The 2008 Mercury Milan has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect affecting both the driver and passenger sides, where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbag inflators are subject to this defect. Over time, exposure to high heat and humidity causes the propellant inside the inflator to degrade, and when the airbag deploys in a crash, the inflator can burst violently rather than inflate the bag in a controlled way. The resulting metal fragments can strike anyone in the front seats. This is a particularly well-known and serious defect, and prior repair attempts on some vehicles did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for it. Vehicles that have spent time in high-humidity states and territories, including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and others in that region, are considered at elevated risk.
On the brake 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 may travel further toward the floor than expected before the brakes fully engage, which extends stopping distances and raises the risk of a crash.
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.
