YearToAvoid

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

78/100

#3 most-complained of 10 MKZ Hybrid years

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid ranks 3rd-worst out of 10 model years, with a Complaint Index of 78 and 40 NHTSA complaints. Airbags (45%) and Steering (33%) are the top reported problem areas, with steering failures reported at a median of 68,350 miles.

Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
38
41 city / 35 hwy

Top 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags18 (45%)
  2. Steering13 (33%)
  3. Brakes4 (10%)
  4. Other4 (10%)
  5. Electrical System3 (8%)
  6. Structure & Body3 (8%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)

What owners report

  • Power steering assist cuts out suddenly at low speeds, sometimes with a dashboard message reading "power steering assist fault."
  • Owners describe steering loss recurring intermittently, sometimes requiring the engine to be turned off and restarted several times before assist returns.
  • One owner reported the power steering failure caused the vehicle to crash into a curb on three separate occasions.
  • Driver and passenger climate-controlled seats stopped working with no indicator light, traced to a faulty module and connector.
  • A door lock/latch failed, trapping the driver inside unless the window was opened to reach the outside handle.
  • Owners reported delays getting the Takata airbag recall completed due to parts unavailability.
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month4Apr 2014Jun 2015Apr 2017Dec 2017Jun 2018Feb 2019Aug 2023
47 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2014 to Aug 2025; peak Nov 2018 (4).

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
41 MPG
Highway
35 MPG
Combined
38 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other MKZ Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Avoid7840038
2012Avoid8959038
2013Good4412038

All Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Should I avoid the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
Compared with other MKZ Hybrid model years, the 2011 ranks 3rd-worst out of 10, with a Complaint Index of 78 and a verdict of Avoid. Its main issues involve airbags and steering complaints.
What is the biggest problem area for the 2011 MKZ Hybrid?
Airbags account for 45% of complaints and Steering accounts for 33%, based on NHTSA data. Steering complaints show a median failure mileage of 68,350.
Does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls specifically logged for this model year in this dataset, though owner complaints reference the Takata airbag recall affecting this vehicle.
How does 2011 compare to other MKZ Hybrid years?
The 2012 model year is worse with a Complaint Index of 89, while 2016 is much better at 33. The 2011 sits at 78, ranking 3rd-worst overall.

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.