What 204 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Lincoln Mkz Hev

My car has lost powering steering three times now. I have replaced the rack and pinion module twice and I’m fixing to a third time. This has happened all within the last 3.5 years

NHTSA ODI 11667052

I became the owner of a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid in 2016. At first there was no issues. Roughly a couple of months later, there was a power steering issue- so the car was driven to Ford with great difficulty where they reset the sensor or something and the power steering was working again. Now a couple of years later, the problem occurred again. The power steering chime came on, the car read “service advancetrac” in yellow and “power steering assist fault” in read, accompanied by the wheel stiffening. I pulled over turned the car off and back on, and the problem went away. It occurred several more times and turning the car off and back on remedied the problem. It would only occur every couple of months, but more recently it started happening every couple of weeks and now- the last ten days it has happened every time I drive. Each of those times, with the exception of the most recent occurrence, turning the car off and letting it sit for a couple of minutes, followed by turning it back on, solved the problem. The most recent time, I was traveling on the highway going 60 mph when the messages appeared and my wheel stiffened. It terrified me as I was moving fast on a Southern California highway where there are hundreds of cars. I was on my way to take a final exam, that I could not miss, so I kept driving. Steering was near impossible at low speeds. I went in to take my final and three hours later, when I turned the car back on, the power steering still was not working. After hours of research and years of dealing with this problem, I have found that there was a recall regarding the PSCM in the 2012 Lincoln MKZ. I am unsure if this problem extends to the hybrid model, and if so whether it was remedied by a past owner, but a detailed vehicle history report indicates that it was not. I have never received any notice as to this recall. I do know that my car was manufactured in the applicable time period (2011), and that it is experiencing exactly what the recall describes.

NHTSA ODI 11586690

Power steering control module stop working. Ford is aware of this issue and refusing to classify it as a recall. Vehicle inoperable at 83k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11581296

While driving I noticed that at times my steering wheel would be difficult to turn. At first, the problem seemed small until I was trying to make a left turn on a very busy 4-lane road, and without warning the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. I narrowly avoided being hit and ever since then, the steering has not been the same. I sought help at my nearest Ford dealership and after they inspected the car they determined that there was a problem with the steering assist and possibly the rack and pinion. We then discovered that the very same parts were recalled in 2011 for the same make and model car. I was never notified of any recalls and I asked why I was never contacted. The Ford dealership did not know why. According to them the vehicles that were recalled were vehicles that were made at the same facility as mine. They pointed out that normally my car would have been included in the recall and they did not know why I was excluded. I have attached the documentation they provided me proving that my car was built in a factory that had other cars recalled for the same reason. Currently, they are telling me that they cannot honor this recall because my car is not in the system as one that should be included in this recall. Due to the near misses that I have had I believe that this is a serious safety issue and should not be something that I pay over 2000 dollars to repair. Especially since all the other vehicles that had the same problem were recalled and repaired for free. Please help me figure out how to hold them accountable for not notifying me and refusing to honor the safety recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 15V340000

NHTSA ODI 11568886

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist and driving track warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his place of employment. The contact stated that after work he started the vehicle and, while driving, the steering seized. The contact used both hands to turn and steer the vehicle. The contact phoned the local dealer and made the dealer aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report to failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11557871

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to reverse, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the vehicle displayed a message stating "Electric Power Steering Assist Fault". The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was included but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11557491

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while his grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the power steering control module was reprogrammed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11542076

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the steering wheel was firm. The "power steering assist fault" and "service advance trac" messages were displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering operated normally. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the recall for the failure had expired and provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 100,288.

NHTSA ODI 11535619

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a beeping sound heard and the "Steering Assist" and "Service Track" warning lights illuminated. The contact stated slightly corrected the steering wheel and became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and shifted the vehicle into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted however, the power steering functionality was still inoperable. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11533539

After getting an oil change and battery software update, I headed home. Before arriving home the warning light to service Power steering and traction control came on. Returned to dealer, they said the power steering needed to be calibrated. Left and before making it home power steering stopped working and warning lights returned. Dealer has stated the power steering gear needs to be replaced but because the milage is 224,000 and the car is over 10 years old Ford will not extend the warranty and it will cost $2,500 to repair.

