146
Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS
65 complaints
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.
Aug 06, 2022
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.
Dec 20, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35- 40 MPH, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WOODED ELECTRIC POLE, HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE, CONTUSIONS ON THE KNEES, SPRAINED ANKLE AND WRIST AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS ON THE KNEES AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ALEX KARRAS LINCOLN, INC. (6760 14TH ST W, BRADENTON, FL 34207) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AS THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG WAS SERVICED UNDER AN UNKNOWN AIR BAG RECALL IN 2016. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Feb 18, 2020
Crash: 1
Injuries: 2
DO NOT OWN
Dec 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS A TWO VEHICLE COLLISION AND ALL THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO STOP BUT IT CAUSED MULTIPLE COLLISIONS. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED HER BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE STOMACH FROM THE SEAT, HEAD, BOTH SHOULDERS, KNEES, CHEST AND BOTH ARM INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE OTHER DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS PART OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V001000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Aug 12, 2019
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
+ 60 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 complaints
i cannot open the front drivers side door from the inside... it is as if the latch became disconnected
Sep 13, 2023
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!!
Oct 07, 2022
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.
Nov 29, 2021
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
Sep 20, 2021
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.
Aug 30, 2021
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
+ 10 more complaints for this component
STEERING
14 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had progressed over time. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained for further investigation; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Nov 06, 2025
My car has lost powering steering three times now. I have replaced the rack and pinion module twice and I’m fixing to a third time. This has happened all within the last 3.5 years
Jun 15, 2025
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.
Apr 05, 2024
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
Jan 30, 2024
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.
Nov 16, 2022
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
11 complaints
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
Sep 12, 2023
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.
Jul 19, 2023
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.
Mar 17, 2021
WHILE DRIVING, ALARMS DINGED AND LIGHTS POPPED UP IN MY INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WERE: BRAKE SYSTEM & PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM (OR BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING?), CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, ABS, ADVANCETRAC, ADVANCETRAC OFF, THROTTLE CONTROL/POWERTRAIN, CHECK ENGINE, AND PRESS RESET TO TURN OFF REAR PARKING ASSIST. PRESSING MY BRAKES REVEALED THAT THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE NOT ALL BARK AND NO BITE; THERE WAS IN FACT SOMETHING GOING ON. THE PEDAL WAS SOFT, TOO EASY TO DEPRESS AT FIRST. THEN IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND INEFFECTIVE. NOT STOPPING AT ALL UNTIL ALL THE WAY DOWN. THIS PREVIOUSLY HAPPENED ON 9/6/2020, BUT RESOLVED AFTER 2 DAYS. THIS CURRENT INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 10/2/2020 AND REMAINS ACTIVE 5 DAYS LATER. THE SERVICE STATION FOUND NO CAUSE PREVIOUSLY. THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER LEAVING MY HOME. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20MPH ON A RAINY DAY. THE ALARMS SOUNDED AND LIGHTS CAME ON, WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE FOR A STOP SIGN IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THE BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE SECOND INCIDENT THAT IS CONTINUING BEGAN A BIT DIFFERENTLY. THE LIGHTS POPPED UP AND ALARM SOUNDED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A SUNNY, DRY DAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND POWERTRAIN LIGHT BOTH CAME ON ABOUT 2 DAYS LATER. THEY CAME ON WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT.
Oct 07, 2020
THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION, ABS MALFUNCTION AND BRAKE MALFUNCTION SIMULTANEOUSLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, ALONG WITH WARNING CHIMES, AND THE BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WITH BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION (PEDAL WAS SOFT, FAR TOO EASY TO DEPRESS, BUT INEFFECTIVE). CAR WAS STEERED INTO A RESIDENTIAL LAWN AND EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE APPLIED TO AVOID A COLLISION. *TR
May 18, 2020
+ 6 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
5 complaints
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.
Aug 18, 2021
Front passenger side door, unable to lock. All other doors lock fine. Unable to secure car.
Aug 18, 2021
DOOR LATCH WILL NOT KEEP DOOR LOCKED. DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT CLOSE UNLESS A PERSON PLAYS WITH THE LATCH TO MANIPULATE THE HOOKS TO GET DOOR TO CLOSE. HAS ONLY HAPPEN, SO FAR, WITH THE CAR STOPPED.
May 10, 2019
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH IS FAILED, IDENTICAL TO THE ACTIVE 2013-2014 MODEL YEARS FAILURE. DOOR WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY, CANNOT BE LOCKED, AND OCCASIONALLY REQUIRES OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE TO OPEN THE DOOR. DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT RETRACT FULLY, AND LOCKING MECHANISM IS FAILED. OPENING THE DOOR WHILE LOCKED IS POSSIBLE. I SUSPECT IT WOULD FAIL IN A CRASH, SINCE THE LOCKING BAR IS OBVIOUSLY NOT ENGAGED. FORD DECLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ITEM. MATCHING RECALL NUMBER IS 15S16.
