Most common 2011 Lincoln MKT problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln MKT complaints by model year
Best MKT years: 2017, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2010. Compare all years →
2011 Lincoln MKT recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
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…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
What 2011 Lincoln MKT owners say
Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that at start-up the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the power steering assist message on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the dealer where he was informed that the recall had expired. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
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 not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 197,000.
Engine & cooling
Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. Dealership mention that the turbo boost was previously repaired and under warranty so they repaired it. Car started smoking again I took car to dealership to get an oil change and made them aware that the car was smoking bad again. I was informed that it takes a while for the oil to burn out of the exhaust. Two days later I when to the store to pick up my medication and once again the car began smoking and the smoke was comin into the car, the check engiene like came on and the oil light came on as I was driving. The car began to make ding sound and start stuttering like it was going to shut off. …
On Wednesday 4/7/21 my car showed a warning of low oil pressure 1x for about 6 seconds. The engine light was on after that. Took it to a local tuffy shop. Both turbos are blown!! The engine light brings up emission problem and catylytic converter. Nothing about any engine issues!! The mechanic said there is oil shooting into my engine!! I just got an oil change 3 weeks ago, my cars oil meter reads fine. No low oil!!! The car drives fine. No indication. No oil leak, brand new oil pan, oil is not low!! How is this possible?? The car is as quiet as a church mouse. No engine knocking, no overheating nothing . This is obvious a problem. Why isn't there a recall on the turbos if they know they go bad???? What is the indicator??? I need help with a new engine, I love this car😭😭😭
2011 Lincoln MKT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Lincoln MKT a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 MKT rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MKT at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Lincoln MKT?
The steering — 11 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and speed control & acceleration (2).
How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln MKT have?
There is 1 recall for the 2011 Lincoln MKT, the most recent from June 2, 2015 (electric power assist system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln MKT?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014 and 2010. See the full Lincoln MKT years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Lincoln MKT problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.