Lincoln MKZ
2007-12 models built after January 2007SMALL OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
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| Head/neck | Chest | Hip/thigh | Lower leg/foot | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
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.)
Structure — The driver space was seriously compromised by intruding structure. Lower interior intrusion measured as much as 34 cm at the door hinge pillar, while the instrument panel was pushed back as much as 23 cm.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — The dummy’s head and chest completely missed the frontal airbag as the steering column moved 18 cm to the right. The side curtain airbag deployed but does not have sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag also deployed.
Injury measures — Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the left knee would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.
Left to right:
- 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.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Electronic stability control (standard beginning with 2009 models)
- Antilock brakes
- Daytime running lights (optional on vehicles sold to fleets)
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2012 Lincoln MKZ 4-door
- Class: Midsize luxury/near luxury car
- Weight: 3,617 lbs.
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 107 in.
- Length: 190 in.
- Width: 72 in.
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- EPA ratings: 18 mpg city | 27 mpg highway
