The 2009 Lincoln MKZ has 6 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect affecting both the driver and passenger frontal inflators, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side airbag inflators are subject to this defect. The inflators can degrade over time, particularly in high-humidity and high-heat environments, and rupture violently when the airbag deploys in a crash rather than inflating normally. Because multiple recall filings cover the same underlying Takata inflator problem from different angles, owners should confirm with their dealer or by VIN lookup whether both inflators on their specific vehicle have been remedied, as prior repair attempts for one side may not have addressed the other.
On the braking 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 this happens, the brake pedal travels farther than normal before the vehicle slows, which increases stopping distance and the risk of a crash. This issue affects the hydraulic control unit, not the brake pads or lines, so the pedal may feel soft or unresponsive before the problem becomes apparent during hard braking.
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
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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 explode due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
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.
