2011 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Mkz Hybrid year — the 2011 model ranks #2 of 10 Mkz Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Airbags leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (37% of the total).
49
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other Mkz Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2011 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 18 | 37% | new |
| Steering | 13 | 27% | new |
| Brakes | 6 | 12% | new |
| Other | 4 | 8% | new |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE END OF 2010 AND IS NOW SIX YEARS OLD. I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA SINCE NEW IN CONDITIONS OF HIGH HEAT AND HUMIDITY. WITH THIS RECALL ISSUED IN JUNE 2016, I STILL HAVE NO WORD FROM LINCOLN OR FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON WHEN THIS WILL BE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 20-30 MPH ON THREE OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CARMAN FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 193 S DUPONT…”
“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…”
“INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON DRIVER SIDE DID NOT RETRACT PROPERLY CAUSING DOOR HANDLE TO BE INOPERABLE TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. CONCERNS WERE MADE AWARE BY OWNER TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT ALL DOORS AND THERE LACK OF CONFIDENCE TO OPERATE ESPECIALLY IN A CRASH. WHEN OWNER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP IN…”
“STARTED CAR AND STEERING WAS SO HARD I COULD NOT SAFELY STEER THE CAR. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (MARGATE LINCOLN, MARGATE FLORIDA) FOR REPAIR. THEY TOLD ME THE INCIDENT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE MANUFACTURES RECALL AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I HAVE REPAIR COVERAGE SO IT ONLY COST ME 100.00…”
2011 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2011 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 2011 model at #2 of 10 Mkz Hybrid years. It is one of the Mkz Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2011 Mkz Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (18 complaints), steering (13 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).
Does the 2011 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid.
Is the 2011 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Lincoln Mkz Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mkz Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2011, 2014, 2013, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among Mkz Hybrid 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.