2009 Lincoln Mkz Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Lincoln Mkz, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags6653.2%
- Brakes2520.2%
- Other / unspecified54.0%
- Powertrain (other)54.0%
- Driver assistance43.2%
- Engine43.2%
- Electrical32.4%
- Steering32.4%
- Visibility21.6%
- Seat belts21.6%
- Body & structure21.6%
- Fuel system10.8%
- Suspension10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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?
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 manufacturer was contacted multiple times, including their legal department, but no response was received. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
"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!!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT SWITCHED THE GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT CALLED MURPHY FORD AT (610) 494-8800 (3310 TOWNSHIP LINE RD, CHESTER, PA 19013) AND THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
"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!!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE PARKING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK ON THE LIGHT POLE AND A TOW TRUCK PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 8/31/15*CN UPDATED 12/4/2015*JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION INCIDENT REPORT 2009 LINCOLN MKZ, VIN: [XXX] 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 UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. SEE ATTACHED PDF FILE (MKZ JOINT REPORT [XXX]) FOR DETAILS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* 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 PARK, NY 14127, (888) 377-0879) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
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 SAID THE THROTTLE BODY WAS BAD AND THERE WAS AN ISSUE COMMUNICATING WITH THE PCM. THE THROTTLE BODY AND PCM WERE BOTH REPLACED. WE HAVE NOT HAD IT OCCUR AGAIN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER OR THE INFORMATION CENTER BECAUSE OF THE SUN GLARE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD NO ISSUES READING THE INFORMATION CENTER. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD THE WINDOWS TINTED TO HELP WITH HIS VISIBILITY. THE TINTING DID NOT HELP WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,542 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,314.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
GREETING....ON TWO PREVIOUS OCCASIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE DUE TO THE WARNING INDICATOR/LIGHT RELATIVE TO DRIVER'S SEAT BELT/AIR BAG. ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE MATTER WAS CORRECTED. HOWEVER TODAY 12 OCT. 2014 THE VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME THE TECH REPORTED THAT PERSONS RIDING BEHIND THE DRIVER DID/MAYBE CAUSED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WIRING HARNESS IS EXPOSED. THE SECOND INCIDENT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN I WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM SHOULD NOT OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.THAT LAST REPAIR WAS SOME 10-15 MONTHS AGO. HOWEVER TODAY WHEN THE PROBLEM LIGHT CAME ON THERE WERE NO ONE SEATED BEHIND THE DRIVER. IT APPEARS THERE IS/WAS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN CAUSING A POTENTIAL DANGER TO OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT FAIRWAY LINCOLN SAVANNAH GA. ALSO PLEASE NOTE THE DATES AND MILEAGES ARE APPROXIMATELY. *TR
2009 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER STATES REAR SEAT BELT LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE *TGW THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE REAR PASSENGER. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED FOR THE NEXT DAY OR SO, HIS WIFE EXPERIENCED PAIN, FROM WHERE THE SEAT BELT CROSSED HER CHEST. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, HE WAS INFORMED THE SEAT BELTS WERE CHILD PROOF. UPDATED 11/17/11. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* 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 PARK, NY 14127, (888) 377-0879) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 PLACES SAID IT DID NOT APPEAR THAT I HAD HIT A CURB. THEY WERE TO CALL BE BACK AND I NEVER HEARD FROM THEM, I HAD TO REPLACE 2 TIRE AND THE OTHER 2 NEED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. ONE OF THE INSPECTORS SAID HE HAD SEEN THE SAME ISSUE ABOUT 2 WEEKS EARLIER WITH SAME TIRE ON SIMILAR CAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .