Lincoln · Known Issues

2012 Lincoln MKZ Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Lincoln MKZ has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak ($1,500-$4,500 repair), MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18) ($0-$0 repair) and Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger). Across all issues, repair costs range from $300 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 4 Known Issues

On the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6, the 3.5L Duratec V6 in 2007-2012 MKZ (and shared Edge, Taurus, Flex, Explorer) uses a water pump driven internally by the timing chain. When the pump shaft seal fails, coolant leaks into the oil pan rather than externally — owners often see no leak before catastrophic oil contamination. Symptoms: milky oil, white smoke, mysterious coolant loss, eventual bearing failure.

This issue also affects: Ford Edge, Ford Excursion, Ford Explorer

Common Symptoms

milky oil
white smoke
mysterious coolant loss
low coolant warning

How to Fix

Internal water pump replacement is a labor-intensive job (timing cover off) — $1,500-$2,500 at independent, $2,500-$3,500 at dealer. Check the coolant level monthly; check the oil for milky discoloration at every change. Some owners replace proactively at 100,000 miles to avoid engine damage.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,500

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On the 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ 2.5L Atkinson Hybrid, ford issued NHTSA recall 15V-340 (Ford reference 15S18) for 2011-2012 Fusion and MKZ to address sudden loss of electric power steering assist. Root cause: intermittent electrical connections in the steering gear motor due to conformal coat contamination and ribbon-cable pin misalignment, leading to loss of motor position signal. Approximately 393,623 vehicles covered.

This issue also affects: Ford C-Max, Ford Escape, Ford Flex

Common Symptoms

power steering warning
sudden heavy steering
EPAS fault message

How to Fix

Check VIN at NHTSA recall lookup (15V-340). Remedy: dealer inspects the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for diagnostic trouble codes — if loss-of-assist DTCs are present, the entire steering gear is replaced free under recall; otherwise, the PSCM software is updated. Some owners also qualify for a Ford Customer Satisfaction Program (15S18) extending coverage on the steering gear.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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On the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ, first-generation MKZ models (2007-2012, plus the Zephyr) use Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators that can degrade after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. A degraded inflator can rupture during deployment in a crash, sending metal fragments toward occupants and causing serious injury or death. This is part of the industry-wide Takata recall and was addressed through multiple Ford/Lincoln recall campaigns (e.g., driver-side recall 21S12). Airbags were the single most-complained-about area for the MKZ in NHTSA data.

Common Symptoms

Airbag warning light
Open recall notice for airbag inflator
Risk of inflator rupture / shrapnel on deployment

How to Fix

Ford dealers replace the affected driver-side and/or passenger-side airbag inflator or module free of charge under the recall. Owners should check their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and schedule the free repair; some older units carried do-not-drive warnings until repaired.

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On the 2010-2016 Lincoln MKZ, mKZ models with the 6F35 6-speed automatic commonly exhibit harsh or delayed engagement, a bump or slip on takeoff, and sluggish acceleration from 0-5 mph. A known cause is a 6F35 valve body design flaw addressed by a Ford TSB that modifies the valve body separator plate (deleting a hole) and removing a check ball. Owners also report harsh Drive/Reverse engagement on cold starts and overdrive shudder around 40 mph.

Common Symptoms

Harsh bump or clunk when shifting into Drive or Reverse
Hesitation/sluggishness from a stop then sudden engagement
Shudder while accelerating into overdrive around 40 mph
Delayed shifts

How to Fix

First verify transmission fluid level/condition, since low fluid mimics the symptoms. The TSB remedy modifies or replaces the valve body separator plate and removes the affected check ball; severe cases need valve body or transmission rebuild. A fluid service can help shudder in milder cases.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $2,500

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln MKZ problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012-2012 Lincoln MKZ has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak, MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18), Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The 2012-2012 Lincoln MKZ has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak and MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18) and Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln MKZ problems?

Repair costs for known Lincoln MKZ issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak, typically costs $1,500-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak?

The 3.5L Duratec V6 in 2007-2012 MKZ (and shared Edge, Taurus, Flex, Explorer) uses a water pump driven internally by the timing chain. When the pump shaft seal fails, coolant leaks into the oil pan rather than externally — owners often see no leak before catastrophic oil contami… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18)?

Ford issued NHTSA recall 15V-340 (Ford reference 15S18) for 2011-2012 Fusion and MKZ to address sudden loss of electric power steering assist. Root cause: intermittent electrical connections in the steering gear motor due to conformal coat contamination and ribbon-cable pin misal… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger)?

First-generation MKZ models (2007-2012, plus the Zephyr) use Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators that can degrade after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. A degraded inflator can rupture during deployment in a crash, sending metal fragments toward occupants and causing… Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2016 Lincoln MKZ Harsh / Delayed Automatic Transmission Shifting (6F35)?

MKZ models with the 6F35 6-speed automatic commonly exhibit harsh or delayed engagement, a bump or slip on takeoff, and sluggish acceleration from 0-5 mph. A known cause is a 6F35 valve body design flaw addressed by a Ford TSB that modifies the valve body separator plate (deletin… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.

2012 Lincoln MKZ Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ: MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ: MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ: Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2010-2016 Lincoln MKZ: Harsh / Delayed Automatic Transmission Shifting (6F35)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln MKZ problems?

Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln MKZ problems?

What is the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak?

What is the 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18)?

What is the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger)?

What is the 2010-2016 Lincoln MKZ Harsh / Delayed Automatic Transmission Shifting (6F35)?