Makes›Lincoln›MKX›2011

2011 Lincoln MKX

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

Lincoln MKX
Pictured: Lincoln MKX 2.7T AWD Reserve U540 White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat (8) (cropped). Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Cuv187.4 in76 in67.7 in111 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,427 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKX FWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 210%$3,200423
MKX AWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+1%$3,550468
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Lincoln MKX (this car)21 MPGNot rated3
2011 Land Rover Range Rover15 MPGNot rated5
2011 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated5
2011 BMW X522 MPGNot rated18
2011 BMW X321 MPGNot rated5
2011 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2011 Volvo XC9018 MPGNot rated1

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Lincoln MKX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

130Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
90,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System34
Unknown Or Other24
Engine20
Service Brakes16
Power Train11
Structure › Body10
Exterior Lighting7
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 222/08: 122/09: 222/11: 123/01: 223/02: 123/05: 123/08: 223/09: 124/04: 224/05: 124/06: 124/10: 224/12: 125/02: 125/05: 125/06: 125/07: 125/09: 125/10: 125/12: 126/03: 126/06: 126/08: 122/0722/1123/0524/0424/1025/0525/0926/03max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Lincoln MKX buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 16 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2018 MKX20190.2 in★★★★★531
2017 MKX20190.2 in★★★★★552
2016 MKX20190.2 in★★★★★7156
2015 MKX20186.6 in★★★★★019
2014 MKX21186.6 in★★★★★133
2013 MKX21186.6 inNot rated1152
2012 MKX21187.4 inNot rated175
2010 MKX20187 inNot rated698
2009 MKX19187 inNot rated659
2008 MKX19187 inNot rated5220
2007 MKX19187 inNot rated5234

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →