2008 Lincoln Mkz

Do not drive

Owners filed 281 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

117 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles; the median is 80,400 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags159
203
Service Brakes43
600
Wheels28
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
300
Electrical System5
000
Power Train4
000
Vehicle Speed Control3
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Structure › Body3
100
Engine3
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module21V158000
Filed Mar 10, 20212,602,668 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module19V904000
Filed Dec 18, 2019600,166 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.

Risk. If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap. In addition, the HCU will be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition, replacing the HCU as necessary. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S54.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V024000Do not drive
Filed Jan 10, 2017654,695 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V384000Do not drive
Filed May 31, 20161,892,343 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Equipment14E028000
Filed May 29, 201482,579 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain all weather driver side accessory floor mats sold for use in model year 2006-2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2007-2011 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 9, 2007, through October 31, 2010. The affected floor mats may move and possibly interfere with the accelerator pedal.

Risk. The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement mats, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S07. NOTE: Vehicles built after October 31, 2010, while potentially equipped with the same floor mats, are equipped with a Brake Over Accelerator (BOA) feature that prevents simultaneous accelerator and brake application, allowing the vehicle to be safely stopped by pressing firmly and steadily on the brake pedal.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 2024FL

Have tried to schedule an appointment with my local Lincoln dealer to have the recall on my car fixed but they told at this time they have no way to fix it.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 2, 2024OR

2008 Lincoln MKZ AWD. Driver's door won't open from inside. Multiple Online mentions of this dangerous problem. Can't get out of vehicle in case of emergency.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 10, 2023NC

Bought vehicle from owner 02/2023. Check brake system light came on a few months after, breaks started to skip and making a sound. Took it in to Ford dealership and they showed 2 recalls but never said it would be fixed.

Power Train
Filed Jan 17, 2023MA

Vehicle is AWD, part is Transfer Case/Power Transfer Unit. Many issues from customers online and what was marketed as a lifetime part was changed to maintenance at 30,000 miles since the amount of gear oil is minuscule and the heat this part has to contend with is extreme due to location. Car becomes undriveable very quickly and is very dangerous. A leak began and due to small amount of oil it starts to grind, jerk and tires won’t move very rapidly. Extremely dangerous! Instead of a change it should be a recall. This part is also about $1600 alone which means Ford is making money on this to top it off. The mechanic said it was starting to melt the parts and could have been a fire if I didn’t drive it right over.

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Nov 1, 2022122,416 milesSC

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated, and smoke was coming inside the cabin through the A/C vents. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred on four other occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who refilled the coolant in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that on 5 separate occasions while driving, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond, causing his vehicle to rear-end his wife’s vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would shudder while depressing the brake pedal. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V158000 (Air Bags), 17V024000 (Air Bags) and 16V384000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,416 (Air Bags) and 16V384000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,416

Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 2022NJ

I experienced unintended acceleration upon entering a highway. The vehicle accelerated normally in first gear, but upon shifting into second gear, acceleration exceeded pedal input, as though the cruise control 'Resume' function had activated. Acceleration continued with my foot completely off the accelerator pedal and with full brake application. The event stopped when I kicked the accelerator pedal, suddenly, to full deflection, and engine operation returned to normal. I experienced three separate occurrences of this problem within a few hours. No codes were generated to activate the 'Check Engine' light, or any other warning light. Cruise control was off at the time of the events.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 7, 2022AZ

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 12, 2022MD

I called ford dealerships to fix the problems back in 2019 but the two recalls have not been fixed yet. Recently, my car was almost failing to stop while I was breaking down.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 2022WA

Manufacturer Recall Number19S54 NHTSA Recall Number19V904 Manufacturer Recall Number21S12 NHTSA Recall Number21V158 I've been waiting to complete the first recall for my car for over two years and during that time a second recall for the airbag has come out. I am afraid to drive my car and put others in danger and I'm afraid to sell my car because I could be knowingly putting other people at risk of injury or death and I can't do that knowingly.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 18, 2021113,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would only respond when depressed all the way to the floorboard. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle speed sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the hydraulic control unit test. The dealer replaced the brake fluid; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer submitted a report to the manufacturer for assistance with the repair of the vehicle; however, the manufacturer informed the dealer that they would not assist as the request was beyond a reasonable amount of time for the subsequent failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 21, 2021IN

Acutely while driving, the brake petal went all the way to the floor. The brakes slowly slowed the car but didn’t stop it. Car was towed to the dealership May 21st. I was refused a loaner. Despite receiving two separate notices (one of which was after they had my car) telling me to go get the free fix, they have failed to provide the part. Leaving me without a car for four months. This has to be past a customary fix time.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 16, 2021SC

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was notified of the issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but did not provide any assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 12, 2021MS

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 11, 2021GA

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2021GA

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) and 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 15, 202194,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal needed to be gently depressed several times to engage. The contact stated that whenever the brake pedal was depressed forcefully, the brake pedal would travel to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 94,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 14, 202170,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, or while the vehicle was idle, while the contact attempted to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact had the brakes replaced outside of the recall, along with the brake fluid however, the failure persisted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed Jun 11, 2021VA

2008 Lincoln MKZ> Consumer writes in regards to hydraulic control unit and anti-lock braking system. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FAILURE WAS UNRELATED TO THE RECALL.

Service Brakes
Filed May 6, 2021104,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEAU TOWNSEND FORD LINCOLN (1020 W NATIONAL RD, VANDALIA, OH 45377, (937) 898-5841) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 4, 202145,000 milesNC

RECALL NOTICE19S54. HCU UNIT GONE. PART IS ON BACK ORDER 889 CARS ARE WAITING ON THIS PART. CAR HAS BEEN IN DEALERSHIP FOR TWO WEEKS WITH NO ETA OF PARTS DELIVERY. PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE NOT GIVING RENTAL TO COVER UNTIL CAR GETS FIX WE ARE FINANCIALLY STUCK FORD IS NOT OFFERING RENTAL CAR OR NOTHING. CAR IS AT LEITH LINCOLN FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS. PLEASE AMEND TO COVER FOR LOSS OF USE OR RENTAL CAR.

20 of 281 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20202100Routine
201920100Routine
201833200Routine
2017138440Routine
201663700Routine
2015821100Routine
2014971400Routine
20131091320Routine
2012146620Do not drive
2011145730Do not drive
2010169900Do not drive
2009114700Do not drive
2008 — this page281500Do not drive
2007259532Do not drive
20060400Do not drive

Compare every Mkz year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 10, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.