Certain 2006-2010 Model Year Fusion/Milan/MKZ/Zephyr Vehicles Equipped with Anti-Lock Brake Systems DOT 3 Brake Fluid and Anti-Lock Brake System Function In some of the affected vehicles, customers may return to the dealer with complaints of extended brake pedal travel after either 19S54 or 20S14 was previously performed and the program is closed
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Lincoln MKZ brakes problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 brakes complaints filed for the 2007 Lincoln MKZ, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 11 model years of Lincoln MKZ in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 MKZ brake system suffers from a recurring defect tied to the ABS hydraulic control unit. The most common complaint: brake pedal goes soft, mushy, or spongy immediately after ABS activation—especially on wet, snowy, or rough roads. Pedal may require 3–4 inches of travel before braking engages, or it may sink to the floor with minimal stopping force. Some owners pump the brakes repeatedly to restore normal feel; others find the issue resolves after a mechanic resets the ABS system.
This problem persists even after master cylinder replacement and full system bleeding. Dealers have resorted to replacing brake pads and rotors (often at 40% pad life remaining, with undamaged rotors) every 4,000 miles at roughly $1,000 per service—a band-aid that temporarily restores pressure but does not fix the control module. One owner endured this cycle for 13 years before a recall was issued.
The failures escalate quickly: extended stopping distances lead to inability to stop in emergency conditions. Owners report near-misses, rear-end collisions, and one documented rollover crash at 30 mph that destroyed the vehicle and hospitalized the driver. Recall 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was issued in October 2020, but recall parts have remained unavailable for years, leaving owners with notice but no repair option.
Same Lincoln MKZ brakes reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Soft/Spongy Brake Pedal After ABS Activation
Brake pedal becomes soft, mushy, or spongy immediately after ABS system activates during braking or rough road conditions. Excessive pedal travel (3–4 inches) before braking takes effect. Condition persists or recurs even after master cylinder replacement and brake bleeding.
When: Upon ABS activation; varies by mileage (5,000–199,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Soft or mushy brake pedal feel; Excessive pedal travel; Loss of normal braking response; Brakes return to normal after pumping or mechanic reset; Problem triggered by ABS engagement on wet, snowy, or rough roads
Codes mentioned: ABS malfunction, Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) fault
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement did not resolve the issue. Dealers have replaced brake pads and rotors multiple times (approximately every 4,000 miles) at $1,000+ per service. Web research and dealer discussion identified a stuck valve in the ABS hydraulic control unit as the likely cause. Updated part number reportedly exists for the HCU.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued October 2020 for 2007 MKZ; remedy includes flushing system with DOT 4 fluid and installing new brake fluid reservoir cap. Recall parts remained unavailable for extended periods; some owners received second notice stating parts would be available Q1 2021.
Brake Failure—Pedal Travels to Floor
Brake pedal depresses fully to or near the floorboard with little to no braking force, requiring multiple brake applications or excessive force to stop the vehicle. Stopping distances are significantly extended. Failure occurs intermittently at various speeds.
When: At various mileages (62,500–199,000 miles); intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sinks to floorboard; No or minimal braking response on first application; Extended stopping distance; Brake warning light may illuminate; Multiple pedal applications or hard pressure needed to stop
Codes mentioned: Brake system failure, ABS system failure
Repairs/costs cited: One incident caused a rear-end collision. Another resulted in a rollover crash at 30 mph with vehicle destroyed and occupant hospitalized. Repairs attempted at independent mechanics and dealerships remain incomplete or unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued; some vehicles not included in recall per VIN check. Recall parts unavailable for extended periods. One dealer refused to perform full DOT 4 fluid flush, citing no current failure.
ABS System Control Module/Electrical Failure
ABS control module or CPU malfunction triggered during ABS activation or emergency braking. Multiple warning lights and instrument panel signals appear; vehicle may shut off and require restart to reset brake system. ABS engages inappropriately or fails to disengage.
When: Mileage 25,000–155,000 miles; intermittent, recurrent over years
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights and dashboard signals when ABS activates; Vehicle may shut off during braking; ABS engages unexpectedly or fails to control; Loss of hydraulic pressure in braking system after ABS activation; Vehicle cannot perform emergency stops
Codes mentioned: CPU/control module fault, ABS system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have repeatedly replaced brake pads and rotors (at 40% pad remaining, no rotor damage visible) approximately every 4,000 miles at $1,000+ per service to temporarily restore pressure. This does not fix the underlying control module issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V904000 issued October 2020; parts unavailable for years. Dealerships managed problem symptomatically rather than addressing root cause. One owner waited 13 years for recall remedy.
Brake Line Leak
Brake fluid leak from brake lines or hydraulic system. One owner reported brake line leak as cause of brake failure.
When: Mileage and timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure; ABS not working
Repairs/costs cited: Owner wants defect fixed but no repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner not notified of recall until search was conducted.
Brake Pedal Does Not Return to Normal Position
After ABS activation or braking event, brake pedal remains depressed or does not return to normal feel/height for extended period. Pedal eventually returns to normal on its own or after mechanic inspection.
When: Mileage varies; recurrent
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal stays depressed after braking; Pedal fails to return to normal position immediately; Condition resolves after 20+ minutes or mechanic inspection
Codes mentioned: ABS control module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Pumping brakes hard several times (e.g., at red light) returns pedal to normal. Mechanic inspection/reset of ABS system resolves the issue temporarily.
Accelerator Pedal Unintended Engagement During Braking
Accelerator pedal becomes depressed simultaneously with or when driver attempts to depress brake pedal. Failure occurred six times before vehicle rolled and crashed. Represents loss of braking authority combined with unintended acceleration.
When: Early in vehicle life; approximately 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal depresses when brake pedal is depressed; Loss of braking capability; Vehicle rollover and crash; Driver hospitalized with minor injuries
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was destroyed; driver was cut from wreckage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer did not diagnose failure prior to crash.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lincoln mkz. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lincoln mkz. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal traveled to the floor when it was depressed. The contact stated that there was an increase in how long it took the vehicle to fully stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,500. ....updated 02/06/17 *bf *cn
While traveling at 45 MPH traffic slows. I come down hard on brake. Anti-lock brake activates, peddle goes soft and catches just above floor. Peddle dose not return to normal until checked by local mechanic and he runs a check on the anti-lock brake system. Hours later brakes are back to normal. This is the second occurrence of the problem. The mkz is a close relative of the Ford fusion.
Had brakes trouble with your 2007 Lincoln MKZ?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2007 Lincoln MKZ?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 40,000 and 155,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 155,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Lincoln/MKZ.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.