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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-LINCOLN-MKTNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Lincoln
2011 Lincoln MKT problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 19 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2011 Lincoln MKT has 19 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 11 complaints, typically surfacing around 115,544 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 MKT?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Lincoln MKT SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 Lincoln MKT? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 11 owner reports
· tends to show around 115,544 mi · ~$700 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
steering (~$700) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 MKT· steering
Sometimes while starting the car, the power steering does not work and the car can barely be maneuvered out of a parking spot. Turning the car off and re-starting it fixes the problem however this happens about every other week. This has not happened while the car has been in…
On 12/10/2018 at 5 pm I made a right turn to merge into traffic when my power steering failed mid turn. Shocked and surprised at to what was happening, I veered into the on coming traffic not being able to keep the vehicle in the proper lane because of the amount of effort…
Vehicle has original 20" aluminum wheels. The car rims are showing advanced corrosion and deep pitting of the chrome near the wheel mounting studs and between the spokes. I suspect galvanic corrosion. Washing and waxing wheels does not help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lincoln mkt. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance. The mechanic stated that there was a failure with the steering wheel. As a result, the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
Had a problem with your 2011 Lincoln MKT?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Lincoln MKT reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Lincoln MKT is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Lincoln MKT?
On the NHTSA data, the 2011 Lincoln MKT does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Lincoln MKT?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 11 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 115,544 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Lincoln MKT a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 19 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 115,544 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Lincoln MKT?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 11 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 115,544 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 115,544 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lincoln MKT has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Lincoln MKT?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 19 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Lincoln/MKT.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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