Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

185 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
16

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

sudden stalling 7fluid leaks 3
A recent report: 2011 Lincoln MKZ AWD, 25000 miles. The plastic sheath that covers the transmission shift cable split in two. The split is located on the cable between the engine and firewall. preventing the driver…
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2011 Lincoln MKZ AWD, 25000 miles. The plastic sheath that covers the transmission shift cable split in two. The split is located on the cable between the engine and firewall. preventing the driver from being able to shift the automatic transmission into Park and then later could no longer shift into any gear position. The metal cable and braid remained intact.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758814 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
9

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 2electrical shorts 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's spouse started the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the interior seal of the…
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The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's spouse started the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the interior seal of the driver's door, located by the rocker panel. The contact's spouse stated that the flames were not severe. The contact’s spouse was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed moisture leaking into the rocker panel wiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake and rotor repair. The contact and the mechanic noticed that the whole rear of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11680701 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
25

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

loss of braking 23unintended acceleration 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake service warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force on the brake pedal and the…
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The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake service warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force on the brake pedal and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 168,258.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11669507 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
36

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

loss of steering 27premature wear 3corrosion 3
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly…
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The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11679126 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
74

Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags deploying unexpectedly 4airbags not deploying 2
A recent report: Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The…
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Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact recently received a recall notice stating that parts were available; however, the contact was informed by the dealer that the parts were still not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11486097 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
17

Most reports here involve fire.

fire 1
A recent report: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOOR LATCH DETACH ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND NOTICED THE DOOR WAS AJAR WHEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOOR LATCH DETACH ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND NOTICED THE DOOR WAS AJAR WHEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH FORD OF THOUSAND OAKS (3810 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.*DT*JB *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LATCH WAS REPAIRED ON 8/25/2020.*AS

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11350862 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
8

Most reports here involve unintended acceleration. Of these, 3 mention a crash.

unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: REF. PREVIOUS COMPLAINT NO. 11104176 - RECALLED SINCE JULY 2016. APRIL 1018 SUPPLIED RENTAL CAR - SAID MY AUTO COULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL REPAIRED. I WANT MY CAR REPAIRED. SEEMS OVER 2 YEARS SHOULD BE…
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REF. PREVIOUS COMPLAINT NO. 11104176 - RECALLED SINCE JULY 2016. APRIL 1018 SUPPLIED RENTAL CAR - SAID MY AUTO COULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL REPAIRED. I WANT MY CAR REPAIRED. SEEMS OVER 2 YEARS SHOULD BE ENOUGH TIME. I DON'T LIKE THE RENTAL - I WANT MY CAR BACK. OFFERED TO SELL TO THEM - BUT THEY WOULD RATHER WASTE MONEY ON RENTAL RATHER THAN SATISFY A CUSTOMER.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11120999 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 185 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2011 and 2026, roughly 12 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.