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 ↗2010 Lincoln MKZ brakes problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 110,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 MKZ | 31 |
| 2008 MKZ | 63 |
| 2009 MKZ | 23 |
| 2010 MKZ (this page) | 33 |
| 2011 MKZ | 21 |
| 2012 MKZ | 16 |
| 2013 MKZ | 6 |
| 2014 MKZ | 8 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 brakes complaints filed for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 33 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 #2 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.
SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe brake failures ranging from excessive pedal travel to complete loss of stopping power, typically at highway and city speeds. The brake pedal often sinks to the floorboard or requires hard pressure to engage braking. Many failures occur when the ABS system activates, particularly after hitting road surface impacts like potholes. Some drivers report the brake pedal will go soft mid-stop, requiring continued pressure to decelerate.
ABS warning lights frequently illuminate alongside brake failure. In several cases, independent mechanics and dealers have diagnosed faulty hydraulic control units (HCU), master cylinders, power brake boosters, and sticking ABS valves. Some owners had identical repairs performed twice with the failure returning. One owner reported a rubber brake hose rupture near the master cylinder that caused sudden total brake loss.
Multiple owners cite NHTSA recall 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but many report their VINs are not listed despite displaying the exact failure mode described in the recall. Dealers have repeatedly informed owners that recall repair parts are unavailable, with delays extending from 2019 through at least mid-2020. Owners who pursued independent repairs paid between $700 and $2,000. One vehicle was still sitting at a dealer unrepaired after multiple visits.
Same Lincoln MKZ brakes reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Brake pedal excessive travel / loss of braking pressure
Brake pedal depresses to the floorboard or requires excessive travel before braking is achieved. Drivers report loss of braking ability or severely reduced stopping power, often without warning lights. ABS activation frequently precedes or accompanies the failure.
When: Occurs at various speeds (20–60 mph), sometimes after emergency braking, hitting bumps/potholes, or in wet conditions. Can happen intermittently or recur multiple times.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sinks to floorboard; Reduced braking response requiring hard pedal pressure; Brake pedal goes soft mid-stop; Excessive pedal travel before braking engages; Loss of all or partial brake pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of hydraulic control unit (HCU), master cylinder, brake booster, ABS module, brake lines flushed. Some vehicles required HCU replacement twice and failure persisted. Costs cited: ~$700 for HCU repair, $2,000 quoted by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) / Recall 19S54 issued. Multiple owners report VINs not included in recall despite exhibiting same symptoms. Parts unavailable for extended periods (delays through at least Q2 2020); no remedy for non-recalled VINs.
ABS system failure with warning lights
ABS warning light and other warning lights (Advanced Trac, Traction Control) illuminate on the instrument panel. Often occurs during braking or low-speed maneuvers. ABS activation may trigger brake pedal collapse.
When: At low speeds (turning) or during emergency braking; can occur intermittently or recur after brief periods of normal operation.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Advanced Trac warning light illuminated; Traction Control warning light illuminated; Multiple unknown warning lights on dashboard; Brake pedal collapse coinciding with ABS activation
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics diagnosed ABS module failure, HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) failure, ABS valve sticking in module. Repairs attempted include ABS module replacement, HECU replacement, hydraulic control assembly replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some cases linked to recall 19V904000 but VINs not included. Manufacturer has provided no specific TSB or extended warranty program for non-recalled vehicles.
Power brake booster and master cylinder failure
Brake booster fails, causing stiff brake pedal that lacks power assist. Often accompanied by hissing noise from behind brake pedal. Master cylinder also fails simultaneously or requires replacement.
When: At 35 mph and various speeds; failure can recur multiple times.
Symptoms owners cite: Stiff brake pedal with no power assist; Hissing noise from behind brake pedal; Vehicle fails to decelerate despite brake application; Recurring failure after repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power brake booster and master cylinder required. Vehicle not repaired in at least one case.
Rubber brake hose rupture / brake fluid leak
Rubber flex hose attached to or near master cylinder ruptures, causing sudden complete loss of brake pressure. Hose rupture occurs in an area not easily accessible and not near bottom of engine bay where salt/debris exposure is typical.
When: While braking or in stopping situation; complete failure is sudden.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop sound followed by complete loss of brake pressure; No braking ability whatsoever
Repairs/costs cited: Brake hose replacement required. Vehicle was out of manufacturer warranty by 2,391 miles when failure occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated no recall applicable. Owner was denied warranty coverage due to mileage over warranty limit.
Intermittent brake loss after road surface contact
Brakes fail intermittently when ABS engages during or after hitting potholes, bumps, or other road surface impacts. Brake pedal collapses to floor when ABS activates, losing pressure and braking ability.
When: After hitting potholes or bumps while approaching a stop; ABS activation coincides with brake failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor when ABS activates; Loss of brake pressure and braking ability; Multiple near-miss accidents; Blown stop signs and red lights due to brake failure
Repairs/costs cited: Hydraulic control assembly for ABS system replaced. A sticking valve in the ABS module was identified as the cause.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
One evening I got into my car and was heading home from work when I used the brakes and they went all the way to the floor. I had no brakes. The part I replaced was the hydraulic brake control unit. It cost me almost 700.00 to repair. I have the proper paperwork if you need to see the repair order. Pretty ironic that the recall will be coming out but they say my car wasn't affected. I could have…
Had brakes trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Lincoln MKZ?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 89,400 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 110,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 89,400; a quarter make it past 130,000. 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/2010/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.