2001 Lincoln LS Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Lincoln LS, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension11036.2%
- Airbags3310.9%
- Engine3110.2%
- Visibility165.3%
- Electrical154.9%
- Steering144.6%
- Other / unspecified134.3%
- Brakes134.3%
- Driver assistance113.6%
- Body & structure113.6%
- Transmission93.0%
- Interior & seats82.6%
- Exterior lighting62.0%
- Powertrain (other)51.6%
- Seat belts31.0%
- Fuel system20.7%
- Heating & air conditioning20.7%
- Tires & wheels20.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and the contact noticed the front passenger side tire had separated from the joint. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing a similar failure as NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V359001 (Suspension). The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not under any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V359001 (Suspension) and advised that contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 114,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the front suspension ball joint detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V359001 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE NEEDS CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT AS AIRBAGS CURRENTLY WILL NOT INFLATE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
ON TWO OCCASIONS MY CAR SUSPENSION HAD FAILED. I AM JUST LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY OR I COULD HAVE BEEN FATALLY WOUNDED. I CAN NOT BELIEVE I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICES ABOUT THE SUSPENSION RECALL. THE FIRST INSTANCE I WAS DRIVING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR COMPLETELY DROPPED DOWN ON THE TIRES AND COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND INSTANCE I WAS DRIVING AND THE SUSPENSION FELL ON A REGULAR ROAD NOT A FAST HIGHWAY. IT HAD COST ME $250.00 TO HAVE IT TOWED BOTH TIMES BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE MOVED BY DRIVING. IN ADDITION THE SECOND FAILURE COST ME $175.00 BECAUSE THE FRONT TIRES WERE RUINED. FOR THE REPAIR WORK ON BOTH INSTANCES COST ME $125.00 EACH TIME TOTALING ANOTHER $250.00 . SO BECAUSE OF SOMEONE'S FAILURE TO TIGHTEN NUTS IT COST ME $675.00 , AND NOT TO MENTION THE RISK OF LOSING MY LIFE. TERRIFYING TO SAY THE LEAST.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTIFREEZE RESERVOIR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,999.
THE PLASTIC TENSIONERS THAT THE MANUFACTURER PUT IN BROKE CAUSING A HUGE ENGINE MISFIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD THESE PLASTIC TENSIONERS BUT A RECALL SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED AS IT APPEARS SOMEONE KNEW ABOUT THIS SINCE MANUFACTURER CAME UP WITH GENERATION II AND GENERATION III AND THESE ADDED GENERATIONS, ARE MADE OF METAL WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN PLACED WHEN THEY FIRST BUILT THE ENGINE. AWESOME ENGINE, LOUSY TENSIONERS THAT AT HIGH SPEEDS, COULD HAVE CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND PERHAPS GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT OR KILLED MYSELF OR KILL SOME ONE ELSE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE TENSIONERS. I AM ABOUT TO SPEND 1,500 TOP REPLACE THEM. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISE WHILE RIDING ON HWY 85 AND I PULLED OVER OFF ON AN EXIT AND THE CAR STOP WOULD NOT CRANK. IT ONLY HAPPEN THIS ONE TIME. IT HAD TO BE TOWED. I HAD TO BUY A NEW ENGINE. MY LINCOLN LS ONLY HAS 108,000 MILES ON IT. MY CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND I TOOK THE CAR FOR INSPECTION. