I've had plenty of Lincoln in the bay over the years, and the airbag complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,317 on the NHTSA record across 27 model-year entries (2005–2024) is not a fluke. The 2007 Lincoln MKZ leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 74 crash reports and 84 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Average shop fix runs about $1,100 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Across the 269 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 71,404 miles. Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup before you buy. Takata-era inflators are still being recalled. The dealer fixes them free.
ProblemsByVin LINCOLN / AIRBAGS
27 model-year entries · 2005–2024
Lincoln airbags problems
1,317 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Lincoln vehicles for airbags issues. 1 active recall campaign. See airbags across all makes →
Complaints
1,317
Recalls
1
Year-models
27
Avg fix
$1,100
74crashes
3fires
84injuries
Worst-affected Lincoln model-years for airbags Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2007 Lincoln MKZ
176 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2008 Lincoln MKZ
158 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2008 Lincoln MKX
154 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2007 Lincoln MKX
151 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2006 Lincoln Zephyr
138 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2010 Lincoln MKZ
95 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2011 Lincoln MKZ
80 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2012 Lincoln MKZ
68 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,100 severe
2009 Lincoln MKZ
65 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2006 Lincoln Town Car
55 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2010 Lincoln MKX
54 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2009 Lincoln MKX
35 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2005 Lincoln Town Car
18 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2007 Lincoln Town Car
11 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2005 Lincoln LS
9 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2016 Lincoln MKZ
7 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2009 Lincoln MKS
7 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2010 Lincoln MKS
5 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2005 Lincoln Navigator
5 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2015 Lincoln MKC
4 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2006 Lincoln LS
4 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2024 Lincoln Corsair
3 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2017 Lincoln MKC
3 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2013 Lincoln MKZ
3 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2012 Lincoln MKX
3 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
Active recalls — Lincoln airbags 2 on file
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles that are not equipped with Adaptive Front Steering
If the air bag cover separates during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S38.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ vehicles that previously received a replacement passenger air bag under recall 16V-384, 17V-024 or 18V-046
If the air bag does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S34.
Common questions
How many Lincoln airbags complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,317 complaints across 27 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 1 active recall campaigns cover airbags issues across the Lincoln lineup.
Which Lincoln model has the most airbags complaints?
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ leads with 176 complaints in this category. Next: 2008 MKZ (158) and 2008 MKX (154).
What does it cost to fix Lincoln airbags problems?
Independent shops average $1,100 for airbags repairs across the Lincoln lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Lincoln airbags recalls?
Yes — 2 active recall campaigns cover airbags on Lincoln vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Lincoln.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.