Before you buy
This 2011 Lincoln Mks has 43 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2011 Lincoln Mks Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2011 Lincoln Mks trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2011 Lincoln Mks Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Lincoln Mks has 43 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Mks
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 43
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2011 Lincoln Mks problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Brake System
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Brake System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2011 Lincoln Mks?
This LINCOLN MKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2011 Lincoln Mks
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Lincoln Mks, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The LINCOLN MKS has 43 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 43 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 3 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2011 Lincoln Mks complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Lincoln Mks. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Lincoln Mks. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Steering While driving yesterday, doing shopping and online order deliveries, the steering wheel started having slight resistance during turns. It became worse shortly after…
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking space, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later restarted, and the traction control and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle then experien…
I was driving and I hear a beeping sound,and my steering just stopped working and made it difficult to control the vehicle in a curve.. Recall Details: 2011–2013 Power Steering Electric Assist Loss •In June 2015, Ford issued Recall #15S18 (NHTSA Campaign 15V340000) for a range of…
the steering system locks up and loses power assist,and the brakes and traction control sys also malfunction, and several failure lights all come on ,as I was making a left turn in front of a police car the steering locked up and I almost hit the police car,the vehicle isn't driv…
In 2015 a recall was done to repair the power steering failure issue. In October of 2021, while driving the vehicle down the highway, the power steering went out making the vehicle almost impossible to steer. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership where they verified the issue a…
Woke up to leave house and steering wheel was very stiff and hard to control
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while attempting to secure items into the trunk of the vehicle, the rear trunk door suddenly came down and struck the contact on the head. During the incident, the contact sustained a head contusion which did not requir…
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. Had a difficult time pulling vehicle over after failure. Notice I missed recall by 90 days.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The contact's daughter was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, and after rest…
Was driving my 2011 Lincoln MKS (build date 06/07/2010) when the steering froze up and then a message appeared in the center stack indicating a possible steering gear failure. Luckily, I was able to get home and pull it on my driveway with great difficulty. Recall 15S18 starts w…
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was…
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving to her destination. The vehicle was n…
Engine/Coolant Reservoir, Yes you can inspect it. When driving, or stop at a traffic light or just parked, the car will just start smoking and getting hot, the temperature gauge would not show it was getting hot until after it started smoking. The car would stop in…
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge would rise from cool(C) to hot(H) and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that once she turned off the cooling fans, the vehicle would cool …
As I was returning home from a haircut, my 2011 Lincoln MKS shut off as I was attempting to stop at a red light. I was able to get the car to complete stop. I looked at the dash to see if any warning signs, alerts or any gauges we abnormal. When nothing alarmed me I started my ve…
While driving the vehicle at normal speed with my wife and baby, car suddenly made a weird noise and started to smoke, the car lost power. I had to pull over right away , as car was smoking we smelled a propane like smell, and we noticed black grease leaking from the bottom. Soon…
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that upon start of vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had initially called the dealer and was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V247000 (A…
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT INSTANTLY LOST STEERING NO FOREWARNING LIGHTS. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN OR CONTROL THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO LINCOLN AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T COVER THIS EXACT THING THESE CARS HAVE A RECALL ON BECAUSE MY CAR WAS PAST THE WARRANTY. THEY EVEN CHARGED ME TO …
HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/CU8J1MSZ8OE CAM PHASER WITH DOCUMENTATION
ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND MISFIRE WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON THE INTERSTATE, FOLLOWED BY A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND VIOLENT SHUDDERING. BIG CONCERN WHEN TRYING TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES, AS I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. PROBLEM BECOMES WORSE AND MORE FREQU…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Lincoln Mks.
Safety recalls
2011 Lincoln Mks recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Lincoln Mks. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2011 Lincoln Mks buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Lincoln Mks reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 43 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. This LINCOLN MKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lincoln Mks?▾
#1: Steering Defects (21 complaints). #2: Brake System (5 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Lincoln Mks?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Lincoln Mks?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Lincoln Mks, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 43 total complaints. 39 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Lincoln Mks have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Lincoln Mks. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Lincoln Mks?▾
This LINCOLN MKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Mks reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.