Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2011 Lincoln MKT with NHTSA between 2013 and 2023.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 30
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
211.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
422.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
316.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
527.8%
150,000+ miles
316.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Lincoln MKT SUV AWD
—
—
—
15.1% risk
2011 Lincoln MKT 4DR SUV FWD
—
—
—
16.4% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2013peak 3Jul 2023
Recalls on the 2011 Lincoln MKT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V340000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201928112,211 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, a buildup of dirt and mud could cause the rear suspension toe links to break. This could result in a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem affects vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The unique soil properties in this region could make a toe link more likely to break. Safety Risk: A loss of stability could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.
Recall 201522425,195 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver. This would unexpectedly increase the steering effort force necessary to steer the vehicle at lower vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary and will reprogram the EPS controller with updated software. In the event that an EPS fault occurs, this updated software would allow for continued EPS function while displaying visual and audible warnings to the driver until the end of the drive cycle.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Decatur, GA
STEERING
my power steering sensor fault light came on and it was recalled a while back & expired a few months ago unbeknownst to me.
NHTSA complaint #11532942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
my power steering sensor fault light came on and it was recalled a while back & expired a few months ago unbeknownst to me.
NHTSA complaint #11532942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,000 milesErie, PA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became firm. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 197,000.
NHTSA complaint #11526020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. Dealership mention that the turbo boost was previously repaired and under warranty so they repaired it. Car started smoking again I took car to dealership to get an oil change and made them aware that the car was smoking bad again. I was informed that it takes a while for the oil to burn out of the exhaust. Two days later I when to the store to pick up my medication and once again the car began smoking and the smoke was comin into the car, the check engiene like came on and the oil light came on as I was driving. The car began to make ding sound and start stuttering like it was going to shut off. I tried to acclerator and the car was still going slow as I was driving on a busy street. I got the car home and the next day called to have it towed to dealership. 3/2/2023 Called the dealership because I have not heard from them and was informed that the turbo boost failed again.
NHTSA complaint #11509944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
STEERING
Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. Dealership mention that the turbo boost was previously repaired and under warranty so they repaired it. Car started smoking again I took car to dealership to get an oil change and made them aware that the car was smoking bad again. I was informed that it takes a while for the oil to burn out of the exhaust. Two days later I when to the store to pick up my medication and once again the car began smoking and the smoke was comin into the car, the check engiene like came on and the oil light came on as I was driving. The car began to make ding sound and start stuttering like it was going to shut off. I tried to acclerator and the car was still going slow as I was driving on a busy street. I got the car home and the next day called to have it towed to dealership. 3/2/2023 Called the dealership because I have not heard from them and was informed that the turbo boost failed again.
NHTSA complaint #11509944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
ENGINE
Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. Dealership mention that the turbo boost was previously repaired and under warranty so they repaired it. Car started smoking again I took car to dealership to get an oil change and made them aware that the car was smoking bad again. I was informed that it takes a while for the oil to burn out of the exhaust. Two days later I when to the store to pick up my medication and once again the car began smoking and the smoke was comin into the car, the check engiene like came on and the oil light came on as I was driving. The car began to make ding sound and start stuttering like it was going to shut off. I tried to acclerator and the car was still going slow as I was driving on a busy street. I got the car home and the next day called to have it towed to dealership. 3/2/2023 Called the dealership because I have not heard from them and was informed that the turbo boost failed again.
NHTSA complaint #11509944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castle Rock, CO
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 motion thankfully as I’m sure this would cause an accident. The mileage this started was about 200,000 miles. There is a recall but apparently this car does not qualify for a free fix by the manufacturer. It is an expensive repair according to internet searches or vehicle owners with the same issues and reports that most people do not have the repair done due to the high cost.
NHTSA complaint #11444977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Grove, UT
STEERING
Power steering assist fault error. The power steering stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11439705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesTallahassee, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that at start-up the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the power steering assist message on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the dealer where he was informed that the recall had expired. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #11430709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,214 milesColumbus, OH
POWER TRAIN
ON WEDNESDAY 4/7/21 MY CAR SHOWED A WARNING OF LOW OIL PRESSURE 1X FOR ABOUT 6 SECONDS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AFTER THAT. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL TUFFY SHOP. BOTH TURBOS ARE BLOWN!! THE ENGINE LIGHT BRINGS UP EMISSION PROBLEM AND CATYLYTIC CONVERTER. NOTHING ABOUT ANY ENGINE ISSUES!! THE MECHANIC SAID THERE IS OIL SHOOTING INTO MY ENGINE!! I JUST GOT AN OIL CHANGE 3 WEEKS AGO, MY CARS OIL METER READS FINE. NO LOW OIL!!! THE CAR DRIVES FINE. NO INDICATION. NO OIL LEAK, BRAND NEW OIL PAN, OIL IS NOT LOW!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?? THE CAR IS AS QUIET AS A CHURCH MOUSE. NO ENGINE KNOCKING, NO OVERHEATING NOTHING . THIS IS OBVIOUS A PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THE TURBOS IF THEY KNOW THEY GO BAD???? WHAT IS THE INDICATOR??? I NEED HELP WITH A NEW ENGINE, I LOVE THIS CAR😭😭😭
NHTSA complaint #11407277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,214 milesColumbus, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ON WEDNESDAY 4/7/21 MY CAR SHOWED A WARNING OF LOW OIL PRESSURE 1X FOR ABOUT 6 SECONDS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AFTER THAT. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL TUFFY SHOP. BOTH TURBOS ARE BLOWN!! THE ENGINE LIGHT BRINGS UP EMISSION PROBLEM AND CATYLYTIC CONVERTER. NOTHING ABOUT ANY ENGINE ISSUES!! THE MECHANIC SAID THERE IS OIL SHOOTING INTO MY ENGINE!! I JUST GOT AN OIL CHANGE 3 WEEKS AGO, MY CARS OIL METER READS FINE. NO LOW OIL!!! THE CAR DRIVES FINE. NO INDICATION. NO OIL LEAK, BRAND NEW OIL PAN, OIL IS NOT LOW!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?? THE CAR IS AS QUIET AS A CHURCH MOUSE. NO ENGINE KNOCKING, NO OVERHEATING NOTHING . THIS IS OBVIOUS A PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THE TURBOS IF THEY KNOW THEY GO BAD???? WHAT IS THE INDICATOR??? I NEED HELP WITH A NEW ENGINE, I LOVE THIS CAR😭😭😭
NHTSA complaint #11407277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,214 milesColumbus, OH
ENGINE
ON WEDNESDAY 4/7/21 MY CAR SHOWED A WARNING OF LOW OIL PRESSURE 1X FOR ABOUT 6 SECONDS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AFTER THAT. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL TUFFY SHOP. BOTH TURBOS ARE BLOWN!! THE ENGINE LIGHT BRINGS UP EMISSION PROBLEM AND CATYLYTIC CONVERTER. NOTHING ABOUT ANY ENGINE ISSUES!! THE MECHANIC SAID THERE IS OIL SHOOTING INTO MY ENGINE!! I JUST GOT AN OIL CHANGE 3 WEEKS AGO, MY CARS OIL METER READS FINE. NO LOW OIL!!! THE CAR DRIVES FINE. NO INDICATION. NO OIL LEAK, BRAND NEW OIL PAN, OIL IS NOT LOW!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?? THE CAR IS AS QUIET AS A CHURCH MOUSE. NO ENGINE KNOCKING, NO OVERHEATING NOTHING . THIS IS OBVIOUS A PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THE TURBOS IF THEY KNOW THEY GO BAD???? WHAT IS THE INDICATOR??? I NEED HELP WITH A NEW ENGINE, I LOVE THIS CAR😭😭😭
NHTSA complaint #11407277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesWeymouth, N.s. Canada, B0W3T0, SC
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11375700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesTallahassee, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
STABILIZATION BARS OR LIFTGATE STRUTS GAVE OUT WHILE SITTING AFTER SUV WAS LOADED WHEN I GOT HOME THE LIFTGATE OPENED AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT IT WOULD NOT STAY OPEN
NHTSA complaint #11341890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,500 milesRaleigh, NC
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LEITH LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 7900 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616, (919) 872-9500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,500.
