DecodedCars2012 Lincoln MKS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, 3.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 203.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,127–4,277 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Lincoln MKS is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo and 3.7L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,277 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 6% better than the 2012 large car average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 MKS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 203.9 in | 76 in | 61.4 in | 113 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,277 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 203.9 in | 76 in | 61.4 in | 113 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,127 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKS FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
| MKS AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
| MKS AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Lincoln MKS.
Similar 2012 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Lincoln MKS (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Panamera | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Maserati Quattroporte | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Audi A7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (3)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jun 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V340000 · 393,623 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Structure › Body › Door · Jan 28, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V040000 · 194,889 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
- Risk
- If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Mar 27, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V109000 · 3,037 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Not every 2012 Lincoln MKS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Lincoln MKS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 7 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Lincoln MKS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →