2011 Lincoln MKX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Lincoln MKX, most often about brakes. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
60
Recalls
3
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Median mileage
118,900 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 23 of 60 complaints (38%).
  • Electrical System (8) and engine (6) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 118,900 mi.
  • Owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2011 Lincoln MKX has 3 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 4th of 12 Lincoln MKX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 140% more complaints than the 2010 model year (25).

2011 Lincoln MKX problems by category

  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    23 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    14 complaints
  • Electrical System
    8 complaints
  • Engine
    6 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    6 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    4 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Unknown or other14
Service brakes11
Electrical system8
Engine6
Power train6
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Visibility/wiper4
Seat belts3

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k760k–100k15100k–150k6150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Lincoln MKX complaints that list mileage.

2011 Lincoln MKX recalls (3)

  • Recall 11V128000Feb 24, 20118,022 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge, and lincoln mkx trucks manufactured from october 25, 2010, through november 20, 2010. These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (ids) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (bcm) serial number. Based on the serial number the bcm was either not affected or replaced. The custom software routine was not reading the correct set of characters, and was not able to identify a bcm that required replacement affected bcms may have the potential for an internal short.

    Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

  • Recall 10V659000Dec 29, 201014,737 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge and lincoln mkx vehicles. During a six-day production period, the supplier of the body control module manufactured modules that may have the potential for an internal short.

    Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which can result in an unattended vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

  • Recall 10V516000Oct 27, 201071 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 edge and lincoln mkx vehicles manufactured from july 1, 2010, through october 8, 2010. These vehicles were shipped with incorrectly configured electronic module settings that disable the locking function of the liftgate. Accordingly, the vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, "door locks and door retention components."

    Risk: The liftgate lock may be disabled and the driver may not be able to lock the liftgate using interior lock switches or remote key fob buttons.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will have the affected control modules updated free of charge. The safety recall began on november 1, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Recent 2011 Lincoln MKX complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Aug 15, 2026INBrakesEngineSeats & Seat Belts
    It’s been a 4 year battle. I received a bait and switch clone vehicle A Frankenstein!! The vehicle and vin are clones. The vehicle was delivered in the dark after hours during a time I was sick. Im also disabled. I had looked at the vehicle on the [XXX] website Hyundai Genesis lot then went and looked in person and test drove it. I was told it was a one owner vehicle out of Michigan. I purchased it two days later and traded in my perfect immaculate truck. I did not drive the…
    NHTSA complaint #11757161 · source
  2. Filed Jun 10, 2026SCTransmission & Drivetrain
    PTU failing and leaking fluid. Needs replacement. Ford stated it’s a lifetime fluid but the fluid fails due to sitting next to hot exhaust. The unit needs replacement at a cost of $3400. Unit is currently being replaced. This can cause the PTU to fail, lock up, and implode taking the transmission with it. Extremely expensive part to replace. Thousands of people online have needed to replace part with 30k miles or less.
    NHTSA complaint #11743139 · source
  3. Filed Mar 4, 2026150,000 miMDElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact's mother stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights unexpectedly illuminated. The contact's mother noticed a burning odor coming from the vehicle and observed that the power outlets were extremely hot. The contact's mother also experienced additional electrical issues with the alarm sounding unexpectedly, the power door locks failing to function properly, and the liftgate closing…
    NHTSA complaint #11721974 · source
  4. Filed Oct 23, 2025IAVisibility & Wipers
    My backup rearview camera blacked out one day. Then it came back upside down. Then one day it went back to a right-side up view. But then it is upside down again. It is EXTREMELY difficult to see anything now when I back up with the view being upside down. There is a recall 25S42 from April 2025 for something similar, but it includes a 2015 Lincoln MKC but NOT the 2011 Lincoln MKX. They need to add the 2011 Lincoln MKX to the recall. I'm a Lincoln fan and i really don't like…
    NHTSA complaint #11695349 · source
  5. Filed Jul 8, 2025160,000 miNJDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rearview camera image failed to display as intended. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, and the contact was informed to contact the local dealer for assistance. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact related…
    NHTSA complaint #11672001 · source
  6. Filed May 1, 2025TXVisibility & Wipers
    My backup rearview camera blacked out one day. Then it came back upside down. Then one day it went back to a right-side up view. But then it is upside down again. It is EXTREMELY difficult to see anything now when I back up with the view being upside down. I talked to a mechanic and they said they see this issue frequently. There is a recall 25S42 from April 2025 for something similar but it includes a 2015 Lincoln MKC but not the 2011 Lincoln MKX. They need to add the 2011…
    NHTSA complaint #11658332 · source
  7. Filed Feb 27, 2025CODriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    Body Control Module has developed an internal short that is causing safety systems not to work. It is also affecting the heating/ air conditioning, tire pressure monitoring system. This was recalled previously but the manufacturer wont do anything about it. I have had the vehicle at 2 separate dealerships who say the same thing, that the part is not available and can't be repaired. I called Ford directly and they are refusing to do anything about it since the old recall was…
    NHTSA complaint #11645270 · source
  8. Filed Dec 6, 2024NCBrakes
    Twice while at a stop light with my foot on the brakes because of an incline, the engine sped up like it was grasping for air and the engine shut down. It started back each time, but the second time, my engine light came on. I called AAA since I am a member and went there for the repair. They diagnosed it as a brake booster problem and printed a copy of the Ford document sent to all US Ford and Lincoln Dealers regarding Customer Satisfaction Program 13N02, supplements 2 & 3.…
    NHTSA complaint #11629150 · source

Compare the 2011 Lincoln MKX with another vehicle →

Other 2011 Lincoln models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology