2011 Lincoln MKX: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: 3.5 / 3.7 Cyclone (or 3.0 Duratec) — internal water pump. 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer.
Pull the dipstick and oil cap and look for a tan/milky emulsion; check for unexplained coolant loss. A documented water-pump/timing job resets the clock.
Known problems on the 2011 Lincoln MKX
3.5 / 3.7 Cyclone (or 3.0 Duratec) — internal water pump $1,200–$2,800 to fix
On these V6es the water pump is driven by the timing chain and lives inside the engine — when the seal fails, coolant goes straight into the oil (a milkshake) with little warning, and the repair means removing the timing cover.
Check for: Pull the dipstick and oil cap and look for a tan/milky emulsion; check for unexplained coolant loss. A documented water-pump/timing job resets the clock.
Basis: Ford TSBs; NHTSA complaints; well-documented internal-water-pump design
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2011 Lincoln MKX recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2011 Lincoln MKX. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- ElectricalFire risk
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Details 11V128000
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.
Fix: 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.
- Body structureFire risk
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.
Details 10V659000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
- Doors & latches
THE LIFTGATE LOCK MAY BE DISABLED AND THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LOCK THE LIFTGATE USING INTERIOR LOCK SWITCHES OR REMOTE KEY FOB BUTTONS.
Details 10V516000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 8, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH INCORRECTLY CONFIGURED ELECTRONIC MODULE SETTINGS THAT DISABLE THE LOCKING FUNCTION OF THE LIFTGATE. ACCORDINGLY, THE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL HAVE THE AFFECTED CONTROL MODULES UPDATED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
2011 Lincoln MKX safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Brakes: Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX Vehicles - Extended Warranty Coverage on Brake Booster
- Doors and locks: Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX and 2013-2014 Model Year Explorer, Flex, and MKT Vehicles Left Front Door Latch Extended Coverage
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2011 Lincoln MKX safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
149 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2011 Lincoln MKX is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $6,175 |
| 80,000 mi | $5,215 |
Other Lincoln MKX years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator