2007 Lincoln MKZ Airbag Problems

184 owners have reported air bags problems with the 2007 Lincoln MKZ to NHTSA — 71% of all 259 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 68,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 12 MKZ model years for airbag complaints (a typical year has 9). 3 related recalls have been issued.

184complaints
68ktypical miles
3related recalls
6crashes
0fires
2injuries

Which parts fail

  • Frontal
    2

Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    38%
  • 25k–50k
    923%
  • 50k–75k
    1025%
  • 75k–100k
    615%
  • 100k–150k
    513%
  • 150k+
    718%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Lincoln MKZ owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after having the rotors replaced, while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle while reversing. Additionally, was a slight delay while shifting gear. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure was persistent during cold weather. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. …

95,000 miles · Jan 2020

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulling to one side. There was an abnormal winding noise detected. The window failed to go up when the button was depressed. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that there was no wheel bearing work completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000. The VIN was not available.

210,000 miles · Oct 2023

Car is inoperable due to the brake issue and airbag issue. Lincoln refuses to assist with getting it towed or working with the dealership. They will say that they do these things or are trying to help but they do not. This has been going on for 5 years. Dealerships will not fix the vehicle because the vehicle is too old they are telling me. The car is sitting and cannot be driven and nobody will help. I can't sell it I can't drive it I can't use it I can't do anything.

Nov 2024 · crash

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be repaired under an unknown air bag and service brakes recall. The contact stated that the air bag and service brakes warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

93,000 miles · Jun 2021

Varsity Ford Lincoln is refusing to fix open recalls. My vehicle has been sitting with them for 90 days. Lincoln is refusing to help. Now the dealership in a letter is stating they are not going to fix the open recalls because I have to pay them money to fix my brakes before they'll do that in a text. They are extorting me.

Mar 2025 · crash

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Dec 2019

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mar 2021

They've yet to find a remedy for either of these recalls. I'm complaining because I'd hate for someone to end up hurt before they figure out how to fix this. It's been 2yrs on the brake recall, this is getting rediculous

Jul 2021

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. While the contact's son was driving at unknown speeds, a Lincoln town car crashed into the passenger side quarter panel of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact's son struck the steering wheel and sustained injuries to the chest, head, and bruises. Medical attention was received at the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. It was undetermined if the vehicle was destroyed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 113,000.

113,000 miles · Aug 2018 · crash · 1 injury

Brakes have failed. Cannot even get to dealership because of this for the repair. Also, airbag light is still on and no repair listed for recall issue.

Aug 2023 · crash

Related recalls

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 21V-158 · Mar 10, 2021 · 2,602,668 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 17V-024 · Jan 10, 2017 · 654,695 vehiclesDo not drive

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the…

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 16V-384 · May 31, 2016 · 1,892,343 vehiclesDo not drive

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California,…

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.

Airbag complaints in other MKZ years

2006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201918416666966668437941
Airbag complaints per model year, Lincoln MKZ.

Frequently asked questions

How common are airbag problems on the 2007 Lincoln MKZ?

NHTSA has 184 complaints about the air bags of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ, 71% of the model year's 259 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (2 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2007 Lincoln MKZ airbag problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-158 (inflator module, Mar 10, 2021); NHTSA recall 17V-024 (inflator module, Jan 10, 2017); NHTSA recall 16V-384 (inflator module, May 31, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2007 Lincoln MKZ airbag problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.