Some 2010-2012 Fusion/Milan and 2011-2012 MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.5L or 3.0L engine and electronic power assist steering (EPAS), a remanufactured replacement steering gear (MU2Z-3V504-ARM) is available which is significantly less expensive than a new replacement gear. When conducting repairs that are customer pay, offer the customer a remanufactured gear when possible. This would include vehicles not included in field service action (FSA) 15N01 (built on or before 7-Sep-2010) or vehicles included in FSA 15N01 that have exceeded the 10 year/150,000 mile terms of the program.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Lincoln MKZ steering problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 72,000 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
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 MKZ | 3 |
| 2011 MKZ (this page) | 32 |
| 2012 MKZ | 20 |
| 2013 MKZ | 16 |
| 2014 MKZ | 25 |
| 2015 MKZ | 7 |
3crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 32 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 9 model years of Lincoln MKZ we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 32.
Owners have filed 32 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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.
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 ↗LINCOLN/FORD: STEERING SYSTEM SENSES, HALF FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS/REARWARD IS EXPERIENCING A HIGHER FRICTION CONDITION AND CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STABILITY/TRACTION TO ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2011-2012 FUSION, MKZ.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: THERE MAY BE A STEERING DRIFT WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. 2010-2011 FUSION/MILAN/MKZ. THIS COULD BE NORMAL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2011 Lincoln MKZ vehicles describe a pattern of recurring steering failures tied to the electronic power steering (EPS) system. The most common complaint is intermittent loss of power steering assist—the steering becomes heavy or locks up, sometimes for seconds and sometimes longer. Many owners say restarting the engine temporarily restores function, only for the problem to recur within hours or days.
The first sign is usually a dashboard warning: "Service Power Steering," "Power Steering Assist Fault," or "Service Power Steering Now," often accompanied by an "Advance Trac Off" or "Check Engine" light. At low speed, the steering wheel can seize completely, making the car undrivable; on the highway, steering becomes difficult but drivable.
Dealers typically replace the EPS unit or steering motor and reprogram the control module. But owners report the same failure happens again within days or weeks. One owner documented six breakdowns in six weeks with repeated dealer repairs. Another's vehicle failed within 16 hours of a replacement.
NHTSA Campaign 15V340000 addresses this on 2011 MKZ models, but many owners report their VIN is not included in the recall despite matching symptoms exactly. Some dealerships initially denied the vehicle was under recall. When Lincoln finally acknowledged the issue, owners learned that if the module fails again after the recall repair within 100,000 miles, the replacement cost comes out of pocket.
Owners also report front suspension noise (struts and ball joints), abnormal steering wheel vibration and chatter, and in one case, steering drift at highway speeds. No permanent fix has emerged in owner accounts.
Same Lincoln MKZ steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Module Failure
The EPS module fails, leaving the driver with heavy steering or complete loss of power assist. Owners report the steering becomes difficult to turn, sometimes requiring extreme effort. The problem often occurs intermittently and may restore function after restarting the engine.
When: Across the mileage range, from 45,000 to 130,000 miles. Most common in the 45,000–101,000 mile range.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very difficult to maneuver or turn; Complete loss of power steering assist; Power steering assist fault warning light illuminates; Service power steering or service power steering now warning message on dashboard; Advance trac system warning light or message appears; Check engine light illuminates; Heavy steering requiring excessive muscle effort to turn the wheel; Intermittent loss of power assist that may restore after engine restart; Steering may seize at low speeds or during parking maneuvers
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Power Steering Assist Fault, Service Power Steering Now, Advance Trac Off, Check Engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically replace the electronic power steering unit or steering assist motor. Some owners report repeated failures even after replacement. One owner cited a replacement cost of approximately $2,000 without insurance coverage. One owner reported the power steering motor was replaced and the module was reprogrammed, but the failure recurred within 16 hours.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V340000 issued for steering on 2011 Lincoln MKZ models. However, many owners report their specific VINs were not included in the recall despite having identical symptoms. Lincoln initially told some owners the vehicle was not under recall. For vehicles covered, the recall reprograms the power steering control module if it is throwing a code. The manufacturer stated that if the module fails again within 100,000 miles after the recall repair, replacement is the owner's responsibility for parts and labor. Some owners report the recall repair failed and symptoms recurred. One owner was told the recall had expired and the vehicle would not be repaired under warranty.
