2012 Lincoln MKX — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Lincoln MKX is an SUV powered by a 3.7L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–25 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Lincoln MKX workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Lincoln MKX: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 25 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.7L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 23 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 19 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 263 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Lincoln MKX, all with the 3.7L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 21 mpg (US), or 23 to 25 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/26) | 263 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Lincoln MKX
Running Costs: 2012 Lincoln MKX
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Lincoln MKX at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Lincoln MKX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Lincoln MKX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 14V393000, reported 2 July 2014. 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…
Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Lincoln MKX. The most-reported areas are Service brakes (26), Electrical system (17), Power train (11). Complaints include 2 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 84 complaints across the 9 Lincoln MKX model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Lincoln MKX
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Brakes (26 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 11 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (17 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Body structure (10 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Lincoln MKX compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 25 mpg figure is 2 mpg below that average. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 10 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 25 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 25 mpg average for Lincoln models in our database.
Of the 9 Lincoln MKX model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined). See every Lincoln MKX year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Lincoln MKX
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have?
It's fitted with a 3.7L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Lincoln MKX?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 25 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Lincoln MKX cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Lincoln MKX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Lincoln MKX?
Among the 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Service brakes (26 complaints), Electrical system (17 complaints), Power train (11 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Lincoln MKX's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.