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILURE SEEMED TO BE REMEDIED HOWEVER , THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO BACKFIRE AND DRIVE ABNORMALLY ROUGH ,,IN ADDITION , THE ENGINE WOULD EXHIBIT ABNORMAL NOISES AND AN OVERPOWERING OIL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS IN FORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET AND COIL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRANT MILEAGE WAS108,000. THE POWER WINDOWS HAVE FAILED TWO TIMES AND THE PAINT IS PEELING. I BOUGHT THIS LINCOLN LS BECAUSE I NEW IT WAS A GOOD CAR BUYING IT FROM THE FORD & MERCURY DEALER . I M SAD TO SAY THEY HAVE LET ME DOWN AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE PAYING DOUBLE FOR IT. I AM A PERSON WHO BELIEVE IN TAKING CARE OF WHAT I LIVE TO PAY FOR. I ALWAYS KEEP UP WITH OIL CHANGING AND KEEPING A CLEAN CAR . I HAVE OVER PAID MORE THAN WHAT THIS 2001 LS LINCOLN IS WORTH. I AM SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT NOT BUYING ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AGAIN.THE COST OF AN NEW ENGINE AND OTHER REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET REPAIRS COST ME OVER $7000.00 IN CASH ADDED ON TO MY CAR BEING PAID OFF. I PAID $ 23000.00 AND MAID MY PAYMENTS ON TIME . THANK YOU FOR YOUR SINCERE CONCERN. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN TO DECELERATE, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A GRINDING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL HUB/AXLE BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65000. UPDATED 5/12/10 *CN THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/14/10.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 01 LINCOLN LS 3.9 V8 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AT 11:30 PM. BY THE TIME IT WAS NOTICED, THE ENTIRE FRONT HALF WAS ENGULFED. IT EXPLODED ABOUT 3 TIMES (POSSIBLY THE AIRBAGS EXPLODING). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT REACHED THE FUEL TANK. I HAD DRIVEN IT AROUND AN HOUR BEFORE. THE MOST DAMAGE WAS NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT OF CAR NEAR WHERE THE HEADLIGHT AND AIR FILTER WERE LOCATED. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAD NOT BURNED AS INTENSE AS THE DRIVER SIDE. (THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT OF THE HOOD HAD COMPLETELY BURNED AWAY..) THE FIRE DEPT SAID IT POSSIBLY STARTED IN THE ENGINE BUT THE FIRE HAD BURNED SO MUCH THAT THEY COULD NOT BE SURE. NO INVESTIGATION SINCE I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE 2008 AND HAVE NOTICED DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME INCREASING, INDICATOR LIGHTS RANDOMLY COMING ON/OFF (ATC, ABS, AIR BAG, ECT). ABOUT ONE MONTH BEFORE FIRE THE CAR WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH NOT STARTING AND RANDOMLY DYING AS I WAS DRIVING. THE BATTERY WAS TESTED AND WAS NOT THE ISSUE. I LOVED MY CAR BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS EVER FREE OF ISSUES. (WINDOW REGULATORS/CLIPS REPLACED EACH WINDOW TWICE, OIL IN CYLINDERS-REPLACED ALL CYLINDERS/COILS/ECT TWICE, CAR WOULD LOSE POWER/HESITATE OVER 40MPH, GAS PEDAL WOULD GET STUCK IF PRESSED TO QUICKLY CAUSING RPMS TO SURGE BUT CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 25-30 MPH AND WOULD BE EXTREMELY HARD TO STOP (IT WOULD SURGE FORWARD AND I WOULD HAVE TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO KEEP IT FROM HITTING WHATEVER WAS IN FRONT OF IT) I WOULD TEMP FIX THIS ISSUE BY FLICKING THE IDLE CONTROL LEVER (WHICH I NOTICED ONE OF THE "E CLIPS" HAD COME OFF OF ONE OF THE ARMS) NEAR THE THROTTLE BODY (WHICH WOULD ALSO GET STUCK OPEN/CLOSED AND HAVE TO BE CLEANED ON REG BASIS.) MANY MORE ISSUES NOT LISTED HERE... BEAUTIFUL CAR BUT DEFINITELY A LEMON... *JS
THE ELECTRICAL COILS IN THE 2001 LINCOLN LS ARE A MAJOR EXPENSE IMPOSED UPON THE OWNER. THESE COILD ARE OVER 280.00 TO REPLACE AND USUALLY AFTER REPLACING ONE ANOTHER SOON GOES OUT OR GOES OUT ON THE SAME DAY AS THE REPLACED COIL. ALLL OF THE MECHANICS AT LINCOLN ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SAID ITS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE REPLACED 4 OF THE 8 AS TODAY AND WILL BE REPLACING ANOTHER ONE THIS WEEK. I THINK CONSUMERS MUST BE MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM IN THE MARKET FOR PURCHASING A NEW CAR AND I MUS SAY, "BUYER BEWARE OF LINCOLN-MERCURY. HATS OFF TO CHRYLSLER, THE DEALER OF ALL OF MY PREVIOUS CARS. I HAD NO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH NONE OF THE 3 CARS I PURCHASED FROM THEM. I JUST CANNOT BELIEVE RTHIS IS HAPPENING TO ME AND I AM SURE SO MANY OTHER CONSUMERS OF THIS VERY PRETTY CAR THAT'S A LEMON!. *AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
