2002 Lincoln LS

Routine

Owners filed 121 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the Lincoln LS years to avoid. Which Lincoln LS years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
80,000 milesMedian miles at failure

89 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Lincoln LS problems

24 of the 121 complaints (20%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags13
402
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine10
000
Suspension › Front9
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine7
100
Suspension6
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls5
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission5
000
Power Train · transmission5
000
Wheels4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes4
200

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Oct 11, 2022230,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving at 50-55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he stood on the brake pedal until the vehicle responded 8-10 minutes later. The vehicle speed was 120 MPH at the time the contact regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact shifted into neutral (N) and veered to the side of the road where the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact then shifted into park (P). However, the RPMs revved up to 5,000 MPH. The contact turned off the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 17, 2022GA

I have a 2002 lincoln LS v8 the passenger ball joint came loose and broke had it fixed driver side has now came loose and rattling

Traction Control System
Filed Jul 16, 2021103,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. The vin was not available.

Steering
Filed Jan 23, 2021188,000 milesOK

BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE FRACTURED, BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE FRACTURED AGAIN. THE STUD POST ITSELF CONTINUES TO FRACTURE ABOVE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING HOLE, DESPITE BOTH BALL JOINTS BEING REPLACED AND RETORQUED TO MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED TIGHTNESS.

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 6, 2020MD

MY DAUGHTER WAS A RESTRAINED DRIVER ON A HIGHWAY ---IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, MOVING ABOUT 55MPH. THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER BRAKED SUDDENLY AND WHEN MY DAUGHTER PUSHED ON THE BRAKE IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND SHE HAD NO BRAKES. SHE CLIPPED THAT CAR REAR END AND SWERVED RIGHT'HITTING A SECOND CAR AS SHE GOT TO THE SHOULDER. SHE SCRAPPED ALONG THE METAL RAIL FOR A DISTANCE AND THEN WENT OFF THE ROAD IN TO A GULLY AND HIT A POLE AND AN DIRT EMBANKMENT. BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE LIGHT POLE DID NOT LOOK DAMAGED, I THINK THE POLE MUST HAVE HAD A LARGE CEMENT BASE, BASED ON THE EXTENT AND SHAPE OF THE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS DID A GREAT JOB. SHE HAS A BAD SPRAIN ON HER ANKLE THAT SHE WAS TRYING TO BRAKE WITH AND SORE EVERYWHERE. A FAMILY MEMBER WORKS AT FORD . HE ASKED ME TO CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID SINCE BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED. I CHECKED THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY RESISTANCE. I CHECKED THE BRAKE RESERVOIR AND IT WAS FULL. MY FAMILY MEMBER TOLD ME TO SUBMIT THIS REPORT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 21, 201980,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OR UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.*PM*JB

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 16, 2019100,000 milesTX

'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 31, 201885,251 milesWA

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. WHEN I TURN THE KEY ON THE LIGHT COME ON THE DISPLAY.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 10, 2018IL

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON

Engine
Filed Jun 21, 201835 milesNE

WHEN I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES, MY 2002 LINCOLN LS WANTS TO OVERHEAT AND SHUT DOWN ON ME. I HAVE TO WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN AND THEN START IT UP AND PROCEED ON MY WAY.

Power Train
Filed Mar 14, 2018160,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 15, 2017FL

CADILAC CONVERTER RATTLE AND MAKE LOUD NOISES. IDLER STAY HIGH, IVE CHANGED IT THREE TIMES DEALER EVEN TRIED, BUT WANTS ME TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY ON OTHER IDEAS THEY HAVE OF WHAT THE PROBLEM IS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 13, 2017GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT THE FORCE OF THE CRASH INJURED THE CONTACTS NECK, FRACTURED HIS BACK IN TWO PLACES, AND FRACTURED HIS STERNUM. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE PAINS IN THE LOWER BACK AND BUTTOCKS DUE TO NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE TREATMENTS AND WAS MEDICATED DAILY BECAUSE OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A YARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THEY INVESTIGATED THE FAILURE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 4, 2017IL

DEALER SOLD ME A VEHICLE THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED AWAY. BIG RUST HOLES ON UNDERCARRIAGE

Power Train
Filed Dec 17, 2016GA

NO MATTER WHAT IS DONE THE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND EVERYTHING ERROR COMES UP AND CAR SHIFTS HARD AND SLIPS I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM SEEMS ALL OF THE LS CARS ARE DOING THE SAME THING.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 1, 2016207,000 milesKY

WHILE DRIVING DOWN PRESTON HWY I REAR ENDED A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AS I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME. POTENTIAL TOTALED CAR WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE YET THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. 207,000 MILES ON THE CAR.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 11, 201685,901 milesCA

2002 LINCOLN LS , AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON. HAVE HAD TO DRIVE CAR FOR 3 YRS LIKE THIS WHILE HAVING FEAR OF AIR BAG NOT WORKING IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. 3 MECHANICS HAVE TRIED TO FIX AND IT ONLY TURNS OFF FOR A FEW MIN.S AFTER THEY ATTEMPT A FIX WITH THE WIRING. THE MILEAGE THEN BEGAN ABOUT 80,007. ABOUT 1.5 YR AGO (MAY 2014) MY AC /HEATER CORE FLUID BEGAN LEAKING. IT WORSENED WHEN AC WAS TURNED HIGH, TOOK ABOUT 2 MONTHS BEFORE BURNING SMELL WAS CONTINUOUSLY COMING FROM ENGINE AFTER RUNNING AC AND FLUID WAS ALWAYS DRIPPING. 6 MONTHS (JAN 2016) AGO MY BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN FLUTTERING WHEN DEPRESSED. I HAD THE CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND BRAKES/ROTORS REPLACED. THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL FLUTTERS WHEN SLOWING FROM 30 MPH QUICKLY. MY LINCOLN LS MILEAGE IS 86,605

Air Bags
Filed Jun 14, 201673,000 milesVA

2002 LINCOLN LS , AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR FOR FEAR OF AIR BAG NOT WORKING IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS LINCOLN LS MILEAGE IS 73,503

Engine
Filed May 24, 2016212,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BALL JOINT WAS LOOSEN CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THREE MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 19, 2016200,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ALSO FAILED TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 5, 20152 milesWA

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WENT TO A STOP LIGHT STOPPED AND AS I PROCEEDED TO GO IT STARTED SOUNDING LIKE A BUS THE SOUND UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF A CAR AND IT WAS ACTING LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING I PULLED OVER TURN MY CAR OFF GOT BACK IN AND STARTED GOING AGAIN AND IT GOT LOUDER THE NOISE DID IT SOUNDED LIKE A BIG BUS AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING ME DRAGGING ME BACK LIKE AS IF I HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON OR SOMETHING BUT I DID NOT. THEN I STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING LIGHT OIL OR SOMETHING

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 8, 2015133,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS DEBRIS IN THE ROAD THAT CAUSED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS TO THE HEAD, FRACTURED RIBS, AND A BRUISED STERNUM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2015170,000 milesCA

THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER IT GETS TO 40 MPH FROM 5TH GEAR TO 4TH GEAR.

Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2015125,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Suspension
Filed Jan 23, 2015131,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRAILING ARM BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRAILING ARM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2014GA

NEED TO KNOW IF ACCIDENT TO THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 201487,000 milesMI

I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE 2004. NO ONE DRIVES IT BUT ME. THIS AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 YRS. OR MORE. IT STAYS ON AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THE AIRBAG CHIMES JUST KEEPS RIGHT ON CHIMING FOREVER. DOES THIS MEAN THAT I AM NOT PROTECTED BY MY AIR BAGS. THIS CAR HAS NEVER EVER EVEN BEEN IN A FENDER BENDER. NO ACCIDENTS, THAT I THOUGHT IS SUPPOSE TO TRIGGER THIS AIR BAG LIGHT TO STAY ON. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I AM IN DANGER, SO THAT I CAN STOP DRIVING MY GREAT GRAND KIDS AROUND IN THIS CAR. PLEASE LET ME KNOW REAL SOON. THIS CAR SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL FOR IT'S AIRBAG PROBLEM. DON'T LET ME OR MY GREATGRAND KIDS DIE BECAUSE OF THIS AIRBAG PROBLEM. I AM APPEALING TO YOU TO HELP BE GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2014128,749 milesWI

LINCOLN LS 3.9L V8 2002 DASHBOARD AIR BAG LIGHT HAS TURNED ON, AFTER ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION. NOW THE WARNING LIGHT / DIAGNOSTIC CODE FLASHES AT START-UP AND SHOWS THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY OR FAILED AND THE AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED. THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE MECHANIC, AS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MAKE/MODEL OF THE CAR. WHERE IS THE SAFETY RECALL FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS FOR THE LINCOLN LS 3.9L V8 2002? *TR

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 21, 2014100,018 milesMD

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON THE TRUMAN PARKWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS FAST AS IT WOULD GO. BRAKES FAILED AND CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. AFTER AVOIDING TO HIT 5 O6 CARS IT SIDE SWIPED ANOTHER CAR THEN VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CAME TO A STOP ON A WET GRASSY AREA. IN 2 PREVIOUS INCIDENTS THE ENGINE REVVED UP AT A RED LIGHT AND I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Oct 20, 2014100,018 milesMD

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON THE PARKWAY THE CAR ACCELORATED AS FAR AS IT WOULD GO, BRAKES FAILED AND CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND SIDE SWIPED ANOTHER CAR THEN WENT ON A GRASSY STRIP AND CAME TO A STOP.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 18, 2014175,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN INTERMITTENT FUEL LEAK AND A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 9, 2014161,000 milesTN

VEHICLE IN FIRESTONE, CHECKING WHY HEAT BLOWING COOL AIR, OVERHEATED TWICE SINCE THE REPAIRS CAR HAS OVERHEATED 5 TIMES, EVERY TIME RETURNED TO SHOP THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 8, 2013TX

THUD NOISE AND RATTLING COMING FROM FRONT OF CAR (FRONT WHEELS), WHEN GOING OVER EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BUMP. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 5, 2013110,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK CONSTANTLY AND WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BOTH FRONT LOWER BALLS JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jan 27, 2013127,000 milesNJ

VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHILE DECELERATING FROM APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WITH FOOT COMPLETELY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAR HAD DECELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. DRIVER SWERVED TO AVOID THE CAR STOPPED IN FRONT, BUT VEHICLE STRUCK THE OTHER CAR IN THE REAR. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 19, 2012120,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM FOURTH GEAR TO FIFTH GEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Electrical System › Software
Filed Apr 30, 201299,931 milesNH

THIS VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AND/OR NOT SHIFTING, IT SHIFTS BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW GEARS UNTIL IT STALLS, THIS TIME IT STALLED WHILE IN FRONT OF A LARGE TRACTOR TRAILER. IT STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING STEERING AND BRAKES NEARLY CAUSING A CRASH. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND COULD DO NOTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE AS IT IS A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER. *JS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 8, 201180,000 milesND

(02) LINCOLN LS ISSUES. (110,000 MILES CURRENTLY) FORD/LINCOLN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS PRODUCT. THE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS FROM MANY CUSTOMERS AROUND THE COUNTRY IS SIMPLY AMAZING. FOR FORD TO NOT SEND OUT RECALLS ON THE LS IS SIMPLY A LACK OF PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS. THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ARE NOT ISOLATED TO MYSELF BUT RATHER BY THOUSANDS AROUND THE COUNTRY. - CLOCK SPRING REPLACED 2 TIMES. $600 EACH - TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, UNFIXED AT THIS POINT. WILL COST $3,000 + - WINDOW MODS REPLACED 4 TIMES. $400 EACH TIME - ENGINE COILS BAD. $600 FIX, AND STILL DOESN'T RUN RIGHT. - THERMOSTAT ISSUES. REPLACED ONCE FOR $300 AND DOING IT AGAIN. - BOTH FRONT INSIDE DOOR HANDLES REPLACED. $400 EACH TIME. THESE WERE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO FAIL AFTER TIME AFTER SEEING THEM! - LOUD "CLUNKING" COMING FROM FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. LOOKED AT WITH NO ANSWER WHY. - CAR HAS SHUT DOWN ELECTRICALLY DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE MULTIPLE TIMES ONLY TO START UP AFTER SITTING A WHILE. VERY DANGEROUS DUE TO LOSING POWER STEERING. NO ANSWER TO WHY. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 28, 201190,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUTS, LOCK ARMS AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE LEFT FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEELS BEGAN TO SHAKE WHENEVER HE DROVE OVER A BUMP. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BALL JOINT CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed May 11, 201195,000 milesDE

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. THEN I FELT THE CAR GO OUT OF CONTROL AND I MANAGED TO SAFELY GET THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER. MY PASSENGER DOOR SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR MY TIRE WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY OF THE RIM. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW AXLE, WHEEL BEARING, CONTROL ARM, ROTOR, RIM AND TIRE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THEY REALIZED THE RIM WENT THROUGH THE UNDERSIDE OF TRUNK AND DAMAGED BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THEY ESTIMATED IT WOULD COST ABOUT $3,000 TO FIX NOT INCLUDING THE BODY DAMAGE. I JUST REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL ARM IN FEB. 2011. I HAVE REPLACED ENGINE COILS AND VALVE COVERS NUMEROUS TIMES.

Traction Control System
Filed Feb 16, 201176,000 milesID

TOOK MY 2002 LINCOLN INTO DEALER TO SEE WHY I WAS SMELLING HOT ENGINE OIL THEY TOLD ME THE VALVE COVER GASKETS LEAK ON BOTH SIDES OF ENGINE. ASKED WHY BOTH THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT AND OCCASIONALLY BRAKE LIKE STAY ON WHILE OPERATING THE CAR, WAS TOLD THE SENSOR WAS BAD AND NEEDED REPLACED. UPON INSPECTION THEY FOUND THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE WAS LEAKING. MY CAR HAS ONLY APPROX. 80,000 MILES ON IT. I FEEL THAT THE LEAKING OIL COULD CAUSE A FIRE DUE TO THE GASKETS LEAKING AND WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THE TRANSMISSION OIL DUMPED WHILE OPERATING, COULD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHILE OPERATING ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 14, 2011100,000 milesKY

I OWN A 2002 LINCOLN LS V8. IN OCTOBER 2009, I HEARD A LOAD NOISE IN THE TIRE AREA AND FINALLY THE SUSPENSION AND BALL AND JOINTS AND LOWER ARM CONTROL HAD BROKE IT COST ME ABOUT $800. AND NOW THE OTHER SIDE IS MAKING THE SAME NOISE. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR? WHERE CAN I GET TO CHECK THIS? WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS MATTER I DON'T KNOW? THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED ONLINE BY OTHERS TOO. *TR

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Jan 31, 201195,947 milesCA

WELL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEXT TO ME. I WAS SHOCKED BY THE LOUDNESS AND I JUST SORT OF SAT THERE IN A DAZE AND AS I LOOKED OVER I NOTICED WHITE DUST EVERYWHERE COMPLETELY FILLING THE CAB OF MY CAR. I WAS DRIVING SO I HAD TO SPLIT MY ATTENTION BETWEEN THE ROAD AND THIS EXPLOSION NEXT TO ME. JUST AS I BEGAN TO COME AROUND TO MY FULL SENSES I NOTICED I WAS PARTIALLY DEAF IN ONE EAR FROM THE BLAST AND ALSO SOMEWHAT BLINDED BY THE AMOUNT OF SMOKE AND POWDER WHICH FILLED THE CAB. I REALIZED THAT THE BEST THING WOULD BE TO PULL OVER SINCE MY INITIAL REACTION TO THE BLAST WAS THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I COULDN'T GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY SINCE I WAS IN THE FAST LANE. I OPENED THE SUNROOF AND THIS ALLOWED MOST OF THE POWDER AND SMOKE TO ESCAPE FROM THE TOP OF THE CAR. FINALLY WITH SOME OF THE SMOKE CLEARED I WAS ABLE TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD AND ALSO DO A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE BLAST WHICH HAD JUST OCCURRED IN MY VEHICLE WITH ME IN IT WHILE I'M DRIVING. I SAW THE CAUSE OF THE BLAST WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED. I SAW HOW THE WHOLE SEAT HAD BEEN SHIFTED BY THE BLAST AND HOW THE SEAT ITSELF HAD BEEN COMPLETELY DESTROYED. WHAT I SAW WAS THE CANVAS COLORED BAG RELEASING A WHITER POWDER LIKE A VOLCANO AS THE PRESSURE ESCAPED FROM THE BAG TO DEFLATE. I STILL HAVE A SLIGHT RINGING IN MY EARS. I HOPE THE RINGING GOES AWAY SOON. MY PASSENGER SEAT IS DESTROYED AND I HAVE ABSO

Suspension
Filed Dec 1, 2010100,000 milesMO

BALL JOINT FAILURE. MY CAR WAS BUILT IN MARCH OF 2002 AND THEY REDESIGNED IT IN APRIL TO A LARGER BALL JOINT WHICH I LEARNED BY TALKING TO A MECHANIC AT THE LINCOLN DEALER. HE SAID THAT HE FIXES A LOT OF THEM BUILT MARCH AND BEFORE BUT HAD NEVER HAD TO FIX A POST MARCH 2002 CAR. I ASKED IF HE HAD EVER UPGRADED IT TO THE NEW DESIGN HE SAID NO, I ASKED IF IT WAS POSSIBLE HE SAID PROBABLY. I TOOK THE CONTROL ARM OFF THE CAR PAID A MACHINE SHOP $25 TO MACHINE IT OUT FROM 14MM THE OLD ORIGINAL SIZE TO 16MM THE NEW REDESIGNED SIZE THAT LINCOLN WAS PUTTING IN IT AFTER APRIL AND BOUGHT AND INSTALLED A 16MM JOINT AND THAT'S ALL THERE WAS TO IT. ALL IN ALL IT ONLY TOOK A FEW HOURS (DEPENDING ON THE MACHINE SHOP) AND NO SPECIAL TOOLS. IF YOU HAVE ANY MECHANICAL ABILITY YOU CAN DO THIS JOB IN YOUR DRIVEWAY, I DID. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 4, 201088,000 milesMI

STEERING LOSS DUE TO BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM FAILURE FOR THE SECOND TIME. PARTS WERE REPAIRED. VIN NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Sep 11, 201025,000 milesVA

MY CAR HAS NUMEROUS PARTS THAT TEAR UP REPEATEDLY, WITHIN A 6 MONTHS TIME. VALVE COVER GASKET HAD REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A 6 MONTHS TIME. THE COIL PACKS GO UP VERY OFTEN. I HAD PANEL BUTTONS JUST TEAR UP FOR NO REASON THREE TIMES! WHEEL CAPS REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. OVERHEATING ISSUES, DOOR LOCKING ISSUES, BATTERY REPLACED TWICE WITHIN 2 YEARS TIME. AC ISSUES, (I NEVER USED MY AC..AT ALL) . THIS CAR HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS ON THE T.S.BULLETIN. I CONTACTED FORD IN REFERENCE TO THE MULTIPLE ISSUES I WAS HAVING WITH THE CAR, THE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES TOLD ME TO TAKE THE COMPLAINT TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WHICH I HAD BEEN DEALING WITH. THEN THEY SAID LINCOLN IS AN INDEPENDENT OWNED ESTABLISHMENT SO I AM TOTALLY CONFUSED BY THIS WHOLE ORDEAL, THEY KNOW THAT THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OUT OF THAT CAR. AND THEY REFUSE TO RECALL SOME OF THOSE (AS I WOULD SAY) HAZARDOUS ISSUES. I WAS AT THE DEALER 2 WEEKS AGO, I WAS CONVERSING WITH A REP. AT THE DEALERSHIP AND HE WAS TELLING ME HOW THE LINCOLN LS WAS THEIR MOST PROBLEM VEHICLE, AND CASH MAKER FOR REPAIRS. (OH BY THE WAY.......I RESEARCHED TO FIND THIS SITE. TO ANSWER THE QUESTION IN THE CONSUMER SECTION). *TR

Equipment
Filed Jun 8, 201038,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE GARAGE FOR ROUTINE TIRE MAINTENANCE, HE WAS INFORMED THE WRENCH THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WAS THE WRONG SIZE THE GARAGE USED A TWENTY INCH WRENCH TO BE ABLE TO ADJUST THE SCREWS. THE CONTACT STATED IF HE EXPERIENCES A TIRE FAILURE HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE TIRE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 08/24/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/25/10*JB THE VEHICLE CAME WITH AN 18 MM LUG NIT WRENCH. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE GARAGE FOR TIRE MAINTENANCE, THE 18MM LUG NUT WRENCH THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT FIT. THE MECHANIC HAD TO USE A 19MM WRENCH. UPDATED 08/26/10.*JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed May 20, 2010110,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

Wheels
Filed Mar 13, 201080,000 milesMI

ALL FOUR 17 INCH CHROME WHEELS ARE CRACKED AT THE LUG NUTS ON MY 2002 LINCOLN LS (STRANGELY SIMILAR TO RECALL NOTICE 03V136000). EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE WHEELS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 8, 201097,100 milesFL

IN RESEARCHING WHETHER OR NOT A RECALL CURRENTLY EXISTED, I LOCATED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FROM ANOTHER CONSUMER WHO SEEM TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS: THE VEHICLE EMISSIONS SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT APPEARED ON DISPLAY. THE VEHICLE HESITATES (JERKS SLIGHTLY) AT SPEEDS UP TO 60 MPH, CARS ALSO KILLS RANDOMLY WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I HAVE MADE EFFORTS TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS (FUEL INJECTIONS) DO NOT CURRENTLY EXIST DUE TO THE COMPANY WHO MADE THE PARTS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST OR KEEP CHECKING PERIODICALLY WITH THE DEALERSHIPS. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 121, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200618000Routine
200590100Routine
200491010Routine
200368100Routine
2002 — this page121000Routine
2001240111Fatalities reported
2000354111Fatalities reported

Compare every LS year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.