2009 Lincoln MKS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2009 Lincoln MKS sits mid-pack among MKS years: 70 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (30% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other MKS years?

MKS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Lincoln MKS problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	21	30%	new
Airbags	8	11%	new
Other	7	10%	new
Speed Control	7	10%	new
Seats	4	6%	new
Engine	4	6%	new
Electrical System	3	4%	new
Transmission	3	4%	new
Body & Structure	3	4%	new
Suspension	2	3%	new
Latches & Locks	2	3%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	3%	new
Fuel System	2	3%	new
Steering	2	3%	new

Does the 2009 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V247000AirbagsApril 26, 2016 · 695 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“IN DECEMBER 2013, I TOOK MY 2009 LINCOLN MKS TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE BECAUSE IT OCCASIONALLY ACCELERATES BEFORE SLOWING DOWN WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION I WAS BEHIND A CAR THAT SLOWED DOWN THEN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, MY CAR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 16, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 28, 2015 · crash

“FAULTY DOOR LOCKS : THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK USING THE KEY FOB ON MKS MODEL IN WEATHER TEMPERATURES ABOVE 70 DEGREES AND IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD IF CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE CAR USING THE FOB OR KEYLESS ENTRY THE FEEDBACK IS A RAPID UNLOCK/RE-LOCK, SIMILAR TO A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 23, 2019

“IN DECEMBER 2013, I TOOK MY 2009 LINCOLN MKS TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE BECAUSE IT OCCASIONALLY ACCELERATES BEFORE SLOWING DOWN WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION I WAS BEHIND A CAR THAT SLOWED DOWN THEN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, MY CAR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 16, 2013 · crash

“I GOT IN MY VEHICLE 1 MORNING AND NOTICED KNOCKING ONCE I STARTED IT. A VERY LIGHT KNOCK. I IMMEDIATELY KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I CHECKED AND CHANGED MY OIL. THE OIL WAS MILKY AND I SUSPECTED THAT COOLANT WAS BEING MIXED WITH OIL. I HAVE ALWAYS GOT MY OIL CHANGED WHEN REQUIRED. MY CAR HAS NEVER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2020

2009 Lincoln MKS — common questions

Is the 2009 Lincoln MKS reliable?

It is close to typical for the MKS: 70 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2009 MKS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2009 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Lincoln MKS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKS years to avoid are 2013. The cleanest record among MKS years belongs to 2016.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2009 compare to other MKS years?

What are the most common 2009 Lincoln MKS problems?

Does the 2009 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2009 Lincoln MKS — common questions

Is the 2009 Lincoln MKS reliable?

What are the most common 2009 MKS problems?

Does the 2009 Lincoln MKS have recalls?

Which Lincoln MKS years should you avoid?

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