Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2011 Lincoln MKS
NHTSA data on file today
The 2011 Lincoln MKS has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 43 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V247000 Air Bag Second Stage may not Inflate Properly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V340000 Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V040000 Interior Door Handle Return Spring may Unseat NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 21 complaints
- Engine 4 complaints
- Service Brakes 4 complaints
- Electrical System 3 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 3 complaints
- Unknown or Other 3 complaints
Of the 43 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 43 complaints, owners report 39 injuries and 40 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $6,000–$9,500AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2011 Lincoln MKS faces notable steering and airbag-related recalls, along with numerous steering complaints. These issues suggest average reliability, with the potential for costly repairs if ignored. Buyers should assess previous repairs and maintenance history.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering system | 60,000–90,000 miles | $800–$1,500 | common |
| airbag system | 70,000–100,000 miles | $300–$800 | occasional |
| brakes | 50,000–80,000 miles | $400–$600 | occasional |
| door handle spring | 60,000–80,000 miles | $120–$250 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change every 5,000 miles
- Brake inspection every 20,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles
- Tire rotation every 10,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Heavy steering effort
- Airbag warning light
- Brake pedal vibration
- Loose door handle
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2011 Lincoln MKS at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.