NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 8 recalls, 169 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Lincoln Mkz.
19–21 mpg combined
11.2–12.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ centers on the airbag system, which accounts by far for the largest share of owner reports. Owners frequently describe the airbag warning light illuminating and staying on, with many noting the system appeared to deactivate entirely, a recurring concern across a wide range of mileages. Brake complaints make up the next most-reported area, with owners describing pedal travel that feels excessive before the brakes engage, pedal sink toward the floor during stops, and reduced stopping force. Several owners report being told that brake hoses, caliper hoses, or the ABS module needed replacement. A handful of reports also mention the ABS and traction control warning lights coming on together, with diagnosis pointing to ABS module failure. The brake pedal-to-floor symptom appears across multiple complaints and tends to surface during normal driving rather than emergency braking.
169
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has 8 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator defect on both the driver and passenger sides that can cause the inflator to explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, with a risk of serious injury or death.
Multiple recalls cover this same airbag hazard across both seating positions, and one recall specifically affects vehicles that previously received a replacement passenger airbag under an earlier repair campaign, as those replacement inflators may not deploy properly in a crash. The airbag recalls are especially relevant for vehicles registered in or sold in high-humidity states and territories, where heat and moisture accelerate the propellant degradation that triggers the explosion risk.
On the braking side, valves inside the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit can corrode when exposed to certain brake fluid additives, preventing them from closing fully. When this happens, the brake pedal travels further than normal before the brakes engage, which can extend stopping distances.
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
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
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.
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 breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front 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 bracket holding the passenger air bag inflator to the module housing may bend during a crash, causing the inflation gas to escape instead of deploying the air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire passenger air bag module 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 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.