2011 Lincoln Mkx
The Verdict
The 2011 Lincoln Mkx has 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (43 complaints) and electrical (39 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 64/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Lincoln Mkx, consider the 2015 model year which has 87% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2015 has 87% fewer complaints
View the 2015 Lincoln Mkx dashboard →
Klunk Score: Solid Pick
Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
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.
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 unexpectedly. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Brake pedal went to the floor couldnt stop nearly crashed
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 to see them including some cars and some don't. it has been the same issue for all of them and that will increase the possibility of accident
I went to put Brakes on and didn't have any Brakes which created an accident. (9/27/25)
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 the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Rear camera quits working or it works only upside down. The seatbelts are deteriorating.
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 Lincoln MKX to the recall.
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 performed but clearly never fixed the issue.
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. AAA suggested I take it to a Ford/Lincoln dealer and have the repair made under the recall. However, when I contacted Ford/Lincoln, they declined to even look at my car and said the recall was VIN specific and my car was not listed. Interestingly at the dealer and when I called and talked to several people at Ford and then Lincoln, they all asked my mileage. My mileage is 134,000, and 13N02 says it is effective up to 150,000 miles. The Ford document does not mention being VIN specific and my car is listed, a 2011 MKX with less than 150,000 miles. Your site says there are no open recalls for my car as well. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, upon shifting the gear shifter into drive, the vehicle started reversing independently. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle five times before the vehicle started operating as intended. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 192,000.
The brakes suddenly became very difficult to depress to make the vehicle come to a stop. Emergency repair was necessary, as driving to the dealer was unsafe. Brake booster was filled with fluid. The car then had to be towed to Dealer, where repair required replacement of Brake Booster, Master cylinder, and Booster vacuum hoses. There are recalls for this same make, model and year. Though my VIN does not come up in those vehicles covered by the recall, it is the EXACT same problem.
My dash touchscreen display became inoperable, no radio, no camera, no NOTHING My wiper blades come on by themselves and won't allow me to shut them off. The headlights remain on in the auto position... they won't shut off. Warning Lights on the dash comes on at times (lights up with lots of warnings) I'm no auto professional, but I think my issues are linked. I also, see that years ago there was a body control module recall that mentioned electrical shorts that could possibly cause a vehicle fire. OMG, I believe there's an electrical problem and I am hoping that the recall would cover these issues.
Left front drivers door flies open while driving. Door has already been repaired twice by dealers and problem keeps returning.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the brake pedal became stiff while being depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,658.
We had to replace the brake booster. Doing research online I saw that other Lincoln models in the same manufacturing year. A lot had recalls for the brake booster. Our mechanic suggested that we file a complaint with you because the recall should have covered all the Lincoln’s. Thank you
Brake pedal faded while in traffic. Was able to steer around other cars, got car to repair shop. Originally couldn't replicate issue. After attempting to drive car mechanic Was able to find problem. Diagnostic tests said master cylinder was bad. Replaced same and still had fading pedal. Diagnosed as hydraulic control unit (abs braking). Had vehicle towed to Ford Dealership for repairs. Replaced HCU no better. Then replaced flex lines at wheels, no better. Finally replaced master cylinder again, and finally fixed braking problems.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that she had to apply added pressure to the brake pedal causing the brake pedal to extend to the floorboard before the vehicle glide to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 13N02 had expired. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
NHTSA Recall Number 13N02/ Extended warranty coverage on brake booster
148 total