10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
86,618 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Lincoln MKZ brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Lincoln MKZ:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2008 Lincoln MKZ Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

Apr 102018

MKZ 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After repairing brakes at my cost many times now they are recalled. I had to replace the Lincoln wheels at my cost after researching that many problems were reported. Also with only 65,000 miles on my car my transmission is out. I have had many electrical issues. It is clear that major issues is on the this model year. While driving my transmission failed. I towed the car to dealership and they want to now charge $4400 for the transmission. I am out of money with this vehicle and it was clearly poorly manufactured.

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

problem #31

Jan 102020

MKZ

  • 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, he drove over a patch of ice, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard with the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective anti-lock brake (ABS) unit. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V904000 (service brakes, hydraulic) which the contact linked to the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to saratoga Ford 3002 NY-50, saratoga springs, NY 12866 where he was informed that the electronic control unit(ECU) was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact was also notified by the dealer that the parts were unavailable for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Saratoga Springs, NY, USA

problem #30

Jan 292020

MKZ

  • 76,000 miles
Driving on highway at posted speed limit of 65mph and brakes failed. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Pedal to the floor happened three separate times during the same trip. Vehicle was extremely difficult to stop and brakes locked up. Vehicle began sliding. Brake failure due to anti-lock braking system failure. This pertains to recall NHTSA 19V-904. I had the car towed to a Lincoln dealership and service technician said the problem has to do with the recall. My car is extremely unsafe to drive and the recall parts are not available yet. Lincoln is not paying for an interm repair nor offering rental cars. I have been without my car for 13 days. Lincoln should be more concerned with this recall and be paying for interm repairs.

- N. Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #29

May 012018

MKZ

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln Mkz. The contact received a notification in the mail for a recall under NHTSA campaign number: 19V904000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact spoke with manufacturer where she was informed that the part was not available for the recall. The manufacturer was unable to answer her questions regarding the recall. The contact stated that on previous occasions, she had experienced intermittent issues with her brake pedal. The contact stated that while her foot was on the brake pedal, the pedal would continue to slope down to the floor; the contact had to apply the emergency brake for the vehicle to stop. No warning lights illuminated as the failure occurred. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Hilo, HI, USA

problem #28

Jan 142020

MKZ

  • 144,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that the brake, the driver seat belt and air bags failed. The contact experienced an intended acceleration. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop and the emergency brake also failed to stop the vehicle. As a result the contact crashed into an embankment. The air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained back and head injuries that was encounter with the steering wheel and windshield. The front passenger sustained lower back injuries both required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

- Commerce, OK, USA

problem #27

Jan 192020

MKZ

  • 130,697 miles
My car is effected by the recall, it losses brakes periodically and next to impossible to stop sometimes. Is there anything I can do about this till the manufacturer is able to fix it? this is my only means of transportation...

- Powell, TN, USA

problem #26

Dec 192019

MKZ

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hpu has recall on it for brakes. My hpu failed once already. Lincoln dealership referred me to Lincoln. Recall is sometime next quarter when they have parts. Lincoln will not repair or provide loaner for now and told me to drive at own risk.I was approaching a stop when problem manifested itself. I was barely able to stop car and miss the car in front of me. Reported problem immediately. I don't think it responsible to drive a car with a known problem. It is my only means of transportation. Dealership opened sssc( Lincoln reporting mechanism) on vehicle.brake pedal went soft and to the floor but eventually did get it stopped. Vehicle wont stop in required stopping distance as per design and supply thereof. I am a very experienced driver but other drivers are unlikely to be able to respond appropriately. Had to wait for answer from office located in india! this is a deliberate unsafe act by Lincoln. What can I do. I am on fixed disability and must have transportation.

- Paducah, KY, USA

problem #25

Dec 262019

MKZ 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
Recall on brakes, no remedy available at this time. Have to replace both the front and back brakes as they are slipping and making extremely loud scratching noises. And I'm not willing to kill myself not my 2 month old because they won't be prepared to fix the issue for another 2 months. ## VIN passed ## [xxx] ## information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- National City, CA, USA

problem #24

Jan 152019

MKZ

  • 130,000 miles
ABS engaged on snowy road. Now, brake pedal is extremely soft/spongy...does not engage until pedal is fully depressed. County road. Straight-line stop. Replaced brake master cylinder and performed factory pressure/service bleed. Cause is certain to be the historically faulty ABS hcu/control module.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #23

Nov 162018

MKZ

  • 150,000 miles
Went to stop in winter conditions and the brake pedal went to the floor. Almost rear ended the car at the stop sign, had to go to the shoulder to avoid hitting them. Now the ABS, traction control, and brake system light come on as soon as I reach 15 mph. I have had all the rotors, calipers, and break pads replaced. Still having the same issue.

- Mantorville, MN, USA

problem #22

Nov 092018

MKZ

  • 90,523 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brake pedal goes all the way to the floor, vehicle increasingly difficult to stop after ABS event. 11/10/18-dealer performed diagnostics indicating rear rotors need replacing, authorized repair. 11/10/18 after replacing rotors dealer states rear caliper action is erratic, states rear calipers need replaced due to erratic action. Authorized repair with oem Ford parts, not available until 11/12/18. Dealer vehemently denies hcu is the issue even after I propose this scenario. States not the hcu 11/12/18-dealer called said pedal is much better, however, although there are no indications or codes, hcu is faulty, wants me to pick up car. States that pedal travel returns, but might want to have the hcu replaced. !! dealer previously stated hcu was not the issue, the rear calipers were: Due to erratic behavior. Service to this point to have components replaced, that have not resolved initial complaint vehicle was previously involved in frontal crash from previous owner. Details were not immediately available to me. Will be requesting dealer assistance with part replacement in this scenario.

