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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Air bags
“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.”
Steering
“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.”
Service brakes
“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…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 35 | 38 | $1,650 | 234 |
- 38mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 4 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.5%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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.