2010 Lincoln MKZ

Rating applies to 2007-12 models built after January 2007

Tested vehicle: 2012 Lincoln MKZ 4-door

The Lincoln MKZ was introduced in the 2006 model year, when it was named the Lincoln Zephyr. The name was changed to MKZ in 2007.

Beginning with 2007 models manufactured after January 2007, structural reinforcements were added to the floor ahead of the front seats, and a hard plastic "ramp" bolted underneath the carpeting near the base of the accelerator pedal was modified to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes with moderate overlap. (Note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door.)

Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space wasn't maintained well.

During the crash, the steering column moved so far to the right that the dummy's head and chest completely missed contacting the frontal airbag.

Despite extensive intrusion of the door hinge pillar, driver footwell, and instrument panel, risk of injury was moderate and limited to the left knee.

Rating applies to 2007-12 models built after January 2007

Tested vehicle: 2007 Ford Fusion SE 4-door

The Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr were introduced in the 2006 model year. The Zephyr was renamed the MKZ beginning with 2007 models. All three cars were restyled beginning with the 2010 model year, and the Mercury Milan was discontinued after the 2010 model year.

Beginning with 2007 models manufactured after January 2007, structural reinforcements were added to the floor ahead of the front seats, and the hard plastic "ramp" bolted underneath the carpeting near the base of the accelerator pedal was modified to improve occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. In addition, the standard side airbags were changed so that they would deploy in severe frontal offset crashes. (Note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door.)

The tested car was manufactured after all modifications had been made.

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.

Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head brushed across the side curtain airbag and hit the roof rail during rebound, producing high forces on the neck.

Postcrash photo with carpeting removed indicating the modified "ramp" intended to reduce loading on the right leg and ankle in frontal offset crashes.

Rating applies to 2010-12 models

Tested vehicle: 2010 Lincoln MKZ 4-door with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags

The Lincoln MKZ was introduced in the 2006 model year as the Zephyr and renamed beginning with the 2007 model year. Beginning with 2010 models, design changes were made to the door interior trim to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Ford.

Rating applies to 2010-12 models built after April 2010

Tested vehicle: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 4-door

Rating applies to 2007-10 models built before May 2010

Tested vehicle: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 4-door

Seat type: Power leather seats built before Feb 2011