VehicleVerdict

2011 Lincoln MKS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Lincoln MKS sits mid-pack among MKS years: 57 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 40 deaths and 40 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (37% of the total).

57

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

40

Injuries

40

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other MKS years?

MKS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted181 complaints2009: 70 complaints2010: 64 complaints2011: 57 complaints2012: 25 complaints2013: 181 complaints2014: 59 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 5 complaints
MKS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Lincoln MKS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2137%
Engine59%
Brakes59%
Electrical System59%
Lighting35%
Speed Control35%
Fuel System35%
Other35%
Airbags24%
Driver Assistance24%
Body & Structure24%
Transmission12%
Suspension12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 2011 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V247000AirbagsApril 26, 2016 · 695 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

15V340000SteeringJune 2, 2015 · 393,623 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Consequence

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

15V040000Body & StructureJanuary 28, 2015 · 194,889 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Consequence

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY WHEN I NOTICED THE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE IN THE DISPLAY CENTER AND MY ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAD SHUT OFF. IT WAS A 20 MILE DRIVE HOME WITH NO POWER STEERING IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. HAD I BEEN DRIVING AT A MORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 7, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 21, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OTHER OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 27, 2015

“WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY WHEN I NOTICED THE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE IN THE DISPLAY CENTER AND MY ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAD SHUT OFF. IT WAS A 20 MILE DRIVE HOME WITH NO POWER STEERING IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. HAD I BEEN DRIVING AT A MORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 7, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER DRIVER INFORMED HIM THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE AND HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A FUEL LINE WAS PUNCTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 25, 2011

2011 Lincoln MKS — common questions

Is the 2011 Lincoln MKS reliable?

It is close to typical for the MKS: 57 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 MKS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (21 complaints), engine (5 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2011 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Lincoln MKS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKS years to avoid are 2013. The cleanest record among MKS years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.