NOTICE THE STEERING WAS LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AND FELT INHIBITED WHEN I DROVE. *TR
WE OWN A 2001 LINCOLN L.S.. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN IN A CURVE LAST NIGHT I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND COME FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION. INSTANTLY THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END DROPPED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. SNATCHED THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE LEFT OUT OF MY HANDS CAUSING ME TO CROSS OPPOSING TRAFFIC INTO A DITCH SLIDING INTO THE FRONT OF A CONCRETE PIPE LEADING UNDER THE STREET. WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES IN THE GRASS CAR SMASHED INTO THE EDGE OF THE CONCRETE PIPE. HAD CAR BROUGHT TO OUR HOME. JACKED UP DRIVERS SIDE FRONT THIS MORNING AND FOUND THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAD CAME OUT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IT IS BUSTED AS WELL AS THE TIRE, RIM, FRONT STEEL CROSS MEMBER THAT MOUNTS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS BENT. WIPED OUT THE OIL PAN CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO LEAK OUT ALSO DAMAGING THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT WHICH IS ALUMINUM. PLUS BUSTING THE FRONT BUMPER COVER/ LOWER AIR DAM. DRIVING LIGHTS. CANNOT FIND IF OUR CAR WAS RECALLED AND FIXED PER YOUR RECALL CONCERNING IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED LOWER BALL JOINTS. UNABLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY NORTH AMERICA. NOW WE ARE WITHOUT A CAR TO GET TO WORK. NOW WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO PROCEED. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO ON COMING CARS AVOIDING A HEAD ON CRASH. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR WHICH MY CHILDREN RIDE IN. LOOKED AT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT AND IT LOOKS TO BE COMING OUT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AS WELL. CAR IS IN DRIVE WAY WITH BOTH FRONT TIRES REMOVED SITTING ON JACK STANDS. *LN
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE, AIR BAG, AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AND HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V359001 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR, AFTER DRIVING HOME FROM WORK (APPROX. 70 MILES ROUND-TRIP). WHILE TURNING I HEARD A LOUD CRUNCH AND THEN FELT A HARD THUD, MY VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER, FELT ANOTHER CRUNCH. I PULLED INTO A PARKING STALL, AFTER PARKING MY VEHICLE, ANOTHER LOUD CRUNCH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HAD FALLEN OFF AND WAS WEDGED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. ON MARCH 12TH, 2012 MY REPAIR FACILITY INFORMED ME ABOUT THE ITEMS THAT NEED REPLACED: UPPER AND LOWER LEFT FRONT BALL JOINTS, FRONT OUTER TIER ROD ENDS, NEW FUEL FILTER- DAMAGED IN THE INCIDENT, TWO NEW TIRES & AN ALIGNMENT. I REALIZED HOW LUCKY I WAS THAT THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I CONDUCTED GOOGLE SEARCH ON 2001 LINCOLN LS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, I WAS STUNNED ON THE AMOUNT OF SAFETY RELATED HITS OUT THERE (SUSPENSION RELATED), I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS NOT ISOLATED TO JUST MY VEHICLE, THERE WERE PAGES-OF-PAGES OF PEOPLE THAT EXPERIENCED SIMILAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2001 LINCOLNS. THERE WAS A SUSPENSION RELATED RECALL: LINCOLN / LS 2000-2001, FORD MOTOR COMPANY, DATE: NOV 01, 2000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V359001 N/A NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A COMPONENT: SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT, NUMBER OF AFFECTED: 82,300 SUMMARY: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. CONSEQUENCE: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE, AIR BAG, AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AND HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V359001 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
