Lincoln Mkz hybrid problems

General information about Lincoln Mkz hybrid
Lincoln Mkz hybrid years list
Overview of popular issues

The Lincoln MKZ, is a four-door, five-passenger mid-size luxury sedan manufactured by Ford and marketed as the Zephyr (MY 2006) and as the MKZ (MY 2007–2020) by Ford's Lincoln brand across two generations in both gasoline and hybrid gas/electric models.

Both generations of the MKZ were manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Mexico. Production ended in 2020 to make way for new Ford vehicles.

First generation (2006–2012)

The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was initially unveiled in concept form at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, previewing a new entry-level luxury sedan. The front featured Lincoln's signature waterfall grille and jeweled quad projector beam headlights (HID headlights were available). Chrome trim extends along the Zephyr's beltline while the car's rear fascia features LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips. All Zephyrs featured low-profile tires on 17x7.5-inch wheels with painted aluminum versions standard and chrome versions optional.

Lincoln officially revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform, which was derived from the Mazda 6. Lincoln had previously used the Zephyr name in the late 1930s for the smaller Lincoln-Zephyr line of mid-size vehicles. The "Zephyr" name had also previously been used by Mercury during the late 1970s and early 1980s, for several vehicles built on the Fox Platform.

The Zephyr's sole powertrain was a 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission; identical to the V6 powertrain that was optional in the Fusion and Milan. The interior is largely unique to the Lincoln, along with different equipment packaging. The 2006 Zephyr started at a base MSRP of $28,995 USD, ranging up to $35,340 USD when fully optioned.

Though slightly smaller and front-wheel drive, the Zephyr was marketed as a replacement for Lincoln's previous entry level mid-size, the rear-wheel drive Lincoln LS. To facilitate a smooth transition, the Zephyr and LS were sold parallel to each other during the 2006 model year, the first model year of the Zephyr and the last for the LS. For 2007 the model was renamed MKZ, and took over the LS' market with sales beginning in September 2006. Lincoln's decision to resurrect the Zephyr name refers to the very early days of Lincoln before World War II. At that time, the only Lincoln manufactured was the Lincoln K-series which was a full-size sedan, and Lincoln, under the direction of Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's only son, hoped to introduce a smaller product to compete with the Packard One-Twenty, and the LaSalle, a smaller sibling offered at Cadillac dealerships.

The Zephyr featured a revised interior from the Fusion and Milan. The design featured shapes with real ebony or maple wood inserts (depending on desired trim) in metallic frames. These surfaces were contrasted with chrome-bezeled gauges, circular, chrome-finished vents and a metallic center stack where the radio and climate controls are housed. The Zephyr's steering wheel was leather-wrapped with real wood grips and satin-nickel audio, climate, and cruise control buttons. White LED backlighting was used for the Zephyr's controls and instrumentation. Leather seating surfaces were standard in all models.

Some of these standard features in the Zephyr included: cruise control, automatic headlights, fog lights, power door locks, "global" power windows (all windows can lower simultaneously at the push of a button), power adjustable and heated mirrors with puddle lamps, remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, rear-seat reading lamps, and a six-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo radio and a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer. Optional in the Zephyr was a power moonroof, a DVD-based satellite navigation system, HID headlights, heated and cooled front seats, and an industry-first THX II-Certified audio system with a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer and ten speakers. Safety features included standard dual front-side airbags, front seat-deployed side airbags, and curtain airbags that extend from the front to rear seats.

Mechanically the Zephyr was closely related to the Fusion and Milan. As mentioned, all three cars were based on Ford's CD3 platform, which was in turn derived from the Mazda 6. Like these cars the Zephyr is natively front-wheel drive (FWD). The Zephyr uses a coil-over damper, short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension with double-ball-joint control arms while the rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with lower control arms and a 17 mm (0.7 in) stabilizer bar. Spring rates, bushings, and dampers have been specially tuned for the Zephyr to provide excellent ride comfort without compromising handling. All Zephyrs feature standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control. The sole engine offered in the Zephyr was an all-aluminum 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 producing 221 hp (165 kW) at 6250 rpm and 205 lb·ft (278 N·m) of torque at 4800 rpm. This engine was mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission and had a final drive ratio of 3.46:1. This powertrain was identical to the V6 powertrain available in the Fusion and Milan from 2006 to 2009. With this powertrain the Zephyr could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds. The FWD Zephyr came with a 17.5 US gal (66 L; 15 imp gal) fuel tank and is rated to deliver 17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) in city driving and 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) on the highway based on the revised 2008 EPA fuel efficiency measurement standards.

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Common Lincoln Mkz hybrid problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid cars, several common problems have been identified:

Loss of Power While Driving (2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid):
- This issue involves a loss of power while driving, which can be a significant safety concern. Owners have reported this as a prevalent problem with the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
- Average Cost to Fix: $27,000
- Average Mileage: 52,000 mi
Cylinder Head Failures (Early 2017 3 Liter Twin Turbo Models):
- Owners of the early 2017 3 liter twin turbo models have experienced cylinder head failures leading to complete engine failure if not addressed promptly.
- Telltale signs include excessive white smoke from the exhaust after idling for a long time, rough idle, and excessive oil consumption.
- Engines built between April 1st, 2016, and January 2017 may be affected by this issue.
Faulty Daytime Running Light:
- Some Lincoln MKZ owners have reported issues with the daytime running lights (DRLs) malfunctioning. This problem can manifest as the lights flashing on and off or completely failing to work.
- This issue can impact visibility and safety while driving, especially during low-light conditions.
Fuel Purge Valve Failure (3 Liter Engine):
- Another common problem reported is the failure of the fuel purge valve on the 3-liter engine. This component is crucial for the proper functioning of the engine and emissions control.
- Owners experiencing this issue may notice performance issues and potential impacts on fuel efficiency.
Oil Pan Leak:
- Although not explicitly mentioned in the provided excerpts, oil pan leaks are a common issue in many vehicles, including hybrids. This problem can lead to oil loss, engine damage, and environmental pollution if not addressed promptly.
- Owners should monitor their vehicle for signs of oil leaks and address them promptly to prevent further damage.

These common problems highlight various issues that Lincoln MKZ Hybrid owners may encounter, ranging from engine-related failures to lighting and fuel system issues. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these problems can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

Is Lincoln MKZ hybrid reliable?

my second MKZ Hybrid.

I still have the first one, 2012 with 115,000 miles. Not one repair. The only costs associated with this vehicle have been routine maintenance and one set of tiresNo breakdowns no mechanical defects excellent fit and finish I could not be happier with these Lincoln hybrids.

What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKZ?

How long will Lincoln MKZ hybrid battery last?

between 3 to 5 years

Your 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid battery will ordinarily last between 3 to 5 years, but that can differ laboriously depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't entirely dead, doesn't mean it's operating perfectly.

How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Lincoln MKZ hybrid?

The average cost for a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid High Voltage Battery Replacement is between $5,999 and $6,040. Labor costs are estimated between $158 and $200 while parts are typically priced around $5,841.

Latest positive Lincoln Mkz hybrid car reviews

Reese Hansen 2024-07-02

Vehicle year: 2011

I turned in a 2008 CTS-4 with the 'hotter' engine and I am enjoying the MKZ even more, albeit for different reasons. The vehicle is solidly built with no glitches. The THX sound system is equal to the CTS Bose, and the Bluetooth phone quality is outstanding. The Nav is also very nicely done. It is a very quiet ride, not too soft with reasonably good handling. I find it to be very responsive and stable in almost all conditions. I replaced the stock tires with Blizzak WS70's for MI winter driving, and the improved traction over the 'low rolling friction' stock tires is noticeable and welcomed. I managed to get 43.0 mpg on my way to work this morning, and I got 31.5 mpg on the highway trip at 75 mph with winter tires.
Will Cronin 2024-05-09

Vehicle year: 2011

You made a great choice with this car! It has a smooth ride, quiet engine, and great acceleration. It's also incredibly reliable, which is always a plus. You were able to get it at a fantastic price as a Lincoln certified used car with only 17,000 miles. Certified used is definitely the way to go, especially since you were able to save money and get a 100,000 mile warranty. The only minor issues you encountered were having to replace the chrome plated wheels due to the shiny chrome peeling off when brushing up against a curb, and some difficulty setting up the SYNC Bluetooth connection. Overall, it sounds like you've had a great experience with this car!
Trent Kshlerin 2024-03-21

Vehicle year: 2011

Been driving it for two weeks now and just totally love it. Average of 37.4 MPG for driving both highway and city. The legrooms for both front and rear are bigger than my previous Jaguar S Type sedan. Only cons will be the trunk. Since that's where the battery is stored, you actually lose some storage space there. But overall, it's a very nice car to drive.