2009 Lincoln MKZ Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

6 safety recalls on file

The 2009 Lincoln MKZ has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 7 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (66 reports).

6Recalls
114Owner complaints
8Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your MKZ?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2009 Lincoln MKZ recalls

Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Shards

Recall 21V158Mar 10, 20212,602,668 vehicles affected

The driver's side front airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.

Front Air Bag Inflator Can Explode and Send Metal Fragments

Recall 21V081Feb 16, 20211,067 vehicles affected

Some front air bag inflators used as replacement service parts may rupture when the air bag deploys.

Brake Valves May Fail to Close, Increasing Stopping Distance

Recall 19V904Dec 18, 2019600,166 vehicles affected

The anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit valves can react with brake fluids that contain certain corrosion-preventive additives.

Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments

Recall 18V046Jan 11, 2018327,796 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature cycling.

Passenger air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants

Recall 17V024Jan 10, 2017654,695 vehicles affected

The passenger frontal air bag inflator in these vehicles can rupture in a crash that deploys the air bag.

Passenger airbag may rupture and spray metal fragments

Recall 16V384May 31, 20161,892,343 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture in a crash that deploys the front airbags.

Most common 2009 Lincoln MKZ problems

Problem areas named in the 114 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags66
Service Brakes18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Power Train5
Unknown Or Other5
Wheels5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Engine4
Steering3
Electrical System3

What owners report

2025-08-15, 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
2025-08-06, Service 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 Nu
2025-06-18, 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?
2023-05-17, Engine
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.
2022-03-10, Visibility/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.

2009 Lincoln MKZ questions

Does the 2009 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2009 Lincoln MKZ: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Shards; Front Air Bag Inflator Can Explode and Send Metal Fragments; Brake Valves May Fail to Close, Increasing Stopping Distance; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lincoln MKZ?

Based on 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (66), Service Brakes (18), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (7).

How do I check if a recall on my 2009 Lincoln MKZ has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Lincoln MKZ years

Other 2009 Lincoln models