2011 Lincoln Mkz Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Lincoln Mkz, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags6639.3%
- Brakes2011.9%
- Steering1911.3%
- Engine137.7%
- Body & structure106.0%
- Driver assistance95.4%
- Electrical84.8%
- Tires & wheels53.0%
- Other / unspecified42.4%
- Interior & seats42.4%
- Exterior lighting31.8%
- Powertrain (other)31.8%
- Suspension21.2%
- Fuel system21.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact recently received a recall notice stating that parts were available; however, the contact was informed by the dealer that the parts were still not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was stopping at a stop sign and was unable to stop immediately, instead I coasted a little bit before stopping. Then the brake warning lights and ABS and traction lights came on. I pulled over to a parking lot and turned the car off and turned it back on: all the lights came back on. I put on my flashers and very carefully and slowly drove my car to Jiffy Lube. They did an $108 oil change and checked the brake pads and brake fluid levels and said everything was fine and I would need to take it to a larger shop. I contacted the Apple Ford dealer near me and had my family follow me as I dropped it off. They said it would be a total of $310 for diagnostic and brake flush. I did the flush and it didn’t work. They said it would cost just shy of $3k to replace the entire hydraulic system. I took the car home because that is too much for a 2011 vehicle. I ended up having to get a new car because I need transportation for me and my two young children. My neighbor took a look at the car (he works on trucks) and the battery wouldn’t work. I bought a new battery for the car at $238.14. The lights are still on. I would like to have this car fixed or be able to trade it in. I am now being recommended to run a computer test on it to reset the codes. I would like to have this fixed as this seems to be a known issue with this car and I could have crashed if I wasn’t already driving slowly.
I was driving home in rush hour traffic at approximately 50 mph. I tried to brake but the pedal went to the floor and I had no brakes at all. Turns out this was a recall issue for the same issue for the previous four years MKZs. Replacing the fluid did not fix the problem and the 2,000 dollars charged for just the module that controls this is disgraceful. That doesn't include the other thousand for a mechanic to install the part. I managed to avoid hitting anyone, but not by much. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While making a right turn into Walmart parking lot, car was suddenly very difficult to turn. We almost hit the car in the lane next to us. We had to back up into the main road and risked a collision there as well just to pull into the parking lot. Like the power steering went out. Just a mile before that turn we made a turn and had no issue. Highway driving is okay, it is just difficult to steer in low speed city driving conditions. I had a mechanic look at it. he could not find anything wrong so we flushed the power steering with fresh fluid. It did not seam to help. He concluded that the electric assist is probably what failed. We looked this up, and it is a common problem with this model year MKZ and a recall has been out for this. But, for some reason my car does not pull up this recall.
SECONDS AFTER STARTING AND DRIVING APPROX 200 FEET MY, 2011 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID , CARS POWER STEERING STOP WORKING. ON THE MESSAGE CENTER ON THE DASH LITE UP LISTING THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE IN RED LETTERS. I STOPPED TURN THE KEY OFF RESTARTED THE CAR UPON STEERING WAS NORMAL, THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, I HAD THE FORD DEALER,"MULLAHEY FORD" IN ARROYO GRANDE LOOK AT IT. HE STATED THAT NO CODES CAME UP SO THEY WOULD NOT DO ANY REPAIRS, WE PURCHASED A FULL WARRANTY, $3500 FOR REPAIRS BUT HE WASNT WILLING TO REPAIR IT SINCE NO CODES AROSE ON THE CARS COMPUTER.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
While traveling on interstate at70 mph a red triangle appears on dash engine turns off warning on dash to stop asap. All you have is electrical power which is not much. Car needs to be turned off and restarted. This may occur again in a few minutes or not. Took to dealer they said they replaced an O2 sensor. It still turns off. Back to dealer. They can’t reproduce. Has happened to me at least 8 times on surface streets and highways. Extremely dangerous to loose power on highways. This started about 6 months ago. Still happening. Last incident was today
As I was traveling home from work, I noticed the car jerk slightly and immediately decelerate. The engine temperature gauge light came on the dash and the temperature gauge immediately moved to the “H” position on the dash. Due to the fact that I was in rush hour traffic on the highway, I was worried I wouldn’t have enough speed to get to the median. I turned on my hazards and coasted safely to the side of the road but was nearly ran over by other vehicles not realizing the issue I was having. I was unable to accelerate out of the way and at the mercy of other drivers being courteous and give me space to move. I turned the car off and looked under the hood locating the coolant reservoir. It appeared empty. I was able to get a ride to the nearest auto parts store and buy coolant. When I returned to my car, I emptied coolant into the reservoir and cranked the vehicle. Within a minute the gauge returned to normal temp and carefully got back in flow of traffic but stayed close to the emergency lane. Within a couple hundred yards of driving again, the lights and gauges indicated another overheating issue. At the next stop, I pulled into a gas station. And parked the car to have it towed. My mechanic informed me that the coolant was leaking from the coolant pump into my oil pan. Now the engine is flooded with a mixture of oil and coolant and I will need a new engine. He said this issue has been reported before but wasn’t sure what Ford/Lincoln may be doing about it. I’m lucky I didn’t have an engine fire or some sort of collision while driving along a highway during rush hour traffic.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's spouse started the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the interior seal of the driver's door, located by the rocker panel. The contact's spouse stated that the flames were not severe. The contact’s spouse was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed moisture leaking into the rocker panel wiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake and rotor repair. The contact and the mechanic noticed that the whole rear of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
THE DOOR HATCH IS BROKEN, , IT IS HARD TO SHUT AND LATCH THE DOOR. THE DOOR ALTHOUGH SHUT AND LATCHED HAS COME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE HAS BEING DRIVEN. THIS HAS OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE POWER STEERING SENSOR LIGHT, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STARTED. CENTRAL FLORIDA LINCOLN (2055 W COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32804, (407) 841-4550) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
CAR IN QUESTION: 2011 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID, 163,287 KM (101,484 MILES). DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ALL OF THE SUDDEN WARNING LIGHTS COME ON: ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, GIANT WRENCH, P/BRAKE LIGHT, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC. BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, I BLEW A STOP SIGN, AS CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN, BUT THAN JUST ROLLED THRU THE INTERSECTION. HAD TO USE A PARKING BRAKE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN I WAS LOOKING FOR A SAFE SPOT TO PULL OVER. HAD TO REPLACE HYDRAULIC CONTROL MODULE AND ABS MODULE.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's spouse started the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the interior seal of the driver's door, located by the rocker panel. The contact's spouse stated that the flames were not severe. The contact’s spouse was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed moisture leaking into the rocker panel wiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake and rotor repair. The contact and the mechanic noticed that the whole rear of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
THE HYBRID MODE DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE AFTER 9 YEARS. THE VEHICLE HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION. IT WILL ONLY RUN ON THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AS NOTED IN THEIR OASIS 8922.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The tire is a NEXEN 225/45R18 After driving at highway speed on an out-of-town trip for several hours, got off the highway on the way to the hotel using suburban roads. About a mile later, a noise suddenly started at the driver's side front. The "slapping noise" got worse as the car went faster. I pulled off into a parking lot and found a steel bead from the tire had come loose and was hitting the inside fender well. I also noticed there were cracks in the side wall. I changed the tire using the spare tire and drove to the hotel. The next day, I went to a local tire dealer to buy replacement tires. Since the car is an All Wheel Drive vehicle, I had to replace all four tires. And, it is a good thing I did since when I inspected the old tires, the other front tire (the passenger side) had side wall cracks worse than the driver's side tire that had the bead separation. The two rear tires showed no evident side wall cracks. I kept the two front tires with the failures and one of the rear tires that did not have any evident cracks. There was not enough room in the car to bring all four tires back home. Attached are photographs of the two failed tires. NOTE: I am a former Director of the Office of Defects Investigation [XXX] ) and this is my wife's car. I brought the tires back with me since I believe ODI may want to have the tires in the event it believes a PE is appropriate. The tires are in my garage in Northern Virginia. The email and phone number are mine, not my wife's. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE BODY ON A REPLACEMENT FIRESTONE TIRE. THE REPLACEMENT WAS MADE BY FIRESTONE BECAUSE OF A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TIRE HAD SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES ON IT SINCE IT WAS REPLACED. THE TREAD STARTED SEPARATING SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE WE HAD IT REPLACED WITH A GOODYEAR TIRE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE WERE LEAKING AIR. THE CONTACT DROVE TO BILL KNIGHT LINCOLN VOLVO (4111 S MEMORIAL DR, TULSA, OK 74145) FOUR TIMES. THE DEALER SANDED DOWN THE CORROSION ON THE INTERIOR OF THE RIM AND MOUNTED IT BACK ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THE AIR PRESSURE WAS LOW. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LIPS OF THE WHEEL RIMS WERE CORRODED AND DAMAGED, WHICH CAUSED AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. IRWIN LINCOLN MERCURY (4032 RT 9 SOUTH, FREEHOLD, NJ) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. *TT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOOR LATCH DETACH ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND NOTICED THE DOOR WAS AJAR WHEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH FORD OF THOUSAND OAKS (3810 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.*DT*JB *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LATCH WAS REPAIRED ON 8/25/2020.*AS
AT 44K MILS, PASSENGER SEAT SWITCH & MOTOR W/TRACK MALFUNCTIONED FOR SEAT SELDOM USED. RPR COST REDUCED TO $1145 DUE TO INADEQUATE DIAGNOSIS & 10 DAY WAIT FOR RETURN OF WRONG PARTS AND DEALER SUBLETS, PRIOR ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF DRIVER DOOR LATCH & LOCKING MECHANISM AT 39K MILES BOTH OCCURRENCES AFTER 5 YEAR WARRANTY BUT SUBSTANTIALY PRIOR TO 50K MILE WARRANTY. CARUSO LINCOLN DEALER WAS ABLE TO GET WARRANTY REPAIR DONE ON DOOR PROBLEM. I DID NOT EVEN ATTEMPT WARRANTY REPAIR ON SEAT PROBLEM PREFERRING TO PAY AND PAY OFF VEHICLE ASAP AND RID MYSELF OF IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HIGH MOUNT (3RD) BRAKE LED LIGHT FAILED. LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER AND IS A ONE PIECE REPLACEMENT. VERY COSTLY TO REPLACE.
