YearToAvoid

2011 Lincoln MKX Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Lincoln MKX, 28% of that year's 149 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,500. A related body control module recall (11V128000) covers a fire risk from an internal short.

Electrical System complaints
42
28% of 149
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
80,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Turn signal activation causes the radio volume to change on its own, and turn signals sometimes fail to disengage.
  • The Sync touchscreen goes completely blank while driving, cutting off climate control, radio, and the backup camera, sometimes for extended periods.
  • Instrument panel gauges give inaccurate readings and heat and air conditioning activate simultaneously without input.
  • The key fob is not recognized and the vehicle will not start after the navigation, gauges, and rearview camera begin failing sporadically.
  • Radio and climate settings reset every restart, voice command calls will not route through speakers, and the stereo freezes or stays on after the car is off.
  • A door ajar indicator stays lit with doors closed, disabling automatic door locks and draining the battery, with interior lights staying on and causing distraction at night.

When 2011 Lincoln MKX electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 21, 2011, latest Mar 4, 2026.

2011 Lincoln MKX electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2011Nov 2014May 2016Jun 2017Jun 2018Oct 2019Apr 2024
42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2011 to Mar 2026; peak Dec 2017 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Lincoln MKX

  1. NHTSA 11V128000Feb 24, 2011Electrical System8,022 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.

Electrical System complaints by MKX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200714 (5%)
  2. 200813 (5%)
  3. 20097 (11%)
  4. 20106 (5%)
  5. 201142 (28%)
  6. 201217 (20%)
  7. 201333 (20%)
  8. 20145 (14%)
  9. 20155 (26%)
  10. 201631 (20%)
  11. 201714 (27%)
  12. 20186 (19%)
  13. 20190 (0%)
  14. 20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What electrical problems do 2011 Lincoln MKX owners report?
Owners report Sync touchscreen blackouts, turn signal and radio interference, inaccurate gauge readings, key fob non-recognition, and a door ajar sensor that disables the locks and drains the battery.
How common are electrical complaints for the 2011 MKX?
NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2011 model year, which is 28% of all 149 complaints filed for that year, the highest share among the model years listed.
Is there a recall for the 2011 MKX electrical system?
Yes. Recall 11V128000 covers the body control module, which Ford says may develop an internal short that can overheat and, in rare cases, cause a fire. One fire was reported among the sample complaints.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically appear?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 80,500 at the time electrical system failures were reported for the 2011 MKX.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.