2012 Lincoln MKZ

Introduction

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a refined driving experience, upscale interior, and advanced technology features. It is available with various engine and transmission options, including:

• 3.7L V6 engine with 304 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission
• 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine with 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission

Engine

3.7L V6

• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup:
  • Description: Carbon deposits accumulate on the intake valves, restricting airflow and reducing engine power.
  • Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration
  • Solution: Cleaning the intake valves manually
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description: The timing chain tensioner fails, causing the timing chain to skip or break, resulting in catastrophic engine damage.
  • Symptoms: Rattling noises from the engine, reduced engine power, check engine light illumination
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
• Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure:
  • Description: The intake manifold runner control valves malfunction, resulting in reduced engine performance and fuel efficiency.
  • Symptoms: Reduced engine power, hesitation during acceleration, increased fuel consumption
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold runner control valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

3.5L V6 EcoBoost

• Turbocharger Failure:
  • Description: The turbocharger fails, reducing engine power and causing smoke or oil leaks.
  • Symptoms: Reduced engine power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, oil leaks
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Fuel Injector Failure:
  • Description: The fuel injectors fail, leading to rough idling, poor engine performance, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idling, reduced engine power, check engine light illumination
  • Solution: Replacing the fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Transmission Fluid Leak:
  • Description: A leak develops in the transmission, causing a loss of fluid and potentially damaging the transmission.
  • Symptoms: Transmission slipping, difficulty shifting gears, fluid leaks
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the leaking component
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
• Shift Solenoid Failure:
  • Description: The shift solenoid fails, leading to difficulty or inability to shift gears.
  • Symptoms: Transmission slipping, hard or delayed shifting, check engine light illumination
  • Solution: Replacing the shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

Suspension

• Front Suspension Strut Mount Failure:
  • Description: The front suspension strut mount wears out or fails, causing knocking or rattling noises and reduced ride quality.
  • Symptoms: Noises from the front suspension, poor ride quality, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replacing the strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description: The rear shock absorbers fail, leading to a rough ride, poor handling, and increased braking distance.
  • Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, increased braking distance
  • Solution: Replacing the shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description: The battery drains prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dead battery
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue
• Electrical System Failure:
  • Description: A fault in the electrical system causes various electrical components to malfunction.
  • Symptoms: Non-functioning headlights, power windows, or other electrical components
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the electrical fault
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue

Exterior

• Sunroof Drain Clogs:
  • Description: The sunroof drains become clogged, leading to water leaks inside the vehicle.
  • Symptoms: Water leaks from the sunroof area, mold or mildew growth
  • Solution: Cleaning or unclogging the sunroof drains
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+

Interior

• Instrument Cluster Malfunction:
  • Description: The instrument cluster malfunctions, providing inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Symptoms: Incorrect speed or fuel level readings, flickering or blank display
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ is generally a reliable vehicle with good owner satisfaction ratings. However, it is not without its issues. The most common problems reported by owners include engine intake valve carbon buildup, timing chain tensioner failure, and turbocharger failure (in the EcoBoost engine). While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are relatively infrequent and not unique to the MKZ in its class. Overall, the MKZ remains a solid choice for those seeking a luxurious and well-equipped mid-size sedan.