2012 Lincoln MKT

2012 Lincoln MKT

Overview

The 2012 Lincoln MKT, a full-size luxury crossover, aimed to blend sophisticated styling with a comfortable and spacious interior. It offered a range of powertrain options designed to provide a balance of performance and efficiency for its class. While generally considered a competent vehicle, like any model, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential long-term ownership considerations for the 2012 MKT.

---

Engine

3.7L V6

Cooling System Leaks

• Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, visible leaks around hoses or water pump.
• Solution: Replacement of leaking hoses, water pump, or radiator.
• Cost: $300 - $700

Oil Leaks

• Symptoms: Visible oil drips, burning oil smell, low oil level.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or crankshaft seals.
• Cost: $200 - $600

3.5L EcoBoost V6

Turbocharger Issues

• Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, check engine light.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of turbocharger assembly or related plumbing.
• Cost: $800 - $2000

Timing Chain Issues

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup, check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
• Cost: $1000 - $2500

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (SelectShift)

Hesitation or Shuddering

• Symptoms: Jerky shifts, delayed engagement, shuddering during acceleration.
• Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or internal transmission repair/rebuild.
• Cost: $400 - $1500

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure

• Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission warning light, inability to shift gears.
• Solution: Replacement of the Transmission Control Module.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Strut Mount Bearing Failure

• Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.
• Solution: Replacement of strut mount bearings.
• Cost: $200 - $400

Worn Control Arm Bushings

• Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, vague steering feel, uneven tire wear.
• Solution: Replacement of control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Electrical

Infotainment System (MyLincoln Touch)

Software Glitches and Freezing

• Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive, system freezing, audio or climate control malfunctions.
• Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the head unit.
• Cost: $100 - $1200

Battery Drain

No major issues reported for this configuration.

Exterior

No Major Issues

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Interior

No Major Issues

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

---

Summary Verdict

The 2012 Lincoln MKT presents a mixed reliability profile. The powertrain, particularly the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, has documented issues with turbochargers and timing chains that can be costly to repair. The automatic transmission can also experience shifting problems. On the electrical front, the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system is a common source of frustration due to software glitches. Suspension components like strut mounts and control arm bushings may require attention over time. However, the exterior and interior generally hold up well, with no widespread critical failures reported in these areas. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially when considering models with the EcoBoost engine and the MyLincoln Touch system.