbelt needed to be cut off
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-25
- VIN: 3lnhl2gc9cr
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-16
- VIN: 3LNDL2L39CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: While traveling at approximately 22 mph I entered a roundabout when the steering wheel pulled out of my hand and the car was no longer turning, but going straight towards another car that was waiting to enter the roundabout. The car no longer had power steering but I was able to steer past the waiting vehicle and into a curb where I stopped the vehicle off the road. There was no warning prior to the incident, with the traction control warning light coming on at the same time the power steering stopped working. The vehicle has been diagnosed by a reputable independent shop with a faulty steering gear at a cost of approximately $2,200 to repair. This is the same problem that has been addressed by recall 15S18 for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, but Ford/Lincoln has refused responsibility for this repair based on date of manufacture of this specific VIN.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-01
- VIN: 3lndl2l35cr
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message intermittently appeared on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle resume normal operation. Recently, the contact stated that the traction control and the power steering warning lights would illuminate at start-up and remained illuminated despite the engine restart. The contact also mentioned that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and he was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-20
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC0CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OF CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY FACTOR IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. NOT ABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE - HAD TO ROLL WINDOW DOWN AND OPEN FROM HANDLE ON OUTSIDE OF CAR. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. Note There is at least one other report of this happening on your web site and YouTube has several videos of others having this problem and how to replace the handle when this happens
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC0CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The contact owned a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while entering a gated garage, when lifting his foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into a parked vehicle and continued to accelerate and pushed the first vehicle into two additional vehicles. The contact stated he depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated he was not aware if any warning lights were illuminated. The front driver air bag did deploy. The contact stated he sustained a cut on his left hand from the seat belt but did not seek medical attention for the cut. An ambulance did come to the location and verified he did not have any other injuries. A police report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot first and then the insurance towed to an unknown location. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure in letter form. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-01
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC0CR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Front drivers side door, unable to open door from inside the vehicle. Very hard or impossible for older drivers to cross over the console to exit in the case of a fire or crash.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-06
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC0CR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Front passenger side door, unable to lock. All other doors lock fine. Unable to secure car.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-25
- VIN: 3LNHL2GC0CR
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Due to the open recall without a known solution, I am unable to ensure the safe use of my vehicle for my family and my business, and have lost income due to this problem.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-28
- VIN: 3LNDL2L30CR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. ALL SENSORS LIGHT UP AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. YOU COULD PUSH THE BRAKES TO THE FLOOR. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIUON. THIS IS THE SAME ABS MALFUNCTION THAT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A FORD RECALLED OF 600, 000 VEHICLES IN THE FUSION,AND MK'S IN THE YEARS THRU 2010 BUT NOT 2011 AND 2012 WHICH YSE THE SAME BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS IS A UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-28
- VIN: 3LNDL2L3XCR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 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. I DO SEE ON A COMPLAINT WEBSITE WHERE IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY QUITE A FEW PEOPLE SO IT WOULD SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM. I WOULD SAY IF YOU WERE ON INTERSTATE THIS COULD BE CAUSE OF A DEADLY CRASH AND THEN TO HAVE THE AIRBAG RECALL ON TOP OF THIS. I AM AT LEAST HOPING THEY WILL HAVE AN ANSWER TO FIX AS I'M SCHEDULED FOR A ROAD TRIP IN JULY, BUT I WOULD NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR AND FEEL SECURE WITH THIS ISSUE NOT BEING RESOLVED. THIS FOR SURE SHOULD COMPLY FOR A RECALL.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-16
- VIN: 3LNDL2L31CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY WIFE AND SON LEFT THE HOUSE IN OUR MKZ AND 1/2 MILE DOWN THE ROAD THE MKZ SUDDENLY LOST BRAKING CAPABILITY. MY WIFE HAD TO STEER UPHILL IN ORDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. MULTIPLE LIGHTS ARE NOW DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD INCLUDING "SERVICE ADVANCETRAC", "BRAKE", "ABS", AND "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM". THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY ADVANCE WARNING OF AN ISSUE. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR 2011-2012 MKZ/FUSIONS. THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR 2009 MKZ/FUSIONS FOR THIS ISSUE THAT MIRRORS THIS SCENARIO EXACTLY. THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER 2011 AND 2012 MODELS.
2012 Lincoln Mkz recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2012 Lincoln Mkz.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also includes certain passenger-side air bag inflators and/or modules designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, and 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers. These parts may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ vehicles that previously received a replacement passenger air bag under recall 16V-384, 17V-024 or 18V-046. In the event of a crash requiring deployment of the passenger air bag, the bracket that secures the air bag inflator to the module housing may deform, allowing the gas that inflates the air bag to leak out.