NHTSA complaint #11195046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesArnold, MO
STEERING
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 REQUIRED TO STEER. I MISSED HAVING AN ACCIDENT BY INCHES AND CUT OFF A DRIVER WHOM GOT ANGRY WITH ME AND I THOUGHT MIGHT FOLLOW ME HOME. I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND RESTART IT FOR SEVERAL BLOCKS. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING RETURNED AS NORMAL. ON THE MY LINCOLN OWNER WEBSITE, IT REPORTED MY CAR NEEDING A POWER STEERING UPDATE. ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS DURING THE PAST YEAR WHEN I HAD MY CAR IN TO THE LINCOLN DEALER FOR OTHER SERVICES, I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER. HE LOOKED SOMETHING UP ON HIS COMPUTER AND REPORTED MY CAR WAS OK, IGNORE THE MESSAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11160675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,945 milesZumbro Falls, MN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN MKT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ZUMBROTA FORD (1660 SOUTH MAIN ST, ZUMBROTA, MN 55992) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERNAL PTU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,945.
NHTSA complaint #11071991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,866 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
STEERING
"TAKATA RECALL" I AM REACHING OUT TO NHTSA FOR THE SECOND TIME DO TO A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUE BACK ON JUNE 2, 2015 FOR 2011 LINCOLN MKT. THE RECALL NUMBER IS 15S18. A FEW WEEKS AGO I HAD A MESSAGE THAT CAME ACROSS MY DASHBOARD THAT READ SERVICES POWER STEERING AND 2 SEC LATER IT READ SERVICES POWER STEERING NOW. AS WE SPEAK MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE. THE CODE THAT COME UP ON THE TEST WAS P07AE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE CODE DESCRIPTION IT IS THE SAME THE DESCRIPTION THAT WAS IDENTIFIED IN THE RECALL. LINCOLN IS NOT TRYING TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE MY VIN DOESN`T SHOW UP.
NHTSA complaint #10950010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 488,645 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
STEERING
"FAILURE OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST"- MY VEHICLE IS NOT SHOWING UP WHEN LOOKING FOR MY VIN NUMBER BUT IT CLEARLY HAS THIS ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING I RECEIVED A SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW MESSAGE AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS NO LONGER EASY TO TURN. RECALL NUMBER 15V340000.
NHTSA complaint #10948067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesManchester, PA
WHEELS
THE 20" ALUMINUM WHEELS ON MY VEHICLE ARE PROGRESSIVELY CORRODING AND THE CORROSION HAS NOW ADVANCED TO THE WHEEL FLANGE WHICH SEALS WITH THE TIRE BEAD. AS A RESULT, TIRE PRESSURE DEFLATES AT AN EVER INCREASING RATE. I HAVE BECOME CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEED DRIVING. IT APPEARS THAT AS MORE CORROSION OCCURS, TIRE DEFLATION ALSO OCCURS AT A FASTER RATE. THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE OPTIONAL WHEELS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE CORRODING.
NHTSA complaint #10887665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,900 milesBloomfield, KY
STEERING
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 REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,900.
NHTSA complaint #10781526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesSchiller Park, IL
POWER TRAIN
HARD SHIFTING WHEN ROLLING DOWN OR DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS BUT IT STILL HAPPENING LACK OF POWER RATTLE, KNOCKING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATE.
NHTSA complaint #10546487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesSchiller Park, IL
ENGINE
HARD SHIFTING WHEN ROLLING DOWN OR DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS BUT IT STILL HAPPENING LACK OF POWER RATTLE, KNOCKING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATE.
NHTSA complaint #10546487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Commack, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CPSC: I1370188A. 2011 LINCOLN MKT. CONSUMER STATED THE REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT ALLOW THE DOORS TO BE OPENED BY THE PASSENGERS UNLESS THE DRIVER UNLOCKS THE DOORS BY PUSHING THE REAR DOOR RELEASE.
NHTSA complaint #10533549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesLemont, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION IN COLD WEATHER, THE VEHICLE HESITATES CONTINUOUSLY AND REPEATEDLY. 3 TRIPS TO DEALER AND A CALL TO FORD TO RESOLVE ISSUE. THEY REPLACED A FUEL INJECTOR AND PROBLEM WENT AWAY. PROBLEM MAY BE COMING BACK, ABOUT A YEAR LATER.
NHTSA complaint #10519586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.