Steering Rack or Gear Failure
The steering rack or steering gear fails, causing hard steering or inability to turn the vehicle properly. Dealers have recommended rack and pinion replacement in some cases.
When: Approximately 45,000 to 130,000 miles; one case at 45,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes difficult to maneuver or impossible to turn; Steering wheel seizure at low speed; Heavy steering requiring excessive force; Abnormal noise or chatter from steering system; Steering failure during parking or maneuvering
Codes mentioned: Steering gear failure diagnosis, Rack and pinion system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommended replacement of the rack and pinion system in some cases. One owner declined the recommended repair after the dealer diagnosed the failure; power steering later worked when the vehicle was returned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Limited; manufacturers typically recommend part replacement only.
Intermittent Power Steering Loss with Engine Restart Recovery
Power steering assist fails intermittently during driving. The driver can often restore function by turning off the engine and restarting it while parked, suggesting an electronic or control module glitch rather than mechanical failure.
When: Various mileages; one case occurred within two months of ownership at approximately 76,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist cuts out suddenly while driving; Power steering assist fault warning light illuminates; Service advancetrac message appears; Heavy steering that requires muscling the wheel; Function restores after engine restart; Chime or beeping sound may accompany the fault; Failure can occur at any speed (20–35 mph in reported cases)
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault, Service Power Steering, Service Advancetrac
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repairs noted in owner reports; restart of the engine restores function temporarily. One owner reported the dealer replaced the power steering motor and reprogrammed the module, but the same failure happened within 16 hours.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Limited manufacturer assistance reported. One dealer stated no codes were present, so no repairs were performed. One manufacturer case was opened (Case #24287519) after multiple reprogramming attempts failed to fix the issue.
Steering Wheel Seizure
The steering wheel locks up or seizes, making it impossible to turn the vehicle. This can occur while driving or while stationary, and poses an immediate safety hazard.
When: Varies; documented at 55,000 to 74,700 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes without warning; Complete inability to turn the steering wheel; Steering wheel locks up at low speed or during parking; Steering wheel locks up while stationary (e.g., at a gas station); Power steering assist and traction control warning lights illuminate; Steering fault warning light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Steering assist failed, Steering fault
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer (Griffin Phillis Ford, Seneca, PA) reprogrammed the steering assist three additional times after the initial replacement, but the same failure recurred multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case number provided (24287519) by the manufacturer. NHTSA Campaign 15V340000 was referenced but the vehicle was not included in the recall.
Steering System Abnormal Noise and Vibration
Owners report abnormal noise from the steering system, excessive vibration in the steering wheel, and chatter sensations. In one case, a wheezing noise preceded a catastrophic failure.
When: Approximately 60,000 miles for intermittent seizure with noise.
Symptoms owners cite: Wheezing noise from the front end; Abnormal noise from steering wheel; Steering wheel vibrates excessively; Chatter felt and heard during steering; Power steering pump becomes noticeably louder
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported a dealer could not replicate the failure after five visits and no permanent remedy was provided. Another owner flushed the power steering fluid, but the noise and heavy steering persisted; the mechanic concluded the electric assist failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Three steering TSBs were issued for some model year MKZ vehicles, but no recalls for steering noise specifically.
Front Suspension Failure (Struts and Ball Joints)
Right front strut and ball joint failure caused excessive front-end noise. This failure was not always recognized as a safety issue by dealerships on first inspection.
When: Early in ownership; noted after purchase of used vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Front-end noise; Right front tire can be shaken side-to-side while all tires are on the ground; Excessive movement in right front suspension
Repairs/costs cited: Required repair at a cost over $2,000. Took three separate dealer visits to correctly diagnose as a strut and ball joint failure.
Steering Drift at Highway Speeds
Vehicle drifts to the left abnormally when traveling at highway speeds, particularly at 60 mph and above.
When: Early in vehicle life; documented at only 359 miles of failure mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts to the left abnormally; Drift most pronounced at highway speeds of 60 mph and above
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lincoln mkz. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the power steering became inoperable. The power steering sensor light, stability control light and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be started. Central florida Lincoln (2055 w colonial dr, orlando, fl 32804, (407) 841-4550) stated…
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Lincoln MKZ?
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 MKZ?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 55,000 and 114,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 114,000. 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/MKZ.
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.