VehicleVerdict

2011 Lincoln MKT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2011 Lincoln MKT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other MKT years?

MKT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted92 complaints2010: 92 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 33 complaints2013: 90 complaints2014: 79 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 10 complaints2019: 12 complaints
MKT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Lincoln MKT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1142%
Engine415%
Transmission28%
Speed Control28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Electrical System14%
Fuel System14%
Body & Structure14%
Latches & Locks14%
Other14%

Does the 2011 Lincoln MKT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became firm. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 1, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ZUMBROTA FORD (1660 SOUTH MAIN ST, ZUMBROTA, MN 55992) WHERE IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2017

“HARD SHIFTING WHEN ROLLING DOWN OR DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS BUT IT STILL HAPPENING LACK OF POWER RATTLE, KNOCKING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 30, 2012

“UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION IN COLD WEATHER, THE VEHICLE HESITATES CONTINUOUSLY AND REPEATEDLY. 3 TRIPS TO DEALER AND A CALL TO FORD TO RESOLVE ISSUE. THEY REPLACED A FUEL INJECTOR AND PROBLEM WENT AWAY. PROBLEM MAY BE COMING BACK, ABOUT A YEAR LATER. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 1, 2012

“THE 20" ALUMINUM WHEELS ON MY VEHICLE ARE PROGRESSIVELY CORRODING AND THE CORROSION HAS NOW ADVANCED TO THE WHEEL FLANGE WHICH SEALS WITH THE TIRE BEAD. AS A RESULT, TIRE PRESSURE DEFLATES AT AN EVER INCREASING RATE. I HAVE BECOME CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEED DRIVING. IT APPEARS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 12, 2016

2011 Lincoln MKT — common questions

Is the 2011 Lincoln MKT reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 MKT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (11 complaints), engine (4 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2011 Lincoln MKT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Lincoln MKT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKT years to avoid are 2010, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among MKT years belongs to 2017.

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.