The 2010 Lincoln Zephyr has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides, which can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both front airbag inflators are affected by the same underlying defect: prolonged exposure to heat and humidity causes the propellant inside the inflator to degrade, leading to an explosive rupture rather than a controlled inflation. Because this vehicle is over a decade old and may have spent years in a hot or humid climate, the risk is real regardless of where it currently sits. Multiple recalls address this defect across different geographic zones and model groupings, but the physical danger is the same on both sides of the dashboard.
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 fully close. When that happens, the brake pedal travels further than normal before the brakes take hold, which extends stopping distances and raises the risk of a collision, particularly in situations that require a quick, firm stop.
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 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 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.
