2009 Lincoln Mkz: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Lincoln Mkz? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 114 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2009 Lincoln Mkz Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2009 Lincoln Mkz trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2009 Lincoln Mkz Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Lincoln Mkz has 114 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Mkz
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 114
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Lincoln Mkz Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Lincoln Mkz?
The 2009 Lincoln Mkz shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Lincoln Mkz
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and hydraulic components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on brakes and airbags, before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and hydraulic components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on brakes and airbags, before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Lincoln Mkz, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2009 Lincoln MKZ has 114 NHTSA complaints, with the majority concentrated in airbag malfunctions and brake system issues. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 8, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited sample size.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the largest share of complaints (66 out of 114).
- Brake system issues are the second most reported component with 25 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration and engine problems each have 4 complaints, indicating less frequent issues.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Brake System
- Hydraulic issues
All 2009 Lincoln Mkz Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Lincoln Mkz. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 66 | 4 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 25 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Lincoln Mkz. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while parked in a semi-truck parking lot, another driver was reversing where she was blocking, and the contact then attempted to avoid the collision and drive forward. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the ve…
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?
My MKZ suddenly cut off without warning lamps or messages at highway speed. There was a very quick shudder and all power lost. After pulling onto the road shoulder and waiting a few minutes, it restarted and drove normally. I stopped about 15 minutes later and switched it off. Wh…
Complaint Lincoln 2009 MKZ air vent grid on dash board broke in various places and collapse also, it appears the dash board in front of air vent grid is raised. Causing the defroster to not work properly and the window shield does not clear properly. I was told to fix the proble…
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 …
BRAKE PEDAL FAILURE 7 MONTHS AFTER BRAKE FLUID RECALL WAS DONE.
The Lincoln Mercury factory chrome plated rims leak air all the time making the tires low on air or flat very often! This is a very dangerous safety hazard that can cause loss of control and having an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death! There are many numerous o…
Leaking brakes had to be fixed twice before recalled parts were available. When the last repair was done, dealership said they would reimburse us (since we paid full price) recalled parts labor that we had to pay for since they were on the recall. This has never happened even t…
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair and the Hydraul…
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR RECALL #19V904 SAID COULD NOT FIX BECAUSE THE ECU WAS ALSO BAD, IT HAD JUST WENT OUT MY PROBLEM IS THAT FORD WILL NOT FIX THE RECALL IF I DON'T PAY THEM 777.00 TO FIX THE ECU FIRST, AND I THIK THEY SHOULD BECAUSE IT'S ALL TIED TOGETHER I.E. THE VERY SAME SYSTE…
BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY AND TOUCH BODY. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO MONTHS AND 2ND TIME RESULTED IN TO CAR WRECK ON 5 MILES PER HOUR SPEED. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING LINCOLN SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT TOOK A LONG TIME TO COVER WITH REMEDY. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DAVE SINCLAIR LINCOLN (7500 S. LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63…
DOT 3 BRAKE FLUID AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FUNCTION IS DEFECTIVE AND THE ISSUE IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED AFTER A NUMBER OF YEARS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INTER…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED JACK DEMMER LINCOLN, INC. (21531 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI 481…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO FLOORBOARD WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND THE DRIVER HAD TO PROCEED THROUGH THE RED LIGHT WITH…
WE WERE SENT A RECALL NOTICE ON THE AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM JANUARY 2020. LOCAL LINCOLN DEALER DOESN'T HAVE PARTS TO REPAIR AS OF OCTOBER 2020. THE ABS LIGHT HAS CAME ON RIGHT ABOUT THE TIME OF NOTIFICATION. KEEP GETTING TOLD THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ON THE RECALL. IF I W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIM…
NHTSA RECALL 19V-904
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Lincoln Mkz.
2009 Lincoln Mkz Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Lincoln Mkz. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Lincoln Mkz Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Lincoln Mkz reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 114 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Lincoln Mkz shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lincoln Mkz?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (66 complaints). #2: Brake System (25 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (7 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Lincoln Mkz?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Lincoln Mkz?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Lincoln Mkz, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 114 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Lincoln Mkz have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Lincoln Mkz. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Lincoln Mkz?▾
The 2009 Lincoln Mkz shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Mkz reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Lincoln Mkz based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.