THIS CAR HAS HAD EIGHT INCIDENTS IN TWO YEARS OF COIL PACKS FAILING. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, IE (BRAKES, AIR CONDITIONING ELECTRONICS...) FORD CAN'T GET THE COIL PROBLEMS FIXED. *JB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 2001 LINCOLN MERCURY LS V-8 WITH 72,678 MILES ON THE ODOMETER .. FREQUENTLY (WITHIN THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS) I HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN AND UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AROUND TOWN IN THE 25-45 MPH SPEED RANGE. HITTING THE BRAKES FAILS TO OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATION. THE ONLY SOLUTION TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT OR TO SLOW THE VEHICLE IS TO THROW THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL AND CLEAR THE ACCELERATION WITH A HARD PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR WHILE THE CAR IS NEUTRAL. THE OTHER REMEDY IS TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION WHILE IN TRAFFIC. NEITHER ONE OF THESE SOLUTIONS IS ACCEPTABLE AND FORD/LM DENIES THAT THIS ISSUE EXISTS ON ANY OF THEIR VEHICLES DATING BACK 10-15 YEARS. MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS A 2000 CROWN VICTORIA AND I EXPERIENCED THE VERY SAME ISSUE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD EXCEEDED 60,000 MILES. FORD/LM IS WELL ARE OF THESE ISSUES AND HAS FAILED TO PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE THEM FOR FEAR OF LIABILITY AND THE COST TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT AN OWNER SHOULD DO IN THIS SITUATION. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAS RECENTLY BEEN FILED AGAINST FORD/LM ON BEHALF OF OWNERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. IN THE MEAN TIME THE COMPANY FAILS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER A GOVERNMENT ORDERED RECALL OR WARRANTY. *TR
AFTER BACKING UP, STOPPING AND PLACING VEHICLE INTO THE "D" POSITION. VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. BRAKE APPLICATION DID NOTHING TO SLOW VEHICLE UNTIL WITHIN SECOND AND FEW HUNDRED FEET, VEHICLE CAME TO REST INTO A TREE. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, INJURIES INCURRED. ALTHOUGH THIS WAS A '01 LINCOLN, FORD CAME OUT WITH RECALL ON '01 ESCAPE WITH IDENTICAL ISSUE TWO DAYS AFTER THIS CRASH, BLAMING THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTIFREEZE RESERVOIR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,999.
DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM OUT SIDE THE CAR CAN BE OPENED FROM CABIN SIDE. PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM OUT SIDE THE CAR OR FROM CABIN SIDE. FAILURE OCCURED IN EARLY JANUARY 2016. PRESENTS UNSAFE INCONVIENENT SPACE FOR PASSENGERS IF USED. OCCRED PARKED IN DRIVE WAY.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 LS LINCOLN TRANSMISSION I BELIEVE MY LINCOLN LS IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DO TO THE FACT THAT THE SHIFTING IS ERRATIC. THIS CAR HAS ACTUALLY CUT OUT ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY ALL LIGHTS POWER STEERING EVERYTHING AND GAVE ME AN ERROR MESSAGE. THE MESSAGE STATED GEAR SHIFTING ERROR. I BOUGHT AN AUTOMATIC TO ELEVATE MY BAD SHIFTING AND NOW MY AUTOMATIC DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO SHIFT GEARS C'MON!!!!!!MY DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WHY ARE THEY REGISTERED AS A LINCOLN DEALER IF THEY CANT FIX LINCOLNS. THIS CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN OUR DAUGHTER DROVE IT ON WET ROADS. THIS ALSO CAUSED MY WIFE TO LOOSE CONTROL ON A SNOW COVERED HIGHWAY. VERY LUCKY IT STOPPED AND SHE REGAINED CONTROL. I PERSONALLY THOUGHT IT CANT DO SUCH A THING BUT IT ALSO DONE IT TO ME ON DRY PAVEMENT AND CAN REALIZED HOW BAD IT CAN BE ON WET OR SNOW CONDITIONS. *TR
