CHROME PLATING IS FLAKING OFF, AND TIRES CONSISTENTLY LOSE AIR PRESSURE. I CONTACTED RAY PRICE FORD IN STROUDSBURG, PA AND THEY SAID THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS, BUT NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE. I CONTACTED MY TIRE PERSON AND HE TRIED TO BRUSH OFF THE EXCESS CHROME AROUND SEAL TO GET A BEAD, BUT NO LUCK. A NEW WHEEL IS AROUND $400, SO I GOT A USED ONE. SIMILAR ISSUES, BUT NOT AS FREQUENT. HOWEVER, OTHER…
2008 lincoln MKZ wheels problems
moderate 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $400
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$400
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2008 FROM LOCAL FORD/LINCOLN DEALER, DEMPEWOLF FORD, HENDERSON, KY, AND ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT AND DEALER SERVICED. TIRES BEGAIN TO LOOSE AIR PRESSURE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. WHEN EXAMINED BY PURCELL TIRE, HENDERSON, KY, THEY SAID THAT CHROME WAS FLAKING OFF LEAVING A PITTED SURFACE AND THAT BEAD WOULD NOT SEAL AGAINST PITTED SURFACE. CAR IS EQUIPT WITH OPTIONAL CHROME PLATED 17" WHE…
THESE WHEELS ARE IDENTIFIED AS 17" 8 SPOKE MACHINED & PAINTED ALUMINUM WHEEL WHICH BEGAN TO CORRODE AND PEEL AROUND 2011. THEY LEAK AIR AROUND THE CONTACT OF THE RIM AND TIRE BECAUSE OF THE CORROSION. THIS CONDITION REQUIRES HAVING THE WHEEL TAKEN APART AND CORROSION REMOVED THEN REASSEMBLING THE WHEEL AND RE-BALANCING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY BEFORE RE-INSTALLING BACK ON TO CAR. DEPENDING ON SEVERAL CON…
THE CHROME COATING ON THE WHEELS IS DEFECTIVE AND FLAKES OFF. THIS DOES NOT ALLOW THE TIRES TO SEAT PROPERLY WITH THE WHEELS, CAUSING THEM TO LOSE PRESSURE. EVENTUALLY THIS CAN DAMAGE THE TIRES BY HAVING THEM REPEATEDLY DRIVEN UNDER THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURES. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BY MY TIRE DEALER TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, UNDER THEIR WARRANTY, HAVE BEEN FRUSTRATING AS THE ISSUE IS NOT OF THEIR MAK…
Common questions
How serious is the wheels problem on the 2008 lincoln MKZ?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $400 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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