I, AS WELL AS MY MECHANIC, WANT TO KNOW WHY LINCOLN GETS OUT OF TAKING CARE OF THEIR DEFECTIVE TAILLIGHT ISSUE ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE SALVAGE TITLES? IT WOULD BE ONE THING IF THE LIGHTS WERE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN THE ACCIDENT - BUT IF A CAR HAS BEEN BACK ON THE ROAD FOR YEARS, YET MEETS THE OTHER CRITERIA - WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR TAILLIGHTS THAT WENT OUT AT 60,000 MILES? IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS ISN'T A WINDOW SWITCH, IT'S SOMETHING I CAN BE TICKETED FOR OR CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS SAFETY ISSUE IS OPTIONAL FOR THE LINCOLN COMPANY. MINE HAS BEEN OUT FOR A YEAR, I LOST MY JOB DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES SEVERAL YEARS AGO, HAVE NO MONEY TO DEAL WITH IT - AND YOU HAVE MADE IT SO LINCOLN DOESN'T HAVE TO. I HAVE TALKED TO THEM LOCALLY, THEIR CORPORATE NUMBER - AND MY MECHANIC HAD ME CONTACT THE STATE PATROL PERSON WHO DEALS WITH DEALERS. NOBODY CARES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WRENCH APOEARS AND CAR SUDDENLY GOES IN LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT THE SAME TIME, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JACK DEMMER LINCOLN (21531 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI 48124, (313) 274-8800) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE COULD BE DIAGNOSED WAS IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE AT THE DEALER. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,273 AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. *TT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON THE TEST-DRIVE REQUESTED THAT THE DEALERSHIP ADDRESS THE FRONT-END NOISE. HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE 3 SEPARATE TIMES FOR REPAIR OF THE FRONT-END NOISE. AFTER 3RD TIME AT REPAIR BY DEALER, DISCOVERED THE 'NOISE' WAS THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT AND BALL JOINT FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP WE PURCHASED VEHICLE DID NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. YOU COULD TAKE THE RIGHT-FRONT TIRE AND SHAKE FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE WITH ALL TIRES ON THE GROUND. WE HAVE HAD TO SPEND OVER $2000 AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE A NEW CAR BEFORE THE 30 TAG EXPIRED.
AT 110K MILES THE LINCOLN DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT APPEARS THAT MY FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAVE CORRODED AND BROKE ON BOTH SIDES. HE SAID IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO ANY TYPE OF IMPACT (MY VEHICLE IS ACCIDENT FREE) AND APPEARS TO HAVE HAPPENED RECENTLY. THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON MY 5 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
While traveling on interstate at70 mph a red triangle appears on dash engine turns off warning on dash to stop asap. All you have is electrical power which is not much. Car needs to be turned off and restarted. This may occur again in a few minutes or not. Took to dealer they said they replaced an O2 sensor. It still turns off. Back to dealer. They can’t reproduce. Has happened to me at least 8 times on surface streets and highways. Extremely dangerous to loose power on highways. This started about 6 months ago. Still happening. Last incident was today
CAR LOST ALL POWER ON THE EXPRESS WAY. PULL OVER TO THE SIDE, AFTER A WHILE GOT ENGINE GOING AGAIN AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CHECKED IT AT THE MECHANIC SHOP THE NEXT DAY AND ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, SHOWED A MALFUNCTION OF A THROTTLE VALVE. WE WERE IN A VERY A DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCE. DANGEROUS POSITION WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER ON THE EXPRESS WAY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .