SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Lincoln MKS steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Lincoln MKS have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 64,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 MKS | 15 |
| 2011 MKS (this page) | 21 |
| 2012 MKS | 8 |
| 2013 MKS | 59 |
| 2014 MKS | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 21 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Lincoln MKS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 49% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Among the 5 model years of Lincoln MKS in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Lincoln MKS shows a pattern of electronic power steering failures ranging from sudden complete loss to intermittent lockups. The most severe complaints involve the steering wheel becoming completely inoperative while driving—at 45 to 70 MPH in several cases—forcing owners to pull over with significant physical effort. Dashboard warnings like "Service Power Steering" or "Power Steering Assist Fault" typically appear, sometimes after the failure has already started.
Multiple owners cite Recall 15S18 (NHTSA Campaign 15V340000), issued in June 2015 to address an intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear on 2011–2013 models with the 3.5L GTDI engine. The real problem: many owners discovered their VINs were not included in the recall despite having identical year, model, and engine, leaving them responsible for repairs costing $1,900–$2,800. Some owners had the recall performed, only to experience the same failure again months or years later. Dealers frequently denied coverage beyond warranty expiration or for vehicles outside the recall scope, even when the failure matched the recall description exactly.
Intermittent lockups also occur, where the system freezes then restores function after restart—making diagnostics difficult. One owner's steering seized during a left turn in front of a police officer; another faced a 20-mile drive home in freezing temperatures with no power assist. Stiff steering at startup and vehicle pulling to the left are also reported.
Same Lincoln MKS steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Complete Power Steering Loss
Electronic power steering system becomes completely inoperative, either suddenly or after initial warning. Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn, requiring significant physical force. Often accompanied by 'Service Power Steering' or 'Power Steering Assist Fault' dashboard message.
When: Ranges from startup to while driving at various speeds; mileage 68,827 to 212,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Complete loss of power steering assist; Message on dashboard reading 'Service Power Steering' or 'Power Steering Assist Fault'; Amber power steering icon on dashboard; Beeping sounds when failure occurs; Loss of power steering at highway speeds (45-70 MPH reported)
Codes mentioned: U3000 (steering gear failure), Service Power Steering message, Power Steering Assist Fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs cited: $1,900–$2,800 for parts and labor. Steering gear/rack replacement required. One owner noted the original steering rack was no longer manufactured and required aftermarket unit. Dealerships charged for full repairs despite recall applicability for similarly-built vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 15S18 (Campaign 15V340000) issued June 2015 for 2011–2013 models with 3.5L GTDI engine to address intermittent electrical connection in steering gear. However, multiple owners report their VINs were NOT included in the recall despite having the same year, model, and engine. Some owners had the recall performed previously but experienced the same failure again. Manufacturer denied coverage or assistance for out-of-warranty vehicles or those not flagged in recall.
Intermittent Power Steering Lockup
Power steering system locks up or seizes periodically while driving, then may restore function after restart. Occurs intermittently, making diagnosis difficult and repair attempts unsuccessful in some cases.
When: Intermittently during driving; startup mentioned in at least one case
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes or freezes while driving; Intermittent loss of power steering assist; Steering effort increases dramatically during lockup events; Vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to control during turns; System may restore function after vehicle restart; May occur multiple times within short timeframe (twice in 2 weeks reported)
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Control Module failure, Steering gear failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis identified power steering control module and steering gear failure. Vehicles were not repaired in several cases due to lack of recall coverage or warranty expiration. One dealer was unable to identify problem at startup despite consumer complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15S18 (Campaign 15V340000) addresses intermittent electrical connection in steering gear causing loss of assist. However, many affected vehicles with identical year, model, and engine were not included in recall scope. Manufacturer stated no assistance available for vehicles not included in recall or outside warranty.
Elevated Steering Effort / Stiff Steering
Steering wheel becomes noticeably harder to turn or control, ranging from slight resistance during normal operation to completely stiff/hard steering at startup or during driving.
When: Can occur at startup (stiff steering upon waking vehicle) or during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel hard or stiff to control; Resistance or firmness when turning steering wheel; Difficulty turning wheel right or left; Wheels lack stability while driving; Slight resistance initially that worsens over short time
Codes mentioned: Power Steering system codes
Repairs/costs cited: In most cases, elevated steering effort is symptom of deeper power steering failure requiring system replacement or repair. Repair costs estimated at $1,900–$2,800 when full system replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recalls issued solely for elevated steering effort; these cases are typically associated with Recall 15S18 (Campaign 15V340000) when full power steering loss follows. Manufacturer response varies by recall eligibility.
Vehicle Pulling / Steering Instability
Vehicle drifts or pulls to one side (typically left) without driver input, or steering wheel control becomes unstable, making straight-line driving difficult.
When: During normal driving, can occur with both hands on wheel
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts to the left; Power steering randomly locks and unlocks, causing pulling; Difficulty maintaining straight-line direction; Wheels lack stability
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer stated this is not a problem in at least one case. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner report indicates Lincoln dealer stated pulling/drifting is 'not a problem.' No recall address this issue specifically.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
2011 Lincoln mks. Consumer writes in regards to power steering locking up periodically. *tgw the consumer stated the power steering issue, occurred at start up. The dealer was unable to find a problem. *jb
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 experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the steering gear had…
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 restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No…
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 with build dates of 09/2010. This recall should be extended. Repair quote: $1900 part 6.2 hours labor + Alignment…
Recently, this car started intermittently displaying the "power steering assist fault" code and at the same time the steering would seize up when in motion. This has now happened twice within the last 2 weeks. On investigation, 2011 Lincoln mks vehicles with the 3.5l gtdi engine (my vehicle) were supposed to be covered by recall 15s18 which addresses this exact safety situation. When I called…
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 look at it because its past warranty. My car is 4,000 miles past coverage soo they're charging me $2800 for a…
Steering is hard to control. Took it to auto repair, gave me codes that match recall codes. Technition said the whole power steering system must be replaced
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 vehicles—including the 2011 Lincoln MKS—due to a potential intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear.…
Power steering went out and had power steering assist fault error. Incident occurred after backing out of driveway and putting the car into drive. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Lincoln MKS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2011 Lincoln MKS?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 46,600 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,600; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Lincoln/MKS.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.