2011 Lincoln MKX Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 15, 2026 · 149 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MKX years
More complaints than other years 5th of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 149 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Lincoln MKX. That ranks 5th out of 14 MKX model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (41 complaints, 28%), typically at around 79,000 miles. Complaints mention 6 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Lincoln MKX
LINCOLN MKX SECOND GENERATION China. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2011 Lincoln MKX problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System41 · ~79,000 mi
Engine24 · ~60,000 mi
Unknown or Other24 · ~103,000 mi
Service Brakes18 · ~59,500 mi
Structure13 · ~80,780 mi
Power Train12 · ~110,235 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11 · ~102,000 mi
Exterior Lighting7 · ~85,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System5 · ~81,295 mi
Vehicle Speed Control5 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System4128%79,000——
Engine2416%60,000——
Unknown or Other2416%103,000——
Service Brakes1812%59,500——
Structure139%80,780——
Power Train128%110,235——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic117%102,000——
Exterior Lighting75%85,000——
Fuel/propulsion System53%81,295——
Vehicle Speed Control53%50,000——
Back Over Prevention43%127,807——
Seat Belts43%76,000——
Steering43%89,000——
Visibility/wiper43%125,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)21%90,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling21%29,500——
Fuel System, Gasoline21%26,450——
Suspension21%———
Wheels21%80,541——
Air Bags11%127,000——
Equipment11%———
Lane Departure11%———
Latches/locks/linkages11%124,799——
Seats11%400——
Service Brakes, Air11%157,954——
Tires11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 22 complaints
2010: 2201022011: 772012: 2201222013: 442014: 4201442015: 882016: 112016112017: 15152018: 222018222019: 14142020: 152020152021: 13132022: 8202282023: 772024: 7202472025: 772026: 320263

n = 149 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Lincoln MKX recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:softwareFeb 24, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V128000 · 8,022 vehicles

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge, and lincoln mkx trucks manufactured from october 25, 2010, through november 20, 2010. These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (ids) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (bcm) serial number. Based on the serial number the bcm was either not affected or replaced. The custom software routine was not reading the correct set of characters, and was not able to identify a bcm that required replacement affected bcms may have the potential for an internal short.

Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Structure:bodyDec 29, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V659000 · 14,737 vehicles

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge and lincoln mkx vehicles. During a six-day production period, the supplier of the body control module manufactured modules that may have the potential for an internal short.

Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which can result in an unattended vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealer will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lockOct 27, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V516000 · 71 vehicles

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 edge and lincoln mkx vehicles manufactured from july 1, 2010, through october 8, 2010. These vehicles were shipped with incorrectly configured electronic module settings that disable the locking function of the liftgate. Accordingly, the vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, "door locks and door retention components."

Risk: The liftgate lock may be disabled and the driver may not be able to lock the liftgate using interior lock switches or remote key fob buttons.

Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will have the affected control modules updated free of charge. The safety recall began on november 1, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

It’s been a 4 year battle. I received a bait and switch clone vehicle A Frankenstein!! The vehicle and vin are clones. The vehicle was delivered in the dark after hours during a time I was sick. Im also disabled. I had looked at the vehicle on the [XXX] website Hyundai Genesis lot then went and…

Service Brakes · received Aug 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11757161

PTU failing and leaking fluid. Needs replacement. Ford stated it’s a lifetime fluid but the fluid fails due to sitting next to hot exhaust. The unit needs replacement at a cost of $3400. Unit is currently being replaced. This can cause the PTU to fail, lock up, and implode taking the transmission…

Power Train · received Jun 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743139

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact's mother stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights unexpectedly illuminated. The contact's mother noticed a burning odor coming from the vehicle and observed that the power outlets were extremely hot. The…

Electrical System · received Mar 4, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11721974

Brake pedal went to the floor couldnt stop nearly crashed

Service Brakes · received Dec 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11705682

My backup rearview camera blacked out one day. Then it came back upside down. Then one day it went back to a right-side up view. But then it is upside down again. It is EXTREMELY difficult to see anything now when I back up with the view being upside down. There is a recall 25S42 from April 2025…

Visibility/wiper · received Oct 23, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11695349

Other Lincoln MKX years

← 2010 MKX · 2012 MKX →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2020 MKX01
2019 MKX01
2018 MKX315
2017 MKX525
2016 MKX1567
2015 MKX190
2014 MKX351
2013 MKX1631
2012 MKX841
20111493
2010 MKX1116
2009 MKX666
2008 MKX2536
2007 MKX2985

See all Lincoln MKX problems by year, every Lincoln model, or the Lincoln VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lincoln MKX?

Owners most often report electrical system, engine, unknown or other problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 41 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Lincoln MKX?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 Lincoln MKX a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MKX model years, the 2011 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.