DecodedCars2012 Lincoln MKX
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 Cuv
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,427 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 19 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Lincoln MKX is a SUV - offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,427 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 0% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 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 75 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 MKX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 MKX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Cuv | 187.4 in | 76 in | 67.7 in | 111 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,427 lb | 57/43 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKX FWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| MKX AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | 0% | $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 MKX.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Lincoln MKX (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (1)
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V393000 · 83,250 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
- Risk
- If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
Not every 2012 Lincoln MKX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Lincoln MKX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 22 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 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 MKX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 31 |
| 2017 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 52 |
| 2016 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 156 |
| 2015 MKX | 20 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 19 |
| 2014 MKX | 21 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 33 |
| 2013 MKX | 21 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 152 |
| 2011 MKX | 21 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 130 |
| 2010 MKX | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 6 | 98 |
| 2009 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 6 | 59 |
| 2008 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 5 | 220 |
| 2007 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 5 | 234 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →