December 20, 2025
Owners of the 2015 Lincoln MKS should take immediate note of a critical safety concern regarding the vehicle's radiator support frame (also referred to as the radiator reinforcement beam). Official service documentation confirms this component is constructed from magnesium alloy - a material choice that carries significant implications for repair procedures.
While magnesium alloy offers weight reduction advantages, its structural integrity becomes severely compromised following any impact or damage. More importantly, the material's unique properties make it virtually impossible to restore through conventional repair methods while maintaining original performance standards.
The limitations stem from magnesium's fundamental characteristics. Even with expert intervention, repaired sections cannot guarantee equivalent strength or long-term durability. Should a repaired frame fail during operation, consequences range from impaired cooling system function (potentially leading to engine overheating) to catastrophic structural failure that could endanger vehicle occupants.
Lincoln's engineering team emphasizes that any damage to the radiator support frame - including minor cracks or deformation - requires complete component replacement. The manufacturer explicitly warns against:
Authorized service centers utilize factory-certified replacement parts installed by technicians with specific training in magnesium component handling. This protocol ensures proper vehicle structural integrity and prevents secondary damage to the cooling system.
The investment in genuine replacement parts ultimately safeguards against more extensive repairs while prioritizing occupant safety - a consideration that outweighs any short-term cost savings from repair attempts.