FaultScore

Lincoln MKZ airbag problems

674 of the 2,025 complaints filed about the Lincoln MKZ are about the airbag system — 33% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2007.

674

Complaints

33%

Share of all complaints

37

Crashes

1

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

2007 MKZ 184 27.3%

Median failure at 66,284 miles

2008 MKZ 167 24.8%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2009 MKZ 66 9.8%

Median failure at 53,500 miles

2010 MKZ 96 14.2%

Median failure at 66,500 miles

2011 MKZ 66 9.8%

Median failure at 42,500 miles

2012 MKZ 68 10.1%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2013 MKZ 3 0.4%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2014 MKZ 3 0.4%

Median failure at 63,250 miles

2015 MKZ 7 1.0%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

2016 MKZ 9 1.3%

Median failure at 30,006 miles

2017 MKZ 4 0.6%

Median failure at 31,000 miles

2018 MKZ 1 0.1%

What owners said

2014 Lincoln MKZ at 124,000 miles Blacklick, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while idle at a stop sign, a nearby aggressive driver had lost control attempting to pass another nearby vehicle; however, lost control and T-boned the front Driver-side door. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the impact of the crash was approximately 40 MPH; however, the air bags did not deploy, but had deployed for the vehicle that caused the crash. Medical attention was sought for hip and neck pain. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a local Tow yard via the local Police Department, where it remains for further investigation. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA complaint #11740542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Lincoln MKZ Marion, IL

AIR BAGS

Indicator light came on for passenger side airbag says it has recall and it looks as though the airbag is trying to come out of its compartment

NHTSA complaint #11680810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Chicago, IL

AIR BAGS

Transmission slipping, side airbags deployed, seatbelt cut, TPMS light on, unsafe to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11674202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Chicago, IL Crash

AIR BAGS

I purchased my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select on November 11, 2024. The vehicle was determined to need a new engine, per Murgado Lincoln of Chicago. They had my car for over 48 days while putting in a new engine. After this was completed the car had to be sent back due to a mistake the mechanics made by not attaching a gasket properly. After this, I began experiencing odd noises underneath the hood and throughout the vehicle; delayed timing belt in both acceleration and deceleration, and so forth. I was then involved in a hit-and-run car accident (not my fault). All side airbags deployed and my passenger side rear wheel is destroyed. I had this car assessed just a few days ago by a certified Auto Care Company who said I needed a completely new transmission and that this car is not street legal at the moment... insurance is not helping me at all.

NHTSA complaint #11673818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Lincoln MKZ Fresno, CA

AIR BAGS

2 years ago air bags were replaced on a recall notice. Last week dash board is showing a warning notice with the air bag(s) again. Is there another recall for the air bags? Do I have to pay for replacement?

NHTSA complaint #11667676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ Northville, MI Crash

AIR BAGS

Varsity Ford Lincoln is refusing to fix open recalls. My vehicle has been sitting with them for 90 days. Lincoln is refusing to help. Now the dealership in a letter is stating they are not going to fix the open recalls because I have to pay them money to fix my brakes before they'll do that in a text. They are extorting me.

NHTSA complaint #11646784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ Northville, MI

AIR BAGS

Dealership and Lincoln refusing to repair.

NHTSA complaint #11634267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ Northville, MI Crash

AIR BAGS

Car is inoperable due to the brake issue and airbag issue. Lincoln refuses to assist with getting it towed or working with the dealership. They will say that they do these things or are trying to help but they do not. This has been going on for 5 years. Dealerships will not fix the vehicle because the vehicle is too old they are telling me. The car is sitting and cannot be driven and nobody will help. I can't sell it I can't drive it I can't use it I can't do anything.

NHTSA complaint #11630926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Lincoln MKZ Live Oak, TX

AIR BAGS

In the middle of June 2024 (about [XXX]), my wife was driving her car, and pressed the horn button to warn a driver who had pulled out right in front of her. The horn failed to sound, and has not worked since then when pursuing the horn button. The horns themselves do sound when pressing the key fob to locate the car. Pressing the horn button has never worked since the time of this report, and several instances have occurred with other drivers needing to be forewarned of hazards. The problem has been verified by the husband, but not yet by the dealer, police or insurance representative. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11609996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ at 210,000 miles Winter Haven, FL

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulling to one side. There was an abnormal winding noise detected. The window failed to go up when the button was depressed. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that there was no wheel bearing work completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11583999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ Dallas, TX

AIR BAGS

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11575494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ Northville, MI Crash

AIR BAGS

Brakes have failed. Cannot even get to dealership because of this for the repair. Also, airbag light is still on and no repair listed for recall issue.

NHTSA complaint #11573030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ at 95,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after having the rotors replaced, while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle while reversing. Additionally, was a slight delay while shifting gear. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure was persistent during cold weather. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The brake pads and rotors had been replaced approximately 3 to 4 times. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11563457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Lincoln MKZ Fayetteville, NC

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11549234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Lincoln MKZ at 122,416 miles Lancaster, SC Crash

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11491847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Portage, IN

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11486097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Lincoln MKZ Ontario, NY

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11481725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Slippery Rock, PA

AIR BAGS

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11479825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Lincoln MKZ Oakton, VA

AIR BAGS

I was notified April 2021, that my vehicle had an airbag safety recall repair. To date, I have not been notified to bring my vehicle in for the repair to be performed. The parts were to be in the third quarter of 2021, I have been patient. But, this recall addresses the driver side airbag. I am concerned that if it explodes, I could be seriously hurt. Please advise me. What is my next step.

NHTSA complaint #11477937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lincoln MKZ Owego, NY

AIR BAGS

I believe my car uses Takata Airbags and it has been over a year since the recall was issued. No remedy has been suggested.

NHTSA complaint #11477203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Lincoln MKZ problems