The 2008 Lincoln MKZ has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect affecting both the driver and passenger sides, where the inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both frontal airbag inflators are subject to this defect. On the driver's side, long-term exposure to heat and humidity causes the propellant inside the inflator to degrade, which can lead to an explosive rupture rather than a controlled deployment. The passenger-side inflator carries the same rupture risk and is the subject of two separate filings, one of which specifically targets vehicles registered in high-heat, high-humidity states and territories such as Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, where the environmental conditions accelerate the degradation. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple filings exist for the passenger side. Together, these airbag concerns represent a significant hazard for all occupants.
On the braking side, the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit contains valves that can react poorly with certain brake fluid formulations and fail to close fully. When this happens, the brake pedal travels further than normal before the brakes engage, which means stopping distances stretch out unexpectedly and the risk of a crash increases.
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.
