repaired · 2017 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2011 Lincoln MKSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 43 owner complaints about the 2011 Lincoln MKS, most often about the steering. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-040 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Lincoln MKS has problems
43 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
21Steering
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
4Service brakes
3Exterior lighting
3Vehicle speed control
3Electrical system
2Air bags
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Fuel/propulsion system
109 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 21 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 10 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 Lincoln MKS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Steering: electric power assist system
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.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Body: door
Risk. If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other MKS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKS median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Lincoln MKS safety ratings
2011 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What MKS owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Steering While driving yesterday, doing shopping and online order deliveries, the steering wheel started having slight resistance during turns. It became worse shortly after. As I attempted to…
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking space, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later restarted, and the traction control and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle then experienced a loss of power…
I was driving and I hear a beeping sound,and my steering just stopped working and made it difficult to control the vehicle in a curve.. Recall Details: 2011–2013 Power Steering Electric Assist Loss •In June 2015, Ford issued Recall #15S18 (NHTSA Campaign 15V340000) for a range of vehicles—including…
Own a 2011 MKS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.