Is the 2011 Lincoln MKS reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lincoln MKS?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln MKS have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Lincoln MKS

○ Not enough data

2011 Lincoln MKS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:05.755Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 43
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2011: 43 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	56
2010	51
2011	43
2012	17
2013	142
2014	44
2015	17
2016	3

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

49% · 21 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Was driving my 2011 Lincoln MKS (build date 06/07/2010) when the steering froze up and then a message appeared in the center stack indicating a possible steering gear failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-31

The rudder of my vehicle gets very hard, and when I drive it seems that the wheels of steering do not have stability, it seems a problem of the power steering.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-21

The 2011 Lincoln mkz hybrid drifts to the left while driving. Lincoln says it is not a problem. I have owned over 75 cars and was a fleet manager for the gsa fleet. I never had a vehicle that had a drift that did not have a problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-22

Service brakes

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Engine

9% · 4 reports

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Https://youtu.be/CU8J1MSZ8OE cam phaser with documentation

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-07

Vehicle speed control

7% · 3 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

When pulling into a parking spot going under 5 MPH and coming to a stop, the car surged forward jumping the sidewalk and crashing into a cement patio table and bench. Smoke appeared and radiator fluid was leaking.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-25

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop on an incline, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle surged unexpectedly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-25

Exterior lighting

7% · 3 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH with the low beam headlights activated, other drivers were complaining of the lights being extremely bright.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-18

Dealers pamphlets and owners manual lists perimeter lights as a feature on 2011 Lincoln mkz but the vehicles do not have them (Headlights coming on when you unlock vehicle at night with fob. This is an important safety feature.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-02-25

Also filed under Electrical system

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-03-23Structure15V040000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-07-21Steering15V340000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-06-09Air bags16V247000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Lincoln MKS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 21 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V040000 · Structure
Recall 15V340000 · Steering
Recall 16V247000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2011 Lincoln MKS reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lincoln MKS?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln MKS have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.