Problems · NHTSA complaints
2009 Lincoln MKZ problems
Owners filed 114 complaints about the 2009 Lincoln MKZ with NHTSA between Oct 2010 and Aug 2025. The most-cited component is air bags (66).
Complaints
114
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags66
- Service brakes18
- Service brakes, hydraulic7
- Wheels5
- Power train5
- Engine4
- Vehicle speed control4
- Electrical system3
- Steering3
- Structure2
- Seat belts2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Suspension1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
2
2
2
4
3
5
39
26
2
12
9
3
1
0
3
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 39 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 3 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
66 reports4 crashes5 related recalls
“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?”
Service brakes
18 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while parked in a semi-truck parking lot, another driver was reversing where she was blocking, and the contact then attempted to avoid the collision and drive forward. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle accelerated excessively, and the brake pedal was then depressed but failed to respond. Upon a second attempt, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, accompanied by an abnormal vibration. Consequently, the vehicle crashed into a tree. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the incident. The driver mentioned a previous incident where the vehicle reversed into a gate. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The brakes had been checked previously and were reportedly functioning properly. During the crash, the air bags deployed, and the driver sustained a head injury but did not seek medical attention. No fire or police report was filed as the incident occurred on private property. The local dealer was contacted and mentioned an extended warranty. The dealer suggested towing the vehicle, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The…”
Service brakes, hydraulic
7 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repair were 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.”
Wheels
5 reports1 crash
“The Lincoln Mercury factory chrome plated rims leak air all the time making the tires low on air or flat very often! This is a very dangerous safety hazard that can cause loss of control and having an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death! There are many numerous other Lincoln car owners that report the same symptoms and problems. The manufacturer never plated the rims properly with nickle prior to chrome plating, thus the chrome coating constantly peels off and corrodes; thus air leaks past the tire bead and the rim surface. This sounds like a giant class action lawsuit!! I am are both very upset and scared to drive under these horrific conditions, but I have no choice as news factory rims are very expensive and I cannot afford them since I am disabled and on a fixed income.”
Power train
5 reports
“"TAKATA RECALL" COMING OF HIGWAY ON RAMP CAR ACCELERATED TIRES FELT LIKE THEY WERE GONNA COME OFF ENGINE LIGHT BLINKED THEN DASHBOARD WENT OUT THEN LOSS OF POWER. SO TIRED OF THIS CAR BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND THE ONLY RECALL I GET IS POWER STEERING. MY DOOR LOCK AND WINDOW ON DRIVER SIDE IS NOT WORKING AGAIN!!!~THE DOOR AND WINDOW WERE ALREADY BROKE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER. SHOULD BE A LAW AGAINST LEMONS.. ONE BIG MONEY BAG!!!”
Engine
4 reports
“My MKZ suddenly cut off without warning lamps or messages at highway speed. There was a very quick shudder and all power lost. After pulling onto the road shoulder and waiting a few minutes, it restarted and drove normally. I stopped about 15 minutes later and switched it off. When returning to the vehicle, it would not start. I had it towed to a garage where it has been for 6 weeks. They have been unable to identify the problem and get it restarted. Online reports by others indicate this occurred with other Lincoln products over a span of a few years with no assistance from Lincoln/Ford to identify the problem. This is a HUGE safety issue, as well an immediate personal inconvenience.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.