How common are engine complaints for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ?

NHTSA lists 20 engine complaints for the 2011 MKZ, which is 14% of the 145 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.

At what mileage do 2011 MKZ engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 70,289 miles.

Have engine problems on the 2011 MKZ caused crashes or injuries?

Yes, NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint area shows 5 crashes and 2 injuries reported.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 20 engine complaints for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ, 14% of that year's 145 total complaints, with 5 crashes and 2 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 70,289. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 20; 14% of 145
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 70,289 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, leading to crashes into curbs, buildings, or a concrete post.
Some report a strong chemical or propane-like odor entering the cabin, suspected to be tied to a failing catalytic converter or exhaust leak, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
One owner reported a P0016 engine code linked to a water pump leaking into the timing chain, which the dealer said could eventually seize the engine.
On the hybrid variant, owners describe the wrench and check-engine lights coming on with a sudden loss of engine power under throttle, in one case tied to a throttle body replacement.
A hybrid owner reported the hybrid mode stopped functioning after nine years, causing the car to run only on the combustion engine and hesitate during acceleration despite a full battery charge.

When 2011 Lincoln MKZ engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 8, 2012, latest Feb 15, 2025.

20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2012 to Feb 2025; peak Aug 2017 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by MKZ model year

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

201015 (9%)
201120 (14%)
20127 (5%)
201313 (12%)
201412 (12%)
20159 (11%)
20167 (11%)
201785 (61%)
201814 (41%)
20197 (35%)
20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ?: NHTSA lists 20 engine complaints for the 2011 MKZ, which is 14% of the 145 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.
At what mileage do 2011 MKZ engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 70,289 miles.
Have engine problems on the 2011 MKZ caused crashes or injuries?: Yes, NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint area shows 5 crashes and 2 injuries reported.