2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 7, 2025 · 40 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MKZ Hybrid years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 10 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. That ranks 2nd out of 10 MKZ Hybrid model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (18 complaints, 45%), typically at around 55,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems

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

Air Bags18 · ~55,000 mi
Steering13 · ~68,350 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4 · ~95,000 mi
Unknown or Other3 · ~90,000 mi
Electrical System2 · ~79,700 mi
Suspension2 · ~47,705 mi
Equipment Adaptive/mobility1 · ~24,580 mi
Exterior Lighting1
Latches/locks/linkages1 · ~80,000 mi
Seats1 · ~79,400 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags1845%55,000——
Steering1333%68,350——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic410%95,000——
Unknown or Other38%90,000——
Electrical System25%79,700——
Suspension25%47,705——
Equipment Adaptive/mobility13%24,580——
Exterior Lighting13%———
Latches/locks/linkages13%80,000——
Seats13%79,400——
Service Brakes, Air13%69,500——
Structure13%24,580——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 12 complaints
2014: 4201442015: 4201542016: 1201612017: 122017122018: 102018102019: 4201942023: 3202332025: 220252

n = 40 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.
  • Floor mat interference with accelerator (EA12009) — opened Dec 12, 2012, closed Jun 12, 2014, led to recall 14E028000.

Recent owner reports

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

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle…

Steering · received Aug 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11679126

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake service warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force on the brake pedal and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Jun 26, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11669507

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard and the stopping distance was extended. The "Check Braking System" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed. The ABS, brakes, and…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Aug 11, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11537859

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression of the brake pedal with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The contact immediately applied the parking brake and drifted the…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received May 16, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11522318

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number…

Steering · received Mar 17, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11512380

Other Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years

2012 MKZ Hybrid →

See all Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 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 MKZ Hybrid?

Owners most often report air bags, steering, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 18 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid a good year?

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