The 2008 Lincoln Zephyr has 4 recalls, the most serious being airbag inflator defects on both the driver and passenger sides that can cause the inflator to rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Both airbag concerns stem from the same underlying problem: the propellant inside the inflators can degrade over time, particularly in vehicles exposed to high humidity and heat, and the inflator can burst violently rather than deploy normally. The passenger-side filing specifically covers vehicles originally sold or registered in high-humidity regions including several Southern states, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, so owners in those areas should pay particular attention. On the braking side, the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit contains valves that can react with certain corrosion-preventative additives found in some brake fluids, causing the valves to stay partially open. When that happens, the brake pedal travels farther than normal before the brakes fully engage, meaning the vehicle takes longer to stop and the driver may not have the stopping distance they expect.
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.
