The 2006 Lincoln MKZ has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the frontal airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides, which can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The driver-side airbag inflator can degrade over time after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, eventually rupturing with enough force to scatter sharp metal shrapnel toward the driver. The passenger-side inflator carries the same rupture risk and is the subject of recalls affecting vehicles originally sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and several others along the Gulf Coast and in the Pacific. Prior repair attempts on the passenger side did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for that inflator.
On the mechanical side, the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit contains valves that can react with certain brake fluid formulations and fail to close fully. When that happens, the brake pedal travels farther than normal before the brakes engage, meaning the car takes longer to stop than the driver expects.
There is also a concern involving Ford-branded aftermarket all-weather floor mats sold for this vehicle. The driver's mat is held in place by only a single anchor point, which can allow it to shift forward and slide under the accelerator pedal, making it difficult or impossible to release the throttle.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid additives can react with valves in the ABS hydraulic control unit, preventing them from closing properly and affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealer will flush brake system with DOT 4 fluid, install new reservoir cap, test the control unit, and replace it if a stuck valve is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost. Ford will mail recall notices and notify owners when parts are available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's floor mat can shift out of position because it's held by only one fastener, potentially blocking the accelerator pedal and preventing it from returning to idle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your floor mat with an updated version that has two retention devices to keep it secure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
