2010 Lincoln MKZ Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

7 safety recalls on file

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA, including 14 crashes, 10 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (96 reports).

7Recalls
170Owner complaints
14Crashes 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.

2010 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 shards

Recall 19V001Jan 7, 2019782,384 vehicles affected

This recall covers certain 2010-2014 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including Edge, Fusion, Mustang, Ranger, MKX, MKZ, Zephyr and Milan models, depending on model year and where the vehicle was sold or registered.

Passenger Airbag May Not Inflate in a Crash

Recall 18V775Nov 1, 2018215 vehicles affected

A bracket that holds the passenger airbag inflator to its module housing can deform during a crash that requires the airbag to deploy.

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 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 2010 Lincoln MKZ problems

Problem areas named in the 170 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags96
Service Brakes26
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Exterior Lighting11
Vehicle Speed Control10
Electrical System10
Engine5
Power Train4
Structure4
Seats3

What owners report

2026-10-16, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the tool to perform the recall remedy was unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal felt spongy and required excessive force to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where diagnosis confirmed a Hy
2026-03-31, Tires
See attached document for complaint.
2025-08-07, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and the Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
2025-05-04, Power Train
I bought this car and it started making a tick sound and when I got it home the drive train was hanging
2024-08-13, Service Brakes, Air
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions, while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was determined that the ABS system and the HECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

2010 Lincoln MKZ questions

Does the 2010 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2010 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 shards; Passenger Airbag May Not Inflate in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Lincoln MKZ?

Based on 170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (96), Service Brakes (26), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (12).

How do I check if a recall on my 2010 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 2010 Lincoln models