Aug 11, 2017
DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH, UNTIL I PULLED UP ON THE DOOR HANDLE AND STUCK A SCREWDRIVER IN LATCH AREA TO PULL LATCH TO OPEN POSITION
Jul 29, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000. *BF THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 14M03.
Nov 23, 2020
DRIVERS SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION. LIGHTS ARE LED CONSTRUCTION CONTAINING 3 ELEMENTS. 2 ELEMENTS HAVE FAILED. THIS REPAIR COSTS$400.00 BECAUSE THE LED'S CANNOT BE REPAIRED. LINCOLN HAS EXTENDED COVERAGE ON 2010 AND 2011 MERCURY MILAN AND LINCOLN MKZ MODELS . THIS IS CALLED 14M03 TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY EXTENDED COVERAGE. THEY HAVE EXTENDED COVERAGE ON THESE MODELS TO 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THE 2012 MODELS SUCH AS MY CURRENT CAR SHOULD ALSO HAVE BEEN COVERED BECAUSE THE 2011 AND 2012 MKZ IS SO SIMILAR. FURTHER LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE EXTREME EXPENSE THAT IS INVOLVED IN REPLACING TWO TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND A CENTER LIGHT ASSEMBLY WERE ALL THREE TO FAIL. I BELIEVE USE OF LED LIGHTING SHOULD BE WARRANTIED FOR THE PROJECTED LIFE OF THE CAR DUE TO COST. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE LIGHT SIMPLY FAILED DUE TO MANUFACTURING OF DESIGN ISSUES.
Aug 22, 2017
TONED FOR A REPORTED CAR FIRE, IN THE PARKING LOT OF SHAW'S SUPERMARKET, 625 MEADOW ST.. E-6 RESPONDED WITH LIGHTS AND SIREN TO THE SCENE. UPON ARRIVAL LPD CAPT. TYLER WAS ON-SCENE DIRECTING FIRE TO THE EFFECTED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, NO SMOKE WAS SHOWING. THERE APPEARED TO BE A BURNED AREA ON THE LEFT SIDE DOOR ROCKER PANEL, FRONT TIP OF THE LINCOLN ILLUMINATED ROCKER PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND THE DRIVER HAD JUST RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE FROM SHOPPING, WHEN SHE OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND THE COMPARTMENT HAD SMOKE IN IT. THE FUSE BOXES WERE CHECKED AND NO FUSES HAD BEEN FUSED. THE RIGHT SIDE WAS CHECKED FOR AND HEAT AND DAMAGE. THE LED LINCOLN PANEL WAS REMOVED AND THE WIRE ENDS WERE TAPED. IT APPEARED THAT SOME MOISTURE HAD MADE IT'S WAY THROUGH THE GASKET AND MIGRATED TOWARDS THE POWER TERMINAL OF THE LED STRIP. POSSIBLE CORROSION ON THE WIRE CONTACTS COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS INCIDENT. I WILL BE CONTACTING THE NHSTA TO LEAVE AN INQUIRY.
Sep 12, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 complaints
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.
Jan 17, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE SERVICE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHUMACHER LINCOLN OF DELRAY (2102 S FEDERAL HWY, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483 561-454-1800) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,449.
Aug 06, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
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.
Jan 17, 2024
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)
Jul 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
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.
May 06, 2021
IN JANUARY 2021, MY VEHICLE HAD REACHED ABOUT 60,000 MILES. AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, I NOTICED MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND AS I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. I PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE AND STOPPED THE CAR. HAD THE CAR NOT STOPPED, I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE AVOIDED GOING INTO THE STREET. I TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE CAR BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK (AFTER YOU START THE CAR, THE ABS LIGHT GOES ON AND THEN THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT GOES ON; THE BRAKES ONLY WORK A LITTLE NEAR THE FLOOR). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND BOTH THE ABS MODULE AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF ABOUT $3200. I NOTICED A RECALL FOR BASICALLY THE SAME THING BUT THE RECALL ONLY WENT UP TO 2010.
Jan 30, 2021
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
THE DRIVER DOOR POPS OPEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO IN MAY. BUT APPARENTLY IT ISN'T A RECALL. I'M ACTUALLY SCARED TO DRIVE IT THE CAR HAD 54,000 MILES AND 59,000 5 THOUSAND MILES IN THREE YEARS. CAN MAX SAID IT WOULD BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE THEY LIED. THIS IS A PROBLEM AND I'VE TALKED TO OTHER MKZ OWNERS WHO SAY THEY FIXED THE CAR AND PAID FOR IT.
Jan 01, 2021
THE SUNROOF ON MY CAR RANDOMLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.
Oct 13, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR AND RAN INTO MY GARAGE DAMAGING THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY CAR. LOCAL DEALER WITHOUT SEEING THE CAR SAID COST WOULD BE AROUND $1800 TO FIX STEERING AND STABILITRAK. THIS WAS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID.
Jul 06, 2020
Crash: 1
STARTED MY CAR TO LET IT WARM UP, WHEN I RETURNED AND WENT TO LEAVE THE DRIVEWAY IT FLASHED SERVICE STABILITRAC AND SERVICE POWER STEERING. TRIED TO DRIVE IT AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. THERE IS A RECALL ON MANY OF THIS SAME CAR FOR THE SAME REASON BUT NONE FOR MY VIN #.
Feb 02, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
PORTION OF LED TAIL-LIGHTS ARE OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN COVERED ON 2010'S AND 2011'S HOWEVER MY 2012 IS NOT COVERED EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE IDENTICAL VEHICLES WITH IDENTICAL PART NUMBERS
Nov 01, 2019
THE METAL PART ON THE CABLE CONNECTING BATTERY TO OTHER PARTS OF VEHICLE CRACKED. HAD STOPPED TO GET BATTERY CHECKED AND SERVICE PERSONNEL FOUND THE CRACK IN THE METAL PART ON CABLE THAT CONTAINS 2 FUSES. CAR HAD BEEN HESITANT ON STARTING TWICE IN THE WEEK. SAFETY PROBLEM IF PART HAD BROKEN COMPLETELY INTO WHILE ON INTERSTATE OR IN AN AREA NOT HEAVILY POPULATED. COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS IF NOT FATAL ACCIDENT.
Jun 20, 2017
POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
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. THE UNREMOVED SHAVINGS HAD ACTED AS AN ABRASIVE CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR ON TRANSMISSION'S COMPONENTS. THIS CONDITION RESULTED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE ONLY REMEDY--REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP BUT SINCE THE POWERTRAIN WAS OUT OF WARRANTY I HAD TO BEAR THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS DEFECT IS VERY SERIOUS BECAUSE THE POWERTRAIN COULD MALFUNCTION AT ANY TIME AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH.
Oct 11, 2019
TL* 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. *TR
Aug 19, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN 2014FROM A FORD LINCOLN, MERCURY DEALERSHIP. I AM NOW ATTEMPTING, THROUGH DISCOVERY, TO DETERMINE IF THIS VEHICLE VIA ITS VIN# HAS ANY RECALLS AGAINST IT!
Aug 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Apr 06, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AFFECTING MANY LINCOLN MODELS. COULDN'T OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND HAD TO CRAWL OUT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS DANGEROUS IN THE EVENT OF A CAR CRASH. SO MANY VIDEOS ON THE WEB OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS MODEL YEAR SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE DOOR LOCK RECALL. HUGE INCONVENIENCE CRAWLING IN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE, BUT AT LEAST I'M SMALL. I SURE WOULD FEEL SORRY FOR A BIGGER PERSON. MY VEHICLE WAS ALSO ASSEMBLED AT THE SAME PLANT DURING THE YEAR THE OTHER CARS WERE AFFECTED.
Nov 13, 2017
UNABLE TO SECURE VEHICLE. FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK BY USING ANY ELECTRIC METHOD OR BY USING KEY MECHANICALLY IN EXTERIOR DOOR LOCK.
Sep 13, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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.
May 03, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FIRERELATED
1 complaint
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.
Jun 06, 2023
Fire: 1
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
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
Apr 12, 2022
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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.
Jul 13, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Apr 29, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DOOR LATCH, DRIVER SIDE, RECALL STARTS WITH THE MKZ 2014 AND UP. I HAVE A 2012 MKZ THAT NEEDS THE RECALL. PLEASE LOWER THE YEAR TO INCLUDE THE 2012 AS THE SYMPTOMS AND PROBLEMS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME. MY VEHICLE WILL BE RECEIVING THE AIRBAG RECALL ON FRIDAY. I ASK THAT YOU APPROVE THE LATCH RECALL AS WELL. THANK YOU.
Jul 13, 2020
ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING YELLOW WRENCH SHOWS UP AND SAYS STOP SAFELY. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER. THEY CHARGED ME 180USD TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I PAID 180USD AND AFTER 6 HOURS THEY CONTACTED AND ASKED FOR 300USD EXTRA TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY COULDNOT EVEN FIND THE PROBLEM. I SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON CARCOMLAINTS.COM. ALMOST EVERYBODY EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY SPEED SUDDENLY DROPS FROM 65 TO 25 IN SECONDS. THIS IS NOT A GOOD WARNING TO PULL OVER. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Apr 05, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Sep 10, 2019
Fire: 1
STEERING,SEAT BELTS,WHEELS
1 complaint
AUG 2, MY HUSBAND & I WERE APPROACHING A 4-WAY LIGHT NEAR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN TO TURN RIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION. AS WE BEGAN THE TURN, THE TIRES LOCKED & OUR CAR SLIDE LEFT ACROSS LANES THAT RESULTED IN A CRASH. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD, DESPITE MY SEAT-BELT, BUSTING IT. THEN, MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT WAS LIKE MY HUSBAND HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. TIRES WERE STILL LOCKED WHEN TOW-TRUCK ARRIVED. OTHER CAR INVOLVED DID NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE. WE DO NOT HAVE A HYBRID, BUT WONDER IF THE STEERING RECALL THAT STARTED WITH 2012 MKZ HYBRIDS & OTHERS COULD INVOLVE ADDITIONAL MODELS LIKE OURS (RECALL 15V340000). WHAT WE EXPERIENCED WAS NOT NORMAL.
Aug 08, 2019
Crash: 1
Injuries: 2
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TRAVELING N ON 95 JUST BEYOND RICHMOND VA ON 11/26/16 TRAFFIC CAME TO A STOP AND I WAS ATTENTIVE AND RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO BRAKE QUICKLY. THE CAR INITIALLY SLOWED BUT DID NOT RESPOND FURTHER TO APPLYING BRAKES. I REAR ENDED A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY CAR - MINIMAL TO THE JEEP. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM STILL CONFUSED BY WHAT HAPPENED - I HAD TIME TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT IT DID NOT RESPOND. I AM 60 YEARS OLD AND A LONG TIME CITY COMMUTER ALONG WITH HAVING TRAVELED THIS ROUTE REGULARLY SINCE 1979. I CANNOT HELP BUT CONCLUDE THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF BRAKE MALFUNCTION WITH MY 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. *TR
Nov 29, 2016
Crash: 1
WHEELS
1 complaint
PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2015 WITH 23,000 MILES ON IT. HAVE HAD CONSISTENT ISSUES WITH THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMING ON. APPARENTLY THE CHROME RIMS FLAKE AND CAUSE AND AIR LEAKAGE TO OCCUR. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL TIRE PLACES "FIX" THE ISSUE TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRST COMPANY FOUND A HAIRLINE CRACK ON THE INTERIOR OF THE RIM SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS THE ISSUE AND REPLACED RIM. THE ISSUE CONTINUED AND NOT ALWAYS ON THE SAME TIRE. I HAVE FOUND QUITE A FEW OTHERS ONLINE WITH A SIMILAR ISSUE SO I AM REPORTING IT IN THE HOPES THAT LINCOLN WILL RECTIFY THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR CHROME RIMS. I AM CONSTANTLY WORRIED THAT MY TIRE IS GOING TO BLOWOUT WHILE I AM DRIVING. I AM CURRENT,Y LOOKING AT REPLACING THE TIRES AND RIMS ALTOGETHER AS I WILL NEED NEW TIRES SOON. *TR
Nov 27, 2016
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS ON A CITY STREET MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN I WAS HIT BY A BARRELING CAR AFTER HE HIT ME ONCE THEN HE BACKED UP AND HIT ME AGAIN TO PUSH ME OUT OF THE WAY HE TOOK OFF THEN MY CAR ACCELERATED GOING UP CURBS THE STEERING AN BRAKES DID NOT WORK IT TOOK TWO OF US TO AVOID A BRICK WALL AFTER PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TWICE IT FINALLY STOPPED WITH A BANG
Nov 09, 2016
Crash: 1
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
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 *BF
Jan 28, 2015
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
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. I ASKED MY INSURANCE TO KEEP THE COMPLETELY DAMAGED CAR TO BE INSPECTED BY LINCOLN INSPECTORS SINCE THE CAR HAD 2 PROBLEMS 1. ACCELERATED WHEN FULLY STOPPED 2 AIR BEGS DID NOT OPEN DURING THE CRASH WITH THE BUILDING MY INSURANCE CHUBB WROTE TO LINCOLN COMPANY BUT UNTIL TODAY NO ONE RESPONDED OR INSPECTED THE DAMAGED CAR. I WAS LUCKY THE KIDS WERE STILL IN CLASS, I COULD HAVE HEARD MANY OF THEM IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN A FEW MINUTES LATER. I REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION OF THE CAR SINCERELY *TR
Jan 25, 2015
Injuries: 1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEATS,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* 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. THE GARAGE DOOR HOME LING FAILS AT TIMES. BRAKE PEDAL MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN RELEASED. HEADLINES SAGS IN THE FRONT OF REAR WINDOW. UPDATED 06/17/2013 *JS
Feb 27, 2013
4.3/5.0
102 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 LINCOLN MKZ have?

The 2012 LINCOLN MKZ currently has 146 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 LINCOLN MKZ?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 LINCOLN MKZ are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 LINCOLN MKZ problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 LINCOLN MKZ comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

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