Most common 2011 Lincoln MKX problems
Share of the 149 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln MKX complaints by model year
Best MKX years: 2015, 2014, 2009. Years to avoid: 2016, 2013. Compare all years →
2011 Lincoln MKX recalls (3)
Electrical system › Software
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)…
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.
Structure › Body
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.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › Lock
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.
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.
What 2011 Lincoln MKX owners say
Electrical system all 41 →
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact's mother stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights unexpectedly illuminated. The contact's mother noticed a burning odor coming from the vehicle and observed that the power outlets were extremely hot. The contact's mother also experienced additional electrical issues with the alarm sounding unexpectedly, the power door locks failing to function properly, and the liftgate closing unexpectedly. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
My dash touchscreen display became inoperable, no radio, no camera, no NOTHING My wiper blades come on by themselves and won't allow me to shut them off. The headlights remain on in the auto position... they won't shut off. Warning Lights on the dash comes on at times (lights up with lots of warnings) I'm no auto professional, but I think my issues are linked. I also, see that years ago there was a body control module recall that mentioned electrical shorts that could possibly cause a vehicle fire. OMG, I believe there's an electrical problem and I am hoping that the recall would cover these issues.
Brakes all 30 →
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 brakes stopped working while doing a right turn and ran over sidewalk to avoid hitting vehicle in front. Bumper got a little damage. Brakes check again and nothing was found. Third incident 05-15-2022 Driving at 55mph on road and brakes stopped working before trying to stop at red light. Hit cement in middle of the road to avoid crashing. Used emergency brake and Bumper was scratched. Turn on and off truck and brakes work normal again. June 22-2022 Took to mechanic after being inspected at several places and found nothing wrong. Replaced brakes, Front shocks and fluid. …
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that at start-up of the vehicle, the brake pedal would intermittently depress to the floorboard without warning. Additionally, there was an abnormal high-pitched sound coming from the brake booster. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that no fault had been found with his brakes upon inspection. As the intermittent failure persisted, the contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the vehicle was placed under recall for the brake booster. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where he was informed that the vehicle no longer qualified for the 10 years/100,000-mile recall repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Engine & cooling all 26 →
Car just went from complete cool to over heating and engine light to flash. Checked to make sure I had fluids. All full. While I had car turned off turned it back on after 15 minutes and car went straight to overheating again. Had a garage look at my car, there's a 3 cylinder misfire on just the one side of the engine. They agree and don't understand why this happened or how.
Water pump failure 3 times. Internal water pump failed causing engine to overheat dumping coolant into the engine oil. Original water pump replaced 5/16/21. Replacement water pump failed and was replaced 6/19/22. Second Replacement water pump has failed also as of January 1, 2023 resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
2011 Lincoln MKX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Lincoln MKX a good car?
Based on 149 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 MKX rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the MKX 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 MKX?
The electrical system — 41 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (30) and engine & cooling (26).
How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln MKX have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2011 Lincoln MKX, the most recent from February 24, 2011 (software). 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 MKX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2014 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016 and 2013. See the full Lincoln MKX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Lincoln MKX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 82,000 miles; 25% 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.