PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated June 2026
119
complaints filed for this model year
2003–2011
Model years affected
$348 – $1,983
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Documented fatal fire: one death
Check engine light: On
A 2006 incident involved a transmission fluid overflow that caused a fire, resulting in one death. Separately, an owner reported a driver seat heater electrical failure causing a fire with a 2-by-4 inch burn hole.
One crash resulted in documented brain damage and paralysis
Check engine light: On
One especially severe crash resulted in hospitalization with documented brain damage and paralysis after airbags failed to deploy — among the most severe single-incident injury outcomes documented.
8 crashes and 1 injury directly attributed
Check engine light: On
Roughly 35 complaints — the largest single category for this nameplate — describe the vehicle accelerating without driver input, especially when braking, with sudden lurching forward and inability to stop despite brake application; one complaint describes the vehicle accelerating to 85 mph after the driver applied brakes at 55 mph. It is the most serious recurring issue reported for this nameplate.
4 crashes attributed, including failure to stop at traffic lights
Check engine light: On
Roughly 18 complaints describe brake pedal unresponsiveness or the pedal going to the floor, with delayed braking response and failures to stop at traffic lights despite hard pedal pressure.
Intermediate steering shaft issues
Check engine light: On
Roughly 10 steering complaints describe stiff/hard-to-turn steering and intermediate steering shaft issues, with one owner reporting they "almost lost control." A recall (13V385000) addresses this defect, but some vehicles are reported excluded.
Owners of the Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT report the same kind of exclusion from recall coverage.
Recall parts unavailable for 6+ months afterward
Check engine light: On
Cruise control switch deactivation issues are severe enough to be classified as a fire hazard requiring disconnection as an interim safety measure, with recall parts reported unavailable for 6+ months after that disconnection.
Compressor fails due to air leaks from the air suspension struts and drier
Check engine light: Off
Compressor fails due to air leaks from the air suspension struts and drier. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 196 owner reports on file.
Intake manifold cracks near the thermostat, resulting in a coolant leak
Check engine light: Off
Intake manifold cracks near the thermostat, resulting in a coolant leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 140 owner reports on file.
Corrosion on the battery cable ends
Check engine light: Off
Corrosion on the battery cable ends. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 59 owner reports on file.
Overheating due to a damaged impeller
Check engine light: Off
Overheating due to a damaged impeller. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 47 owner reports on file.
Suspension switch must be turned off before jacking or lifting the vehicle, which has air suspension
Check engine light: Off
Suspension switch must be turned off before jacking or lifting the vehicle, which has air suspension. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 43 owner reports on file.
Problems with the EGR system are common in high dust areas
Check engine light: On
Problems with the EGR system are common in high dust areas. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 41 owner reports on file.
Check engine light due to PCV grommet vacuum leaks
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to PCV grommet vacuum leaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 36 owner reports on file.
Smelling coolant and overheating with no visible leaks
Check engine light: Off
Smelling coolant and overheating with no visible leaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 31 owner reports on file.
AC clutch air gap needs adjusting
Check engine light: Off
AC clutch air gap needs adjusting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 31 owner reports on file.
Oil coated air filter causes mass air flow sensor failure
Check engine light: On
Oil coated air filter causes mass air flow sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 28 owner reports on file.
An insulator kit prevents vibration caused by the air compressor
Check engine light: Off
An insulator kit prevents vibration caused by the air compressor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.
Exhaust leak prior to the catalytic converter must be repaired immediately
Check engine light: On
Exhaust leak prior to the catalytic converter must be repaired immediately. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed steering recall (13V385000), with some vehicles reportedly excluded from coverage. A separate cruise-control fire-hazard issue requires disconnection, with recall parts reported unavailable for 6+ months afterward. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
IMPORTANT — THIS GENERATION HAS A DOCUMENTED FATALITY. A 2006 incident involved a transmission fluid overflow that caused a fire, resulting in one death. A separate, extremely severe crash on this same nameplate resulted in documented brain damage and paralysis after airbags failed to deploy. Unintended acceleration is the single largest and most dangerous recurring issue for this nameplate (roughly 35 complaints, 8 crashes, 1 injury), and brake failure — pedal unresponsive or going to the floor — is tied to 4 additional crashes.