repaired · 2023 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Lincoln MKZProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 114 owner complaints about the 2009 Lincoln MKZ, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-024 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 15, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Lincoln MKZ has problems
114 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
66Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
18Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
7Service brakes, hydraulic
5Wheels
5Power train
4Vehicle speed control
4Engine
3Electrical system
3Steering
97 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 66 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 3 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 1 |
| Power train | 5 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2009 Lincoln MKZ recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q1
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Risk. If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other MKZ year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKZ median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Lincoln MKZ safety ratings
2009 Lincoln MKZ 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Lincoln MKZ, and the recalls they led to.
- Floor mat interference with acceleratorLed to recall 14E-028
- Extended Braking DistanceLed to recall 19V-904
- Accel Pedal Interference - Acc FloormatNo recall
In owners' words
What MKZ owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Indicator light came on for passenger side airbag says it has recall and it looks as though the airbag is trying to come out of its compartment
2 years ago air bags were replaced on a recall notice. Last week dash board is showing a warning notice with the air bag(s) again. Is there another recall for the air bags? Do I have to pay for replacement?
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the…
Own a 2009 MKZ?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.