KnownCarProblems2009 Lincoln Mkz Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Lincoln Mkz, most often about the air bags (58% of complaints, typically around 53,500 miles). It is 7th of 14 Mkz model years by number of complaints and has 6 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory3 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2009 Lincoln Mkz problems
Air bags
66 complaints · 58%Half of these problems showed up before 53,500 miles.
Takata recall : I received a letter from Lincoln motor company dated 3/2017. The letter stated my passenger side air bag is under recall due to a ruptured inflator may result in serious injury or death. It is now 10/30 and Lincoln keeps saying the parts are not ready. Meanwhile I driving around in a dangerous car. I…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 18v046000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The air bag warning indicator was illuminated and the contact was concerned that the air bag could deploy. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer.…
Brakes
25 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 88,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 ford Mkz. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the braking system failed when pressing the brake pedal causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a commercial truck. During the crash no injuries were reported. A police report( []) was taken at the scene and the vehicle…
Unintentional acceleration incident report 2009 Lincoln Mkz, VIN: [] the car was purchased by its present owner in june 2012 after it came off lease with 26334 miles. Since that time, the vehicle has been well maintained by Lincoln automotive dealerships and now has 85447 miles on it. It has had four (4) incidents of…
Wheels and tires
6 complaints · 5%The check tire pressure light came on, when I went to have air added, workers noticed a bulge in the side wall. I contacted michelin, I notified michelin of the problem and excess tire tread wear at 22,99 miles. They had me take the tire to 2 locations for inspection (they said to rule out me hitting a curb), both…
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln Mkz. While driving various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it were being driven on four flat tires. The contact was unsure of the origin of the vibration. The vehicle was taken to towne Lincoln (3535 southwestern blvd, orchard…
Transmission
5 complaints · 4%The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle began to roll backward and across two lanes of traffic. The contact was struck by the driver's side door which pushed her back into the vehicle however, her ankle was still outside of the vehicle. The contact sustained a fractured…
When making a right hand turn steering was lost and the engine shut off. The car went into the opposing lane but thankfully there were no cars at the light. After starting the engine again, the steering was working again. Took car into Lincoln dealership and they could not find anything wrong with the steering but…
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 4%The door handle on the driver side door broke, which would not allow the locking mechanism to work.. Unable to lock the car door either manually or by using the remote fob. Was able to open & close the door, just could not lock it. This happened while the vehicle was stationary. I understand this same problem exists…
Door handles (inside) dysfunctional after normal usage. I have replaced both driver and passenger door handles after they both quit opening the doors. Now both driver side doors need replaced again. This presents danger in the event of needing to exit the vehicle due to accident or emergency. I can potentially see…
Speed control
4 complaints · 4%The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that when accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The failure recurred ten times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer numerous times for diagnosis. The technician was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was…
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while exiting a driveway with the brakes engaged, the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently and excessive pressure had to be applied to the brake in order to bring the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing.…
Engine
4 complaints · 4%When making a right hand turn steering was lost and the engine shut off. The car went into the opposing lane but thankfully there were no cars at the light. After starting the engine again, the steering was working again. Took car into Lincoln dealership and they could not find anything wrong with the steering but…
While driving through an intersection the engine stopped running. My mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as it needing a new cooling fan. The odd part was my engine light never came on, the cool/hot display on the instrument panel never showed it was overheating. I'm currently waiting for the part to arrive to the…
Steering
3 complaints · 3%The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that the steering would constantly pull to the right while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected and realigned the steering wheel with the correct specifications. After picking up the vehicle from the dealer the failure…
When making a right hand turn steering was lost and the engine shut off. The car went into the opposing lane but thankfully there were no cars at the light. After starting the engine again, the steering was working again. Took car into Lincoln dealership and they could not find anything wrong with the steering but…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 Lincoln Mkz recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began march 17, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s05.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 mustang, 2004-2011 ranger, 2009-2011 mercury milan, 2006 ford gt, 2008-2012 fusion, 2007-2010 edge and lincoln mkx, and 2009-2010 lincoln mkz vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Brakes: control unit/module
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s01.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2013 ford mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of 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, ford is recalling certain 2010 ford edge, fusion, mustang and ranger, lincoln mkx and zephyr/mkz, and mercury milan vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." ford is also recalling certain 2009 ford edge, fusion, mustang and ranger, lincoln mkx and zephyr/mkz, and mercury milan vehicles ever registered in the st
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 recalli
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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,
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Extended braking distance
Summary
On april 18, 2018, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened engineering analysis (ea) 18-002 to investigate reports of braking concerns in model year (my) 2006-12 ford fusion and lincoln mkz, and my 2006-11 mercury milan vehicles manufactured with continental automotive system?s ABS hydraulic control units (hcus). Complainants report that after an ABS braking event (initiated by slippery or uneven surfaces) the brake pedal moved towards the floor and the vehicle stopping distance increased beyond driver expectations.inside the hcu are four hydraulic normally closed (nc) valves with zinc-coated moving armatures that control the flow of brake fluid. Unstable brake fluid can degrade ove
Floor mat interference with accelerator
Summary
On may 27, 2014, ford motor company submitted recall 14e-028 (ford recall #14s07) to correct a safety-related problem with certain driver's side ford optional all-weather floor mats sold for use in model year 2006 through 2011 model year ford fusion, mercury milan, lincoln zephyr, and lincoln mkz vehicles built at hermosillo assembly plant (hap) from november 9, 2007, to october 31 ,2010.NHTSA testing determined that the original accessory all-weather mat with a single retention clip (figure 1), may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle with the mat retained by the clip and rotated clockwise.both the single- and double-clip (figure 2) all-weather floor mats may interfere with the a
Accel pedal interference - acc floormat
Summary
Unsecured mats may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle. A heel blocker in the floor pan provides a platform that may lift an unsecured mat into contact with the pedal. Ford introduced new pedals as a running change early in model year (my) 2010 vehicles. Analysis of complaints received by odi and ford show elevated rates of pedal entrapment incidents in my 2008 through early 2010 production vehicles. Incidents typically occur following hard pedal applications to pass slower traffic or when merging into faster traffic. Drivers allege continued high engine power after releasing the accelerator pedal and difficulty braking, including reports that the incident was controlled by shift
Questions about the 2009 Lincoln Mkz
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lincoln Mkz?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (66 complaints, typically around 53,500 miles); brakes (25 complaints, typically around 88,000 miles); wheels and tires (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2009 Lincoln Mkz have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 10, 2021 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2009 a bad year for the Lincoln Mkz?
- It is 7th of 14 Mkz model years by number of complaints, with 114 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.