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.
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.