MY 2001 LINCOLN LS HESITATES WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO SECOND, SOMETIMES IT EVEN SHAKES. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELTS MADE POPPING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND FROZE UP. NOT ABLE TO PULL DOWN. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. BOTH HAPPENED WITHIN DAYS OF EACH OTHER
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. ALSO, THE SEAT MEMORY LOCK THAT SETS THE PREFERRED SEATING POSITION OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FAILED. THE MEMORY LOCK WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. ON 08/22/06, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT BOTH PROBLEMS WERE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND EXPRESSED THAT A SOLUTION WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE. ALL REGULATORS ON VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS, AND NOW ONE OF THOSE REPLACED PREVIOUSLY IS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AGAIN. FAILURE RENDERS WINDOW COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT HEADLAMPS CONTINUE TO BUILD UP MOISTURE/CONDENSATION IN THEM. THESE ITEM HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST TWICE IN THE LAST 3 YEARS AND ARE IN NEED OF REPLACE YET AGAIN. *NM
WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. BOTH FEET WERE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN. *AK THE TIRES WERE SPINNING WHILE THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. MECHANIC CHECKED FOR PEDAL BINDING AND RAN ALL SELF TEST. THERE WERE NO TROUBLE CODES STORED IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED IN WARM AND COLD CONDITIONS. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP HAD WATER INSIDE IT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. *PH *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 01 LINCOLN LS 3.9 V8 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AT 11:30 PM. BY THE TIME IT WAS NOTICED, THE ENTIRE FRONT HALF WAS ENGULFED. IT EXPLODED ABOUT 3 TIMES (POSSIBLY THE AIRBAGS EXPLODING). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT REACHED THE FUEL TANK. I HAD DRIVEN IT AROUND AN HOUR BEFORE. THE MOST DAMAGE WAS NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT OF CAR NEAR WHERE THE HEADLIGHT AND AIR FILTER WERE LOCATED. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAD NOT BURNED AS INTENSE AS THE DRIVER SIDE. (THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT OF THE HOOD HAD COMPLETELY BURNED AWAY..) THE FIRE DEPT SAID IT POSSIBLY STARTED IN THE ENGINE BUT THE FIRE HAD BURNED SO MUCH THAT THEY COULD NOT BE SURE. NO INVESTIGATION SINCE I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE 2008 AND HAVE NOTICED DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME INCREASING, INDICATOR LIGHTS RANDOMLY COMING ON/OFF (ATC, ABS, AIR BAG, ECT). ABOUT ONE MONTH BEFORE FIRE THE CAR WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH NOT STARTING AND RANDOMLY DYING AS I WAS DRIVING. THE BATTERY WAS TESTED AND WAS NOT THE ISSUE. I LOVED MY CAR BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS EVER FREE OF ISSUES. (WINDOW REGULATORS/CLIPS REPLACED EACH WINDOW TWICE, OIL IN CYLINDERS-REPLACED ALL CYLINDERS/COILS/ECT TWICE, CAR WOULD LOSE POWER/HESITATE OVER 40MPH, GAS PEDAL WOULD GET STUCK IF PRESSED TO QUICKLY CAUSING RPMS TO SURGE BUT CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 25-30 MPH AND WOULD BE EXTREMELY HARD TO STOP (IT WOULD SURGE FORWARD AND I WOULD HAVE TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO KEEP IT FROM HITTING WHATEVER WAS IN FRONT OF IT) I WOULD TEMP FIX THIS ISSUE BY FLICKING THE IDLE CONTROL LEVER (WHICH I NOTICED ONE OF THE "E CLIPS" HAD COME OFF OF ONE OF THE ARMS) NEAR THE THROTTLE BODY (WHICH WOULD ALSO GET STUCK OPEN/CLOSED AND HAVE TO BE CLEANED ON REG BASIS.) MANY MORE ISSUES NOT LISTED HERE... BEAUTIFUL CAR BUT DEFINITELY A LEMON... *JS
