2011 Lincoln MKZ — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Lincoln MKZ is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–46 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.5L 4-cyl), returning around 46 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Lincoln MKZ workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Lincoln MKZ: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 25 mpg (UK) combined. EPA lists new engine options for 2011: 2.5L 4-cyl. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2010 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 99 cu ft (2,803 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 22 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 18 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 263 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 38 mpg (US), or 23 to 46 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 46 | 38 (41/35) | 145 | $1,750 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/24) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 263 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ
Running Costs: 2011 Lincoln MKZ
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Lincoln MKZ at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Lincoln MKZ Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Lincoln MKZ (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (5), Steering (1), Equipment (1). 2 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 21V158000, reported 10 March 2021. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 21E013000, reported 16 February 2021. Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 19V001000, reported 7 January 2019. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 18V775000, reported 1 November 2018. Risk: If the air bag does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 7 campaigns.
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The most-reported areas are Air bags (84), Steering (32), Service brakes (20). Complaints include 12 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 6 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 121 complaints across the 11 Lincoln MKZ model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (5 recall campaigns · 84 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Steering (1 recall campaign · 32 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Brakes (20 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Body structure (11 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 25 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 25 mpg average for Lincoln models in our database.
Of the 11 Lincoln MKZ model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined, against a high of 31 mpg). See every Lincoln MKZ year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.5L 6-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 46 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 46 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Lincoln MKZ (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (5), Steering (1), Equipment (1). 2 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ?
Among the 185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (84 complaints), Steering (32 complaints), Service brakes (20 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Lincoln MKZ have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.