DecodedCars2012 Lincoln MKT
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 3.5, 4dr SUV Ecoboost
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 207.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,857–5,009 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
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 7 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Lincoln MKT is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,857 lb (4dr SUV 3.5).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 4% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.7L 6-cyl
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 MKT →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 3.5 | 207.5 in | 76 in | 67.3 in | 117.7 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,857 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Ecoboost | 207.5 in | 76 in | 67.3 in | 117.7 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 5,009 lb | 54/46 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKT FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -4% | $3,350 | 444 |
| MKT AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
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 MKT.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Lincoln MKT (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Infiniti QX56 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2012 Lincoln MKT is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Lincoln MKT buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 18 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 91,000 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 MKT. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKT years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 18 |
| 2018 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2017 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2016 MKT | 21 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2015 MKT | 23 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 24 |
| 2014 MKT | 23 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 50 |
| 2013 MKT | 23 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 8 | 64 |
| 2011 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2010 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 46 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →