Lincoln Zephyr problems
The Lincoln-Zephyr is a line of luxury cars that was produced by the Lincoln division of Ford from 1936 until 1942. Bridging the gap between the Ford V8 DeLuxe and the Lincoln Model K (in both size and price), it expanded Lincoln to a second model line, competing against the Chrysler Airflow, LaSalle, and the Packard One-Twenty.
Following the discontinuation of the Model K after 1940, Lincoln shifted its production exclusively to the Lincoln-Zephyr design. After World War II, the Zephyr name was dropped, lasting through 1948. It was the basis of the first Lincoln Continental, Lincoln's longest-running nameplate. The model line was powered by a V12 engine, in contrast to its competitors' V8 and inline-8 engines.
The Lincoln-Zephyr was conceived by Edsel Ford and designed by Eugene Turenne Gregorie. It was assembled at the Lincoln Motor Company Plant in Detroit, Michigan.
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Lincoln Zephyr model years
Common Lincoln Zephyr problems
The Lincoln Zephyr, manufactured between 2006 and 2007, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. The most significant issues seem to be related to the interior accessories, particularly the dashboard, and transmission problems.
- Dashboard Warping: The most reported problem among Lincoln Zephyr owners is the warping of the dashboard. This issue has been reported by 100% of the 2006 Zephyr owners who have filed complaints. The average cost to fix this problem is $3,300, with the issue occurring at an average mileage of 87,000 miles.
- Slipping and Hard Shifting: Another common problem with the Lincoln Zephyr is slipping and hard shifting of the transmission. This issue has been reported by 61% of the 2006 Zephyr owners who have filed complaints. The average cost to fix this problem is $4,000, with the issue occurring at an average mileage of 82,000 miles.
- Cannot Keep Air in Tires: Some Lincoln Zephyr owners have reported issues with maintaining air pressure in their tires. This issue has been reported by 22% of the 2006 Zephyr owners who have filed complaints. The average cost to fix this problem is $200, with the issue occurring at an average mileage of 63,000 miles.
- Transmission Shifts Hard: Another transmission-related problem with the Lincoln Zephyr is hard shifting. This issue has been reported by 22% of the 2006 Zephyr owners who have filed complaints. The average cost to fix this problem is $1,500, with the issue occurring at an average mileage of 73,000 miles.
- Coil Won't Fire: Some Lincoln Zephyr owners have reported issues with the coil not firing. This issue has been reported by 17% of the 2006 Zephyr owners who have filed complaints. The average cost to fix this problem is $200, with the issue occurring at an average mileage of 68,000 miles.
- Airbag Inflator Recall: In addition to these common problems, the Lincoln Zephyr has also been affected by a recall of defective airbag inflators manufactured by Takata. This recall affects over 34 million vehicles across 24 brands, including the Lincoln Zephyr.
In summary, the Lincoln Zephyr has several common problems that owners have reported, primarily related to the interior accessories and transmission. These issues can be costly to fix and may occur at relatively low mileage. Additionally, the Lincoln Zephyr has been affected by a recall of defective airbag inflators.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lincoln Zephyr years
We have researched Lincoln problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lincoln Zephyr cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Lincoln Zephyr model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lincoln Zephyr model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lincoln Zephyr years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lincoln Zephyr car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lincoln Zephyr , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Wheels problems
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lincoln Zephyr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Zephyr model years
A total of 9 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Zephyr model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Zephyr model years
There were a total of 12 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 241 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lincoln Zephyr . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lincoln Zephyr vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
- VIN: 3LNHM261X6R
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I tool my car in for a recall, they said they could not fix the recall cux it was too rusted. They said the wouldn't even put it on a lift cuz of the rust, however it was just on a lift a week ago at an auto shop. Also when I dropped off my car the air conditioner blower worked, I go to pick it up and turn it on and nothing, I call and ask and they tell me they only touched the steering wheel, I said to him then why was power cux to my vehicle? You didn't disconnect the battery or anything he said no, however when I left the car with then it was on 9.83 fm radio and when I got it back it was on a 500 station from am radio. So I know power was cut somehow. I need to know what to do. I can't keep driving with my brakes like this.
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-18
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-08
- VIN: 3LNHM26126R
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbag sensor light is indicating a sensor needs replacement. I have replaced airbags on both the driver and passenger side due to recall. Diagnostics state it is the sensor, passenger side. I have attempted to have repaired, and after 5 weeks and 4 mechanics, no one can seem to get the new sensor to connect to the system and work properly. I did not have a vehicle for weeks! PLEASE HELP!
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-07
- Date Complaint: 2022-11-07
- VIN: 3LNHM26136R
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3LNHM26156R
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph and making a turn, an unknown truck crashed head-on into the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be driven after the crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to his tongue and neck but medical attention was not provided. There were no reported fire or air bag deployments. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted.The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 ( Air bags) after the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-19
- VIN: 3LNHM26106R
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as he no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-17
- VIN: 3LNHM261X6R
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: UNKNOWN
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-21
- Date Complaint: 2021-07-21
- VIN: 3LNHM26136R
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the brake caliper needing to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that unless the caliper was fixed, the recall repair would not be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure but provided no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2021-05-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3LNHM26136R
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: on May 17, 2021 I was involved in a wreck which the airbags did not deploy after impact. There is a police report and an insurance claim pending on the wreck.
