VehicleVerdict

2011 Lincoln MKX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 190 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median MKX year — the 2011 model ranks #5 of 14 MKX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (43), brakes (29), and other (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

190

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other MKX years?

MKX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted350 complaints2007: 350 complaints2008: 303 complaints2009: 77 complaints2010: 125 complaints2011: 190 complaints2012: 108 complaints2013: 203 complaints2014: 48 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 207 complaints2017: 68 complaints2018: 38 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints
MKX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Lincoln MKX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4323%
Brakes2915%
Other2513%
Engine2513%
Body & Structure137%
Transmission126%
Fuel System74%
Lighting74%
Driver Assistance53%
Speed Control53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Steering42%
Seat Belts32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Suspension21%
Latches & Locks11%
Airbags11%
Seats11%

Does the 2011 Lincoln MKX have recalls?

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

11V128000Electrical SystemFebruary 24, 2011 · 8,022 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

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.

10V659000Body & StructureDecember 29, 2010 · 14,737 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

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.

10V516000Latches & LocksOctober 27, 2010 · 71 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE REGISTERS DOOR ADJAR CONSTANTLY. CAUSES DOME LIGHTS TO STAY ON EVEN WHILE DRIVING, CAN'T LOCK DOOR, AND BATTERY GOES DEAD. THIS IS AN ISSUE! I SAW THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION BUT APPARENTLY NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED. THE PROBLEM STARTED GRADUALLY AND PROGRESSED TO ALWAYS. ONE TIME AFTER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2017 · fire

“First incident 10-15-2019 (purchased used vehicle 09-30-19) Exiting freeway at 55mph and suddenly brakes stopped working( was able to pull aside) then brakes worked normal again. Took vehicle to check breaks and nothing wrong was found. Second incident 02-17-2020 Driving son to school at 35mhp…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 23, 2022 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW COOLANT LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MODULE, WHICH CONTROLLED THE COOLING SYSTEM, FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 3, 2015 · fire

“The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while the husband was driving approximately 50 mph a 2nd vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, the front driver side seat belt failed and did not secure the driver and the driver side air bag did…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 3, 2021 · crash

“THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR EVEN WHEN ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT DOESN'T ALLOW ME TO LOCK MY DOORS WHILE DRIVING. NOR CAN I ACCESS MY KEYLESS ENTRY OR DOOR LOCK. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND GROSS NEGLIGENCE. THIS IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 1, 2016

2011 Lincoln MKX — common questions

Is the 2011 Lincoln MKX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 190 complaints put the 2011 model at #5 of 14 MKX years. It is one of the MKX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 MKX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (43 complaints), brakes (29 complaints), other (25 complaints).

Does the 2011 Lincoln MKX have recalls?

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

Which Lincoln MKX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKX years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2017, 2015. The cleanest record among MKX years belongs to 2020.

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.