- Consequence: If the air bag does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S34.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
Negative 2012 Lincoln Mkz car reviews
Positive 2012 Lincoln Mkz car reviews
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This car is a reliable and comfortable option for your daily commute. While it may not excel in any particular area, it is very predictable and easy to maintain. The Sync infotainment system can be hit or miss, but Bluetooth always works well. If you're looking for a used car, this model is a great option as it tends to depreciate less than other similar models. Keep it clean and well-maintained and you'll have zero repair costs. With the money you save, you can invest in a fun sports car, motorcycle, or boat for weekend adventures. Despite considering other options, I can't justify getting rid of this car as it has everything I need and is great in the snow with AWD. It's also very quiet and comfortable, making it a pleasure to drive. I'll be keeping it for quite a while.Exchanged my tires for the really smooth Pirelli P7 AS Plus II. Although my car still vibrates, especially at low speeds, my mechanic believes it's the tires. Earlier models of the MKZ had driveshaft problems that produced vibrations, but it seems to have been resolved a year before mine. I think my next step is to bring it to the dealer. Other than that, my car has been extremely reliable with no major work needed other than the tires and changing the transmission fluid. Update 9-12-2070K: Rebalancing the tires improved the vibration issues. I also got new brake pads and rotors. I was advised that the driveshaft may need to be replaced soon, which is a common problem with Ford AWD systems. Despite that, my car still looks and runs like new. 9-21-21: At 76K, I'm starting to think this car will outlive me. I haven't had any problems at all in the past year. 9-22-22: At 82K, I just need a washer pump. I can't think of a reason to sell it.
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You're not alone in your love for the Lincoln MKZ! It's great to hear that you're planning on sticking with the brand and replacing your current car with another Lincoln MKZ in the future.
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Great car!
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We have had our 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid since 2014 and it has 86,000 miles on it now. We absolutely love the look of the car, both inside and out, and the spacious and comfortable interior. It gets an impressive 38 miles per gallon and is incredibly quiet. With each gas fill-up, we can run over 600 miles, which saves us both time and money.
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I'm coming up on the one-year anniversary with my crystal champagne 2012 MKZ Hybrid, and I still love the car. The gas mileage continues to improve, even after driving over 8000 miles. Some days, I get up to 41 mpg on my 12-mile commute to work on back country roads, despite traffic patterns often interfering with smooth driving. The lifetime average of the car is 36 mpg, but it's getting better all the time.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Lincoln Mkz problems:
2012 Lincoln MKZ Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Lincoln MKZ? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Lincoln MKZ.
2012 Lincoln MKZ Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Lincoln MKZ? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
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Jan 18, 2022 ... Oil changes on these cars is a breeze and I don't mind the trouble. I've provided a link below which describes some common issues for high ...
Common Problems with 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - Q&A
Apr 6, 2021 ... The hybrid mode in my 2011 Lincoln MKZ does not work anymore. The vehicle hesitates upon acceleration. It will only - Answered by a verified ...
2012 Lincoln MKZ Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say ... "subsequent to master cylinder failure, the ABS unit seals also failed several months later, after the master cylinder and brake booster were ...
Other years of Lincoln Mkz
Are you having problems with your 2012 Lincoln Mkz?
Damien Kunze 2024-11-15
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ that I purchased in June is not meeting my expectations. Despite being advertised as having great road safety, the car sways and bounces at speeds over 40 MPH, making it feel very unstable on the road. Even on dry asphalt, the car feels like it's going to hydroplane if the speed is over 60 MPH. The ride is also quite unsettling and unsafe, feeling like you're on a water bed. Despite taking the car to several mechanics, none have been able to find anything wrong. It's clear that this model is not living up to its advertised safety standards.
Monte Bartell 2024-07-29
The car looks great on the outside and the inside is not too bad either. Although I did find some issues, they were nothing major. Overall, it's a great car!
Skye Fisher 2024-02-25
Hey there! It seems like Ford could step up their luxury car game a bit. I actually had a 2011 Ford Fusion Sport AWD that cost $32k, and it was pretty similar to my $39k 2012 Lincoln MKZ. Surprisingly, the Fusion actually had more features! The only things I gained with the Lincoln were a slightly quieter ride, a softer suspension, and heated outside mirrors. However, I did lose some features that I really liked, such as the Blind Spot Information System, Rear view camera, effects lighting, and alloy wheels. It's a bit disappointing that spending an extra $7000 only got me a Lincoln emblem. What do you think?