2011 Lincoln MKZ Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA, including 11 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (66 reports).

5Recalls
145Owner complaints
11Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your MKZ?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 Lincoln MKZ recalls

Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Shards

Recall 21V158Mar 10, 20212,602,668 vehicles affected

The driver's side front airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.

Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shards

Recall 19V001Jan 7, 2019782,384 vehicles affected

This recall covers certain 2010-2014 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including Edge, Fusion, Mustang, Ranger, MKX, MKZ, Zephyr and Milan models, depending on model year and where the vehicle was sold or registered.

Passenger Airbag May Not Inflate in a Crash

Recall 18V775Nov 1, 2018215 vehicles affected

A bracket that holds the passenger airbag inflator to its module housing can deform during a crash that requires the airbag to deploy.

Passenger airbag may rupture and spray metal fragments

Recall 16V384May 31, 20161,892,343 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture in a crash that deploys the front airbags.

Power Steering May Cut Out, Making Steering Harder at Low Speed

Recall 15V340Jun 2, 2015393,623 vehicles affected

The electric power steering assist system in certain vehicles may shut down because of a fault in the steering motor sensor.

Most common 2011 Lincoln MKZ problems

Problem areas named in the 145 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags66
Service Brakes20
Steering19
Structure11
Engine10
Electrical System8
Unknown Or Other8
Vehicle Speed Control7
Tires6
Power Train4

What owners report

2026-08-22, Power Train
2011 Lincoln MKZ AWD, 25000 miles. The plastic sheath that covers the transmission shift cable split in two. The split is located on the cable between the engine and firewall. preventing the driver from being able to shift the automatic transmission into Park and then later could no longer shift into any gear position. The metal cable and braid remained intact.
2025-08-14, Electrical System
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's spouse started the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the interior seal of the driver's door, located by the rocker panel. The contact's spouse stated that the flames were not severe. The contact’s spouse was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed moisture leaking into the rocker panel wiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake and rotor repair. The contact and the mechanic noticed that the whole rear of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was con
2025-02-15, Engine
While traveling on interstate at70 mph a red triangle appears on dash engine turns off warning on dash to stop asap. All you have is electrical power which is not much. Car needs to be turned off and restarted. This may occur again in a few minutes or not. Took to dealer they said they replaced an O2 sensor. It still turns off. Back to dealer. They can’t reproduce. Has happened to me at least 8 times on surface streets and highways. Extremely dangerous to loose power on highways. This started about 6 months ago. Still happening. Last incident was today
2024-08-16, Engine
As I was traveling home from work, I noticed the car jerk slightly and immediately decelerate. The engine temperature gauge light came on the dash and the temperature gauge immediately moved to the “H” position on the dash. Due to the fact that I was in rush hour traffic on the highway, I was worried I wouldn’t have enough speed to get to the median. I turned on my hazards and coasted safely to the side of the road but was nearly ran over by other vehicles not realizing the issue I was having. I was unable to accelerate out of the way and at the mercy of other drivers being courteous and give me space to move. I turned the car off and looked under the hood locating the coolant reservoi
2024-08-08, Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that it might have been an axle leak. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who in turn advised her to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was informed that the wate

2011 Lincoln MKZ questions

Does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Shards; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shards; Passenger Airbag May Not Inflate in a Crash; Passenger airbag may rupture and spray metal fragments; Power Steering May Cut Out, Making Steering Harder at Low Speed. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lincoln MKZ?

Based on 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (66), Service Brakes (20), Steering (19).

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Lincoln MKZ has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Lincoln MKZ years

Other 2011 Lincoln models