Research · Midsize Cars

2011 Lincoln MKZ HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 183 owner complaints for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Most complaints involve air bags (84) and steering (32). The EPA rates it 38 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
38mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
183
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$1,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

183 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2011 – Aug 2025
  1. Air bags84
  2. Steering32
  3. Service brakes20
  4. Engine10
  5. Structure10
  6. Electrical system9
  7. Vehicle speed control7
  8. Tires5
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic4

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 MKZ Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2011183
2012204
2013116
2014115
201577
201656
2017115
20182
201911
20201
Crashes reported
12
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

84 reports6 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2022Air bagsODI 11486097

Steering

32 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025SteeringODI 11679126

Service brakes

20 reports2 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2024Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11595694
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-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 Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKZ Hybrid FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
413538$1,650234
  • MKZ Hybrid FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    41 city · 35 hwy · $1,650/yr
    38
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Lincoln MKZ Hev 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 177
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 MKZ Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 183 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (84), steering (32), service brakes (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at 38 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026