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-21
- Date Complaint: 2021-05-04
- VIN: 3LNHM26196R
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ON APRIL 21, 2021 I TOOK MY CAR TO BOB THOMAS LINCOLN, 310 W COLISEUM BLVD, FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 46805 PHONE (260) 482-9876 INVOICE# 687347 FOR NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 19V-904 WHICH CALLS FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO BE PRESSURE FLUSHED WITH DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID, THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AS WHEN WE GOT THE CAR BACK THE BRAKE SYSTEM RESERVOIR WAS OVER FILLED AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS VERY RUST COLORED WITH NUMEROUS BLACK PARTICLES SUSPENDED IN THE FLUID NOT THE CLEAR OR TRANSLUCENT FLUID THAT WOULD INDICATE THE FLUID HAD BEEN PRESSURE FLUSHED, I CALLED BOB THOMAS LINCOLN AND GOT THE BIG RUN AROUND.
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2021-04-23
- VIN: 3LNHM26126R
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: DASHBOARD ON VEHICLE IS WARPED DEFROSTER VENT IS OUT WINDSHIELD DOES NOT DEFROST PROPERLY OBSTRUCTS VISION WHILE DRIVING
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-28
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-16
- VIN: 3LNHM26196R
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MANUFAC RECALL #19S54 NHTA RECCALL #19V904 MASTER CYLINDER VALVE. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET AND FIRST INFORMATION WAS THAT IT WAS EXPECTED TO BE DONE IN LATE 2020 NOW 3RD MONTH IN2021. WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME FOR REPAIRS AT THIS DATE. IS THERE PROGRESS BEING MADE? AT THIS TIME BRAKES ARE WORKING OK
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-27
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-16
- VIN: 3LNHM26196R
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE AN EMAIL SAYING MY CAR HAS A POSSIBLE DRIVER AIR BAG DEFECT.GIVE MORE INFORMATION PLEASE
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-28
- Date Complaint: 2021-02-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3LNHM26146R
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I CAME TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF A GROCERY STOREAND APPLIED THE BRAKE BEFORE TURNING THE CAR OFF. THE NEXT THING I K NEW THE CAR WAS HEADED TOWARD WALL. THE CAR HIT THE WALL B WITH FORCE THAT EMPLOYED MY AIR BAG.AND DAMAGED THE FRONT OF MY CAR. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY INCIDENT I HAVE HAD WITH THE BRAKES . I ALWAYS TRY TO DRIVE A CAR LENGTH FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME FOR FEAR OF THE BRAKES MALFUNCTING....
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-02-01
- VIN: 3LNHM26136R
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE AN AIRBAG LIGHT THAT COMES ON IN THIS CAR, THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE EXTENDED COVERAGE FROM WHEN THEY REPLACED IT THE FIRST TIME UNDER WARRANTY FOR 1ST RECALL, DEALER TRYING TO SAY I MIGHT HAVE TO PAY TO DIAG IT BECAUSE IT COULD BE UNRELATED, BUT ALSO I JUST READ AN ARTICLE DATED 1/22/2021 STATING THERE IS ANOTHER AIRBAG RECALL FOR 2006 ZEPYHR BUT MY VIN ISNT SHOWING UP. HTTPS://WWW.CARANDDRIVER.COM/NEWS/A35283747/FORD-AIRBAG-RECALL-3-MILLION/
Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-19
- Date Complaint: 2021-01-31
- VIN: 3LNHM26186R
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR HAS 82,000 MILES ON IT. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR SEEMS TO BE ACTING UP. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE NET, IT APPEARS THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE 04 WITH FORDS. IN ADDITION, THEY ARE ON THE 3RD GENERATION SENSOR. I WAS DRIVING NORMAL SPEEDS, THEN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, KILLING THE POWER TO THE ENGINE, PUT ME IN A PRECARIOUS SITUATION ON A 45 50 MILE AN HR ROAD. SINCE THIS KNOWN ISSUE SINCE 04, SEEMS LIKE FORD SHOULD REPLACE THIS. IT'S A 20 DOLLAR PART, RETAIL, BUT WITH THIS MOTOR, YOU HAVE TO BUY A TOTALLY REBUILT THROTTLE BODY FOR 200+. IT IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT CAN SLOW THE CAR RIGHT DOWN AS YOU ARE DRIVING. IF YOU SHUT THE MOTOR OFF, IT 'REPAIRS' ITSELF AND WORKS NORMALLY.
Latest 5 recalls Lincoln Zephyr
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Lincoln Zephyr.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lincoln Zephyr 2008
- Report Received Date: 2021-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
- Model: Lincoln Zephyr 2006
- Report Received Date: 2021-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
- Model: Lincoln Zephyr 2007
- Report Received Date: 2021-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
- Model: Lincoln Zephyr 2011
- Report Received Date: 2021-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
- Model: Lincoln Zephyr 2007
- Report Received Date: 2019-12-18
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.
- Consequence: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap. In addition, the HCU will be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition, replacing the HCU as necessary. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S54.
Are you having problems with your Lincoln Zephyr?
