LINCOLN MKZ · model year

2009 LINCOLN MKZ

129 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009LINCOLNMKZ carries 129 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 MKZ is air bags with 66 filings, followed by service brakes (18) and service brakes, hydraulic (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2009 MKZ, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

129
Complaints
11
Crashes
0
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

129 filings

Crashes Reported

11 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS66
SERVICE BRAKES18
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
POWER TRAIN5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
WHEELS5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
ENGINE4
STEERING3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
VISIBILITY1
TIRES1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
SEAT BELTS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1

Recalls (7)

16V38400031/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 register

14E02800029/05/2014

EQUIPMENT

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 ma

19V90400018/12/2019

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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

21V08100016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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

18V04600011/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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. Vir

21V15800010/03/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

17V02400010/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 Marian

Recent Complaints

20250815AIR 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

20250806CrashSERVICE BRAKES

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 occurr

Mileage: 110,000

20250618AIR 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?

20230517ENGINE

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.

20230517ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20230517FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20220310VISIBILITY/WIPER

Complaint Lincoln 2009 MKZ air vent grid on dash board broke in various places and collapse also, it appears the dash board in front of air vent grid is raised. Causing the defroster to not work properly and the window shield does not clear properly. I was told to fix the problem the whole dash board needs to be replaced. I see this as a design and manufacturer defect and that Lincoln should repair at no cost to Lincoln owners. Lincoln is a Luxury line this should not be happening.

20220307SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

20220307AIR BAGS

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.

20220125SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE PEDAL FAILURE 7 MONTHS AFTER BRAKE FLUID RECALL WAS DONE.

20220125UNKNOWN OR OTHER

BRAKE PEDAL FAILURE 7 MONTHS AFTER BRAKE FLUID RECALL WAS DONE.

20211017WHEELS

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.

20210705SERVICE BRAKES

Leaking brakes had to be fixed twice before recalled parts were available. When the last repair was done, dealership said they would reimburse us (since we paid full price) recalled parts labor that we had to pay for since they were on the recall. This has never happened even though we have tried multiple times to remedy. Dealership says they sent in paperwork to Ford twice for the reimbursement as they don't do that. Ford Motor Company says they dont do it that it is up to the dealer. In summary, recalled brakes were finally repaired but we had to pay full price for them though it says parts and labor would be free.

20210526SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair and the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) was tested but failed. The dealer informed the contact that the HCU part for the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that they had difficulties obtaining the part for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 22,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 22,000

20210501SERVICE BRAKES

TOOK MY CAR IN FOR RECALL #19V904 SAID COULD NOT FIX BECAUSE THE ECU WAS ALSO BAD, IT HAD JUST WENT OUT MY PROBLEM IS THAT FORD WILL NOT FIX THE RECALL IF I DON'T PAY THEM 777.00 TO FIX THE ECU FIRST, AND I THIK THEY SHOULD BECAUSE IT'S ALL TIED TOGETHER I.E. THE VERY SAME SYSTEM

Mileage: 113,000

20210417CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY AND TOUCH BODY. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO MONTHS AND 2ND TIME RESULTED IN TO CAR WRECK ON 5 MILES PER HOUR SPEED. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING LINCOLN SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT TOOK A LONG TIME TO COVER WITH REMEDY. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

Mileage: 80,000

20210417CrashSERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY AND TOUCH BODY. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO MONTHS AND 2ND TIME RESULTED IN TO CAR WRECK ON 5 MILES PER HOUR SPEED. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING LINCOLN SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT TOOK A LONG TIME TO COVER WITH REMEDY. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

Mileage: 80,000

20210417CrashWHEELS

BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY AND TOUCH BODY. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO MONTHS AND 2ND TIME RESULTED IN TO CAR WRECK ON 5 MILES PER HOUR SPEED. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING LINCOLN SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT TOOK A LONG TIME TO COVER WITH REMEDY. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

Mileage: 80,000

20210324SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DAVE SINCLAIR LINCOLN (7500 S. LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63125, (314) 729-2700) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.

20210310SERVICE BRAKES

DOT 3 BRAKE FLUID AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FUNCTION IS DEFECTIVE AND THE ISSUE IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED AFTER A NUMBER OF YEARS

Compare 2009LINCOLNMKZ to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 LINCOLN MKZ have?
The 2009 LINCOLN MKZ has 129 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 LINCOLN MKZ?
Yes, the 2009 LINCOLN MKZ has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 LINCOLN MKZ?
The most-complained component for the 2009 LINCOLN MKZ is AIR BAGS with 66 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Is the 2009 LINCOLN MKZ safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.