NHTSA ODI 11493738

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message intermittently appeared on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle resume normal operation. Recently, the contact stated that the traction control and the power steering warning lights would illuminate at start-up and remained illuminated despite the engine restart. The contact also mentioned that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and he was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11436641

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 42 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE AS THE SERVICE ADVANCED TRACK AND SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGES APPEARED ON HIS INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON SIMILAR MODEL VEHICLES FOR A POWER STEERING FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11395437

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, AN AUDIBLE CHIME WAS HEARD AFTER WHICH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FELIX SABATES LINCOLN (7601 SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28273, (855) 975-3985) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE RACK AND PINON TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11395224

THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING*DT

NHTSA ODI 11395001

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH THE SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE THEN LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS DISABLED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN MANUAL STEERING MODE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PURCHASE FORD LINCOLN (1352 US-45, MAYFIELD, KY 42066) BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11365325

THE ELECTRONIC STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR AND RAN INTO MY GARAGE DAMAGING THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY CAR. LOCAL DEALER WITHOUT SEEING THE CAR SAID COST WOULD BE AROUND $1800 TO FIX STEERING AND STABILITRAK. THIS WAS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID.

NHTSA ODI 11337748

I TURNED ON MY CAR AND RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM IN THE INFORMATION PANEL STATING, " POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". ITS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. I DRIVE EASY ON MY CAR AND THE ROADS ARE SMOOTH IN MY COMMUTES. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11324583

STARTED MY CAR TO LET IT WARM UP, WHEN I RETURNED AND WENT TO LEAVE THE DRIVEWAY IT FLASHED SERVICE STABILITRAC AND SERVICE POWER STEERING. TRIED TO DRIVE IT AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. THERE IS A RECALL ON MANY OF THIS SAME CAR FOR THE SAME REASON BUT NONE FOR MY VIN #.

NHTSA ODI 11306599

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC' AND 'SERVICE STEERING ASSIST' WERE DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11271446

MY TRACTION CONTROL AND ADVANCED TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ARE ON AND I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THIS AND THE DEALER SAID NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER. MY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ISN'T WORKING

NHTSA ODI 11266703

POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW. FIRST INCIDENT WAS SEPTEMBER 29TH 2018, SECOND WAS TODAY AUGUST 23RD 2019. THERE WAS A RECALL PREVIOUSLY BUT ISN'T ONE FOR MY VIN NUMBER. VEHICLE FIRST TIME WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET, SECOND TIME WAS STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY OF HOME.

NHTSA ODI 11246013

AUG 2, MY HUSBAND & I WERE APPROACHING A 4-WAY LIGHT NEAR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN TO TURN RIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION. AS WE BEGAN THE TURN, THE TIRES LOCKED & OUR CAR SLIDE LEFT ACROSS LANES THAT RESULTED IN A CRASH. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD, DESPITE MY SEAT-BELT, BUSTING IT. THEN, MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT WAS LIKE MY HUSBAND HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. TIRES WERE STILL LOCKED WHEN TOW-TRUCK ARRIVED. OTHER CAR INVOLVED DID NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE. WE DO NOT HAVE A HYBRID, BUT WONDER IF THE STEERING RECALL THAT STARTED WITH 2012 MKZ HYBRIDS & OTHERS COULD INVOLVE ADDITIONAL MODELS LIKE OURS (RECALL 15V340000). WHAT WE EXPERIENCED WAS NOT NORMAL.

NHTSA ODI 11242528

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11210374

POWER STEERING WENT WITHOUT ANY WARNING HAS RECALL ON OTHER MKZ OF THAT YEAR BUT NOT MINE. I PUT IT REVERSE AND HAD NO POWER STEERING LUCKY I WAS NOT DRIVING WHEN IT WENT OUT.

NHTSA ODI 11194283

STATIONARY, STARTED,NO POWER STEERING.STATED POER STEERING ASSIST FAULT.

NHTSA ODI 11192491