Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Lincoln MKXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 149 owner complaints for the 2011 Lincoln MKX. Most complaints involve electrical system (41) and engine (24). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Feb 2011
Owner complaints
149
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: software

Free remedy

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) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.

Electrical systemReported Feb 24, 2011NHTSA 11V128000

Structure: body

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Dec 29, 2010NHTSA 10V659000

Latches

Free remedy

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. ACCORDINGLY, THE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Oct 27, 2010NHTSA 10V516000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

149 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2010 – Aug 2026
  1. Electrical system41
  2. Engine24
  3. Service brakes18
  4. Structure13
  5. Power train12
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic11
  7. Exterior lighting7
  8. Vehicle speed control5
  9. Fuel/propulsion system5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each MKX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007298
2008253
200966
2010111
2011149
201284
2013164
201435
201519
2016156
201752
201831
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

41 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2026Electrical systemODI 11721974

Engine

24 reports1 fire
“It’s been a 4 year battle. I received a bait and switch clone vehicle A Frankenstein!! The vehicle and vin are clones. The vehicle was delivered in the dark after hours during a time I was sick. Im also disabled. I had looked at the vehicle on the [XXX] website Hyundai Genesis lot then went and looked in person and test drove it. I was told it was a one owner vehicle out of Michigan. I purchased it two days later and traded in my perfect immaculate truck. I did not drive the vehicle until 4 days later and I noticed immediately the interior didn’t match. Warning lights were coming on. And when I got to my destination it all unfolded. I found receipts in the vehicle from the Lafayette In area that had a name on them. I tried to contact that person but was unsuccessful. I contacted the dealership over and over and over. I finally got ahold of a different salesman who sent me the original photos in their ad and they do not match the vehicle in my possession. Every seatbelt has a different year and date. There are other parts underneath that don’t make sense either. There are 3 warning lights on including traction and brakes. Immediately the brakes went bad. Paid…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2026Seat belts, Service brakes, EngineODI 11757161

Service brakes

18 reports2 crashes
“Twice while at a stop light with my foot on the brakes because of an incline, the engine sped up like it was grasping for air and the engine shut down. It started back each time, but the second time, my engine light came on. I called AAA since I am a member and went there for the repair. They diagnosed it as a brake booster problem and printed a copy of the Ford document sent to all US Ford and Lincoln Dealers regarding Customer Satisfaction Program 13N02, supplements 2 & 3. AAA suggested I take it to a Ford/Lincoln dealer and have the repair made under the recall. However, when I contacted Ford/Lincoln, they declined to even look at my car and said the recall was VIN specific and my car was not listed. Interestingly at the dealer and when I called and talked to several people at Ford and then Lincoln, they all asked my mileage. My mileage is 134,000, and 13N02 says it is effective up to 150,000 miles. The Ford document does not mention being VIN specific and my car is listed, a 2011 MKX with less than 150,000 miles. Your site says there are no open recalls for my car as well. Thanks [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 6, 2024Service brakesODI 11629150
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKX FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192521$3,050423
MKX AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
172319$3,400468
  • MKX FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    19 city · 25 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • MKX AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Lincoln MKX as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 598Vehicle 175
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 MKX questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln MKX have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Lincoln MKX problems?

Owners filed 149 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (41), engine (24), service brakes (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Lincoln MKX get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Lincoln MKX at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026