Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Lincoln MKX problems
Owners filed 149 complaints about the 2011 Lincoln MKX with NHTSA between Oct 2010 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (41).
Complaints
149
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system41
- Engine24
- Service brakes18
- Structure13
- Power train12
- Service brakes, hydraulic11
- Exterior lighting7
- Vehicle speed control5
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Seat belts4
- Visibility/wiper4
- Back over prevention4
- Steering4
- Suspension2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
7
2
4
4
8
11
15
22
14
15
13
8
7
7
7
3
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
41 reports1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
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…”
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]”
Structure
13 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off, the driver’s side turn signal and parking lights remained illuminated with the other lights in the vehicle being inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V659000 (Structure) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. There was no additional assistance provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. Consumer stated left turn signals remain on (even with ignition off) will not flash. Passenger side will not activate at all.”
Power train
12 reports
“PTU failing and leaking fluid. Needs replacement. Ford stated it’s a lifetime fluid but the fluid fails due to sitting next to hot exhaust. The unit needs replacement at a cost of $3400. Unit is currently being replaced. This can cause the PTU to fail, lock up, and implode taking the transmission with it. Extremely expensive part to replace. Thousands of people online have needed to replace part with 30k miles or less.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
11 reports
“The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.