- White Oak, PA, USA

problem #21

Nov 102018

MKZ

  • 90,000 miles
I was going about 35 mph and started slow done to a stop and it felt like the car just wouldn't stop I pushed the pedal to what felt like the floor and now to stop it needs to be pushed all the way. It feels unsafe. If I would have had a car in front of me I would have rear ended them.this is a real issue and danger.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #20

Oct 032018

MKZ

  • 175,764 miles
Brakes spontaneously went soft, during travel (30 mph?). changed master cylinder which seemed to resolve issue. Couple of weeks later, happened again uwhile in motion. Master cylinder changed 2nd time under warranty. Happened third time within weeks traveling about 50 mph. The third time, it happened upon application of brakes (not aggressive) which caused ABS activation. Pulse was felt in brake pedal and immediately brakes pedal went soft (almost to floor). Pumping brake pedal firmed the brakes. Couple of days later, tested ABS on gravel road by aggressive braking, ABS activation and brakes went soft immediately during the action. Pumping up brakes resulted in firming, at top of brake pedal travel without slowing vehicle then into soft travel through 3/4 travel until firmed again at bottom of travel. Concern is that in the event of emergency braking which activates ABS, typical braking changes to 'soft pedal' (belief of failed brakes) and potential for panic and resulting collision. Dealer tested system today (10/03/2018) and could not diagnose any problem. No dash light was ever activated in any of the events described. No brake fluid leak detected, no loss of brake fluid.

- Buffalo Jct, VA, USA

problem #19

Aug 302018

MKZ

  • 93,331 miles
Car was moving hit bump in road and brake pedal went to floor.thinking problem was brake pads and calipers had front and read pads and calipers installed still low brake pedal.went to Lincoln dealer had brake flush preformed by Lincoln dealer, report came back it was my hydraulic control module costing $1,306 plus tax labor is separate cost. Had car appraised at Lincoln dealer I brought car from apprasil came back $ 3,300 dollars. Part is half current value of car.still paying for car. Car was priced at approximately $7800.in the first year almost starting second year of 4 year loan.feeling very helpless also dealer who preformed brake flush and diagnosis says car is unsafe to drive have the results from dealer in writing.

- Montclair, NJ, USA

problem #18

Aug 062018

MKZ

  • 93,000 miles
Break pedal will go to the floor this always happens when driving. Breaks will work but very scary to drive. This has happened 3 times in the last year. It was taken to the dealer each time with no resolve. All break, traction control, emg brakes lights came on dealer said its a hydrolic control unit $1500. Another repair station hooked it up and it came back with a B1342, occupant system module. I had just had the air bag fixed due to recall. I was told this occupant module will control/malfunction other areas of the auto.

- Hackettstown, NJ, USA

problem #17

Jan 152018

MKZ

  • 130,000 miles
Our ABS activated on ice/snow. Now, must push the brake pedal to the floor to get the car to stop.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #16

May 212018

MKZ

  • 100,800 miles
After ABS function operates I have a lower than usual pedal travel. The brake pedal goes 3/4 of the way to the floor. After several hours of not using the vehicle the pedal will be back to normal. This condition has happened to me 3 times preceding ABS activation.

- Beverly, MA, USA

problem #15

May 302017

MKZ

  • 115,000 miles
After an ABS braking event the brake pedal is now soft and spongy and exhibits excessive travel. Brakes still function effectively. Brakes will "pump up" harder with an additional pedal stroke.

- Dannebrog, NE, USA

problem #14

Feb 022018

MKZ

  • 88,000 miles
When driving the brakes started getting softer as you pressed the break pedal but the car would stop at first. Then a week later the right front break would activate the ABS and pull to the right every time you stop. Three mechanics looked at it for 45 minutes. Breaks, rotors, master cylinder, all were fine. No fluid loss, ABS light, or codes. Had to replace the hydraulic control unit as some valves were stuck open. Looking online I saw many others had this same problem. So I reported this

- Loxahatchee, FL, USA

problem #13

Dec 242017

MKZ

  • 138,000 miles
My 2008 Lincoln Mkz has a diminished braking capability after an ABS event on the snow a few days ago. The ABS cycle worked, then my pedal has an extra inch or 2 of travel and feels unsafe. This is the third incident like this with the car in the 5 years I have owned after buying it certified pre-owned from Ford. When I research the problem on line, I see multiple cases in the 2006 to 2008 Lincoln Mkz/zephr, the Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan. All of the on-line reports say the only fix is to replace the hydraulic control valve for the ABS system. None of appears to be covered by Ford. I am taking mine to the local Ford dealer tomorrow to have them look at mine and drive it while it is acting up. I feel something as critical to the safe braking of the vehicle that appears to be a chronic model problem ought to be addressed by Ford. The part is expensive to replace and should be done by qualified service.

- Blue Springs, MO, USA

Read the next 12 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?