CAR TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. NOW ONLY DRIVE AND REVERSE WORK, SO THE CAR STARTS OFF IN DRIVE AND ACCELERATES VERY SLOWLY. DOES NOT SHIFT TO OVERDRIVE OR DOWNSHIFT TO LOWER GEARS. REPLACED SOLENOID BLOCK FOR $400 AND HAVE IT IN TRANSMISSION SHOP NOW. MECHANIC CLEARS CODES, AND ALL FAILURE CODES THEN REAPPEAR THE MOMENT THE ENGINE IS STARTED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE SEAT BELTS SEIZED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
WHILE DRIVING THE HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. *NLM THE SEAT BELTS WOULD BIND AND DID NOT RETRACT, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED (ACROSS) DUE TO STRESS AND WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE LOCK SYSTEM WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE FRONT HEADLAMP WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO CONDENSATION, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM FAILED AND WAS REPLACED AS WELL. *SCC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. OWNER WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD, AND A PUFF OF SMOKE THAT SMELLED LIKE FIRE WORKS CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DISCOVERED A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND 4 FUEL INJECTOR WAS NOT WORKING. *AK *NM
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES STALLING AND AT TIMES WILL NOT START, DEALER CAN NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR HAS HAD EIGHT INCIDENTS IN TWO YEARS OF COIL PACKS FAILING. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, IE (BRAKES, AIR CONDITIONING ELECTRONICS...) FORD CAN'T GET THE COIL PROBLEMS FIXED. *JB
AIR CONDITIONER WILL INTERMITTENTLY START BLOWING HOT AIR ON PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE DUAL CONTROL AIR. AFTER YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF OVER NIGHT (OR LONG PERIOD TIME) THE AIR WILL WORK AGAIN AND THEN 20 TO 40 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE IT WILL START BLOWING HOT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS NOT AS COOL AS IT SHOULD BE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO THE FORD DEALER OVER 5 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT FIXED IT. I GET IT BACK AND THEY THINK THEY HAVE FIXED IT, BUT 2 OR 3 DAYS LATER IT WILL BREAK AGAIN. THEY HAVE CHARGED THE AC & REPLACED THE MAIN CONTROLS IN THE CAB OF THE CAR. MY WARRANTY RUNS OUT IN 500 MILES! *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY MICHELIN PILOT SPORT MS TIRE 235/45Z/R17 DEVELOPED A BUBBLE ON THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE AND LEAKED AIR. THE TIRE WAS USED UNDER A NORMAL COMUTING ROUTINE AND NEVER PLACED UNDER ANY UNUSUAL STRESS OR ROAD CONDITIONS. IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RECALL OF 255/35ZR20 97Y EXTRA LOAD. I BELIEVE THE 235/45Z/R17 SPORT MS IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AS IT HAS THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS. THE OLD TIRE WAS LEFT AT THE TIRE DEALER AND WAS DISPOSED. A LETTER FROM THE DEALER CONFIRMING THIS CONDITION IS POSSIBLE. *NM
OVER THE PAST 13 MONTHS, WE HAD HAD A TOTAL OF SIX VERY LOW OR FLAT TIRES, INCLUDING ONE BLOWOUT ON AN INTERSTATE. NO DEFECTS WERE FOUND IN THE TIRES (PUNCTURES). WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BLOWOUT, ALL TIRES WERE ABLE TO BE REINFLATED. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TWO SOURCES (A FORD DEALERSHIP AND A TIRE DEALERSHIP) THAT THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH ALLOY WHEELS THAT CAUSES THE TIRE SEAL TO BREAK. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INJURIES TO-DATE, BUT THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH THIS IS HAPPENING IS A CONCERN. THE LAST FLAT TIRE OCCURRED YESTERDAY (01/13/2004).*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .