2011 Lincoln MKX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Cuv
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,427 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints130 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Lincoln MKX is a SUV - offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,427 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 0% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2011
- Engine added: 3.7L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 MKX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Cuv | 187.4 in | 76 in | 67.7 in | 111 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,427 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKX FWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| MKX AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Lincoln MKX.
Similar 2011 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Lincoln MKX (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2011 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Volvo XC90 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Software · Feb 24, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V128000 · 8,022 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Structure › Body · Dec 29, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V659000 · 14,737 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock · Oct 27, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V516000 · 71 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2011 Lincoln MKX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Lincoln MKX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 16 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Lincoln MKX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 31 |
| 2017 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 52 |
| 2016 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 156 |
| 2015 MKX | 20 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 19 |
| 2014 MKX | 21 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 33 |
| 2013 MKX | 21 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 152 |
| 2012 MKX | 21 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 75 |
| 2010 MKX | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 6 | 98 |
| 2009 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 6 | 59 |
| 2008 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 5 | 220 |
| 2007 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 5 | 234 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →