2003 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 2003 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
- Engine1513.8%
- Powertrain (other)1412.8%
- Electrical1311.9%
- Driver assistance87.3%
- Other / unspecified87.3%
- Brakes87.3%
- Suspension76.4%
- Airbags65.5%
- Interior & seats65.5%
- Steering65.5%
- Transmission65.5%
- Fuel system54.6%
- Tires & wheels32.8%
- Seat belts21.8%
- Visibility10.9%
- Body & structure10.9%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving one day and a bolt on right lower control arm broke sending her across 4 lanes of traffic including on coming. 3) All of a sudden when brake pedal was depressed started hearing vacuum leak under dash, brake pedal real hard , and couldn't hardly get car to stop, traction control light started flashing. Found bad brake booster and sensor located on it (both unavailable from manufacturer), also found on line that to get light to stop flashing you have to take to dealer and have reprogrammed (nobody else has the ability) 4) Have constantly had problem with check engine light staying on and running rough, no power, and having to replace ignition coils 5) While wife was driving with no advance notice of any kind heading home on farm market road with no shoulder to pull off on transmission went out completely and stopped pulling 6) Rear control arm bushings go from ok to extremely bad causing back end to drift from side to side going down the highway in a blink of an eye 7) Right front sway bar link keeps wearing control arm and snapping stud off 8) Sunroof drain hoses constantly failing and allowing water to get to electrical components The list goes on but all you have to do is a online search of the LS sport with the 3.9 v-8 and see all the problems. I was in automotive for over 16 years and every vehicle generally has its know couple problems but this is way beyond that. There hasn't been any accidents or injuries but real close to it.
CAR GETS TO HOT MY FILL BUCKET FOR THE RADIATOR KEEPS GETTING A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF IT OR SOME WHERE I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND AGAIN THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. AND IT HAS OVER HEATED AND GOES ALL THE WAY TO H NOW BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IT MITE NOW NEED HEAD GASKETS Y CAN'T YOU MAKE THIS CAR BETTER THEN IT IS AND MAKE IT WITH NO PROBLEMS THERE JUNK I WON'T EVEN TELL ANYONE TO BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK.AND IT SAYING SAFE FAIL MODE OVER AND OVER LIKE THIS CAR IS PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM CAN SOMEONE FIX MY CAR FOR ME AT NO COST PLEASE.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOFARM FORD LINCOLN (221 MALL RD, LOGANSPORT, IN 46947, 574-753-6294) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYCLOID PATCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HARDSHIFTED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. JACKSON FORD IN DECATUR, ILLINOIS WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR GOES INTO FAIL SAFE EACH AND EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. IT DID SO 19 TIMES TODAY. I CONNECTED A CODE READER WHICH IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEMS AS BEING RELATED TO THE THROTTLE CONTROL AND THE THROTTLE BODY. I PURCHASED THE CAR 1 1/2 MONTHS AGO. PRIOR OWNER HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED WITH A NEW MOPAR UNIT 4 MONTHS AGO/ 2000.MILES AGO. DON'T WANT TO REPLACE IT AGAIN SINCE THIS IS LIKELY NOT THE PROBLEM.
TOOK TRANSMISSION FOR REPAIR. TRANSMISSION SHOP COULD NOT LOAD NEW LINCOLN SOFTWARE ON NEW COMPUTER MODULE. IT HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS AT ROWLETT TRANSMISSION SHOP AND NOW THE "ENGINE SIDE" OF THE NEW COMPUTER INSTALLED WILL NOT CLEAR. SAYS THERE IN AN ENGINE ISSUE NOW. THERE WAS NO ENGINE ISSUE BEFORE I TOOK IT TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I BOUGHT A 2003 LINCOLN LS AND I'M GETTING A MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT IS SAYING ETC FAIL SAFETY MODE AND THE CAR IS NOT ABLE TO GO OVER 30 MPH, AND HAS VERY SLOW PICK UP AND IS RUNNING VERY HARD. I HAVE FOUND THAT SOMETIMES IF I TURN THE CAR OFF/ON THE MESSAGE DOES NOT COME UP THE CAR DRIVES NORMALLY. I HAVE TRIED REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY AFTER GETTING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH TO CODES P0207 AND P02110 AND I'M STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ALLOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH FIX. *TR
SHIFTS HARD, WHEN IN 20-30 MPH, IN GEAR 2 AND 3. AFTER DIAGNOSTIC, DEALER SAID IT MAY BE TRANSMISSION, BUT THEY HAVE TO TEAR IT APART. IF BANDS, TORQUE CONVERTER, OR SOLENOID PACK THEY HAVE TO TEAR DOWN AND REBUILD. HE DID SAY THAT ONE OF THE SOLENOIDS WENT OUTER IF BANDS WERE BENT, THEY WOULD HAVE TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION FOR A COST OF $2500 - $3500. I HAVE READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET WHERE PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT HARD SHIFTING AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE BY DESIGN. ONE PERSON SAID THAT THEY BOUGHT A KIT THAT FIXES THE DESIGN FLAW - 5RW MASTER SERVO BORE REPAIR KIT (FORD 5R55W/S/N). IT IS NOT MADE BY FORD, IT SEEMS THEY ARE TOO CHEAP TO FIX THE REAL PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD LISTEN TO PEOPLES CONCERNS. I AM ALSO GOING TO CALL THE 800 NUMBER FOR FORD LINCOLN AND SEND THEM A LETTER. WOULD USE WITH ANY TRANNY REBUILD. THE FINAL COST OF THE REPAIR IS NOW AT $4000.00. YIKES. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the chrome wheels were leaking air which caused the tires to become flat. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA campaign number: 03V136000 (Wheels). The failure mileage was 120,000.
WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR ON A HIGHWAY OR STREET ANY TIME IT ENCOUNTERS SMALL BUMPS THE WHEEL TURNS AND THERE'S A LOUD SLAMMING SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. IT'S WORSE GOING INTO TURNS SPEED DOES NOT MATTER YOU CAN GO SLOW OR FAST AND THE LOUD SLAMMING SOUND IS THERE. IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS. BUT ME BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN WITH A SON WHO AS A DISABILITY WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THIS FIXED OUR SELVES. IT STARTED A WHILE AGO BUT WAS NOT THAT BAD BUT IT JUST PROGRESSED AND GOT WORSE. WE NEED THIS CAR FOR DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND FOOD SHOPPING. WE CANT TRAVEL FAR FOR FEAR OF BEING IN A CRASH OR BEING STRANDED.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving one day and a bolt on right lower control arm broke sending her across 4 lanes of traffic including on coming. 3) All of a sudden when brake pedal was depressed started hearing vacuum leak under dash, brake pedal real hard , and couldn't hardly get car to stop, traction control light started flashing. Found bad brake booster and sensor located on it (both unavailable from manufacturer), also found on line that to get light to stop flashing you have to take to dealer and have reprogrammed (nobody else has the ability) 4) Have constantly had problem with check engine light staying on and running rough, no power, and having to replace ignition coils 5) While wife was driving with no advance notice of any kind heading home on farm market road with no shoulder to pull off on transmission went out completely and stopped pulling 6) Rear control arm bushings go from ok to extremely bad causing back end to drift from side to side going down the highway in a blink of an eye 7) Right front sway bar link keeps wearing control arm and snapping stud off 8) Sunroof drain hoses constantly failing and allowing water to get to electrical components The list goes on but all you have to do is a online search of the LS sport with the 3.9 v-8 and see all the problems. I was in automotive for over 16 years and every vehicle generally has its know couple problems but this is way beyond that. There hasn't been any accidents or injuries but real close to it.
WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR ON A HIGHWAY OR STREET ANY TIME IT ENCOUNTERS SMALL BUMPS THE WHEEL TURNS AND THERE'S A LOUD SLAMMING SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. IT'S WORSE GOING INTO TURNS SPEED DOES NOT MATTER YOU CAN GO SLOW OR FAST AND THE LOUD SLAMMING SOUND IS THERE. IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS. BUT ME BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN WITH A SON WHO AS A DISABILITY WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THIS FIXED OUR SELVES. IT STARTED A WHILE AGO BUT WAS NOT THAT BAD BUT IT JUST PROGRESSED AND GOT WORSE. WE NEED THIS CAR FOR DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND FOOD SHOPPING. WE CANT TRAVEL FAR FOR FEAR OF BEING IN A CRASH OR BEING STRANDED.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving one day and a bolt on right lower control arm broke sending her across 4 lanes of traffic including on coming. 3) All of a sudden when brake pedal was depressed started hearing vacuum leak under dash, brake pedal real hard , and couldn't hardly get car to stop, traction control light started flashing. Found bad brake booster and sensor located on it (both unavailable from manufacturer), also found on line that to get light to stop flashing you have to take to dealer and have reprogrammed (nobody else has the ability) 4) Have constantly had problem with check engine light staying on and running rough, no power, and having to replace ignition coils 5) While wife was driving with no advance notice of any kind heading home on farm market road with no shoulder to pull off on transmission went out completely and stopped pulling 6) Rear control arm bushings go from ok to extremely bad causing back end to drift from side to side going down the highway in a blink of an eye 7) Right front sway bar link keeps wearing control arm and snapping stud off 8) Sunroof drain hoses constantly failing and allowing water to get to electrical components The list goes on but all you have to do is a online search of the LS sport with the 3.9 v-8 and see all the problems. I was in automotive for over 16 years and every vehicle generally has its know couple problems but this is way beyond that. There hasn't been any accidents or injuries but real close to it.
WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR ON A HIGHWAY OR STREET ANY TIME IT ENCOUNTERS SMALL BUMPS THE WHEEL TURNS AND THERE'S A LOUD SLAMMING SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. IT'S WORSE GOING INTO TURNS SPEED DOES NOT MATTER YOU CAN GO SLOW OR FAST AND THE LOUD SLAMMING SOUND IS THERE. IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS. BUT ME BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN WITH A SON WHO AS A DISABILITY WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THIS FIXED OUR SELVES. IT STARTED A WHILE AGO BUT WAS NOT THAT BAD BUT IT JUST PROGRESSED AND GOT WORSE. WE NEED THIS CAR FOR DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND FOOD SHOPPING. WE CANT TRAVEL FAR FOR FEAR OF BEING IN A CRASH OR BEING STRANDED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY FIANCE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 35MPH WHEN OUT OF NOWHERE THE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVER SEAT DEPLOYED ON ITS OWN WITH NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. IT RANG HER EARDRUM AND SCARED HER TO DEATH, THE CAR OF COURSE FILLED WITH DUST AND SHE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CALLED ME. SHE WAS ONLY ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM HOME SO I INSTRUCTED HER TO SLOWLY DRIVE IT HOME AND PARK IT. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAGS IN THESE CARS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO OCCUR, HAD SHE BEEN GOING FASTER, IN THE RAIN, BEEN ELDERLY, ECT. SHE COULD HAVE GOTTEN KILLED OR KILLED SOMEONE ELSE. I AM VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS AND WE ARE BOTH SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE IF SOMETHING LIKE THIS CAN HAPPEN. WHAT IF IT WAS THE STEERING WHEEL NEXT TIME? *TR
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IN THE SEAT DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I COULD HAVE WRECKED THE VEHICLE AND I HAD THREE PASSENGERS IN THE CAR WITH ME. FORD REFUSES TO FIX THE AIRBAG BECAUSE IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY CONTINUE TO BLOW ME OFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLIPS HOLDING THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT FAILED, RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE SEAT BACK COMING LOOSE AND FALLING BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED DURING THE FAILURE, HOWEVER IF THE VEHICLE WAS OCCUPIED, THE LARGE PLASTIC SEAT BACK COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED DURING AN ACCIDENT OR IF A YOUNG CHILD WAS RIDING IN THE REAR SEAT. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, NO PASSENGERS HAD BEEN RIDING IN THE REAR SEAT FOR OVER 6 MONTHS, SO IT IS UNLIKELY THAT SOMEONE MANIPULATING THE SEAT BACK WAS THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT. ADDITIONALLY, APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THIS, THE SEAT BACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER, UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK, AS THE BROKEN RETAINING CLIPS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE PLASTIC MOLDING. A DEALER SEARCH OF EXISTING TSBS AND OF FORD'S OASIS SYSTEM YIELDED NO SIMILAR REPORTS, HOWEVER A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET RESULTS IN MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS OF SEATS ON THE 2003 LINCOLN LS FAILING IN A SIMILAR WAY. THERE SEEMS TO BE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO REQUEST THAT FORD REVIEW SERVICE RECORDS TO DETERMINE IF THIS PART IS FAILING AT AN ABNORMALLY HIGH RATE. *NM *TR
CLIPS HOLDING THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT FAILED, RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE SEAT BACK COMING LOOSE AND FALLING INTO THE REAR SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED DURING THE FAILURE, HOWEVER IF THE VEHICLE WAS OCCUPIED, THE LARGE PLASTIC SEAT BACK COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED DURING AN ACCIDENT OR IF A YOUNG CHILD WAS RIDING IN THE REAR SEAT. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, NO PASSENGERS HAD BEEN RIDING IN THE REAR SEAT FOR OVER 6 MONTHS, SO IT IS UNLIKELY THAT SOMEONE MANIPULATING THE SEAT BACK WAS THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT. ADDITIONALLY, APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THIS, THE SEAT BACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER, UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK, AS THE BROKEN RETAINING CLIPS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE PLASTIC MOLDING. A DEALER SEARCH OF EXISTING TSBS AND OF FORD'S OASIS SYSTEM YIELDED NO SIMILAR REPORTS, HOWEVER A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET RESULTS IN MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS OF SEATS ON THE 2003 LINCOLN LS FAILING IN A SIMILAR WAY. THERE SEEMS TO BE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO REQUEST THAT FORD REVIEW SERVICE RECORDS TO DETERMINE IF THIS PART IS FAILING AT AN ABNORMALLY HIGH RATE. *NM I COPIED THIS COMPLAINT FROM MYCARSTATS.COM BUT THIS SAFETY HAZARD HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH OF MY FRONT SEATS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH SHE NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE/ SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SHE HAD AN OIL LEAK FROM THE REAR OF THE ENGINE THAT WAS DRIPPING ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. ALSO THE ENGINE WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING; WHICH DRASTICALLY REDUCED THE VEHICLES SPEED. SHE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPAIRED AT AN EXPENSE OF $489.00. THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,303. THE STEERING WAS NOISY WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE TURNS, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING. ALL OF THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS ALSO LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 01/26/10.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE EVEN THOUGH THE STABILITY ENHANCING SYSTEM LIGHT CONTINUES TO ILLUMINATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A 2003 LINCOLN LS AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MOST OF THE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT. 11,000 DOLLARS WORTH OF REPAIRS. NOW THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT ERRATICALLY AND THE DEALER SAYS IT CAN BE FIXED AND HAS TO HA A NEW ONE. 3800 DOLLARS MORE CMON THE IS NOW ONLY A 3000 DOLLAR CAR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE ECT ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS A FULL THROTTLE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THERE WERE NO REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO CONFIRMED THE FUEL ODOR ALONG THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A LOT OF PARTS WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
TOOK TRANSMISSION FOR REPAIR. TRANSMISSION SHOP COULD NOT LOAD NEW LINCOLN SOFTWARE ON NEW COMPUTER MODULE. IT HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS AT ROWLETT TRANSMISSION SHOP AND NOW THE "ENGINE SIDE" OF THE NEW COMPUTER INSTALLED WILL NOT CLEAR. SAYS THERE IN AN ENGINE ISSUE NOW. THERE WAS NO ENGINE ISSUE BEFORE I TOOK IT TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED.
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
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the chrome wheels were leaking air which caused the tires to become flat. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA campaign number: 03V136000 (Wheels). The failure mileage was 120,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH SHE NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE/ SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SHE HAD AN OIL LEAK FROM THE REAR OF THE ENGINE THAT WAS DRIPPING ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. ALSO THE ENGINE WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING; WHICH DRASTICALLY REDUCED THE VEHICLES SPEED. SHE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPAIRED AT AN EXPENSE OF $489.00. THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,303. THE STEERING WAS NOISY WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE TURNS, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING. ALL OF THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS ALSO LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 01/26/10.*JB
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
DT: THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE CAR ARE TOO LARGE AND AS A RESULT THEY OBSTRUCT THE CONSUMER'S VISION. AK *NM
HEADREST ARE TOO LARGE. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 LINCOLN LS 3/15/04- EXPERIENCING CLICKING NOISE ON RIGHT TURNS, SUN ROOF LEAKS UNDER CARWASH,AND VEHICLE COASTS TO THE RIGHT. DEALER STATES THAT SUN OOF NOT MADE TO WITHSTAND SUCH PRESSURE, VEHICLE COASTS BECAUSE CARS ARE MADE TO COAST TO THE RIGHT IN CASE YOU FALL ASLEEP IT WOULD AVOID HEAD-ON COLLISON ON LEFT, CLICKING NOISE IS BRACKET ASSEMBLY, SHOCK ASSEMBY AND FRONT COIL. DEALER REPAIRED ONLY CLICKING NOISE FROM 3/15/04 TO 4/7/04. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND DROVE ~ 10 MILES WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO RETURN VEHICLE. FINAL REPAIRED ON 4/9/04. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR HESITATES ON ACCELERATION SINCE IT WAS NEW. TOOK THE CAR TO THE SELLING DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONDITION GOT WORSE. WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTS BUCKING AND MISFIRING. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SELLING LINCOLN DEALERSHIP (SESI LINCOLN MERCURY). THEY DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVERS DOOR NEEDED ADJUSTMENT. THIS MADE NO SENSE TO ME AND DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WENT OUT OF WARRANTY SHORTLY AFTER THAT. NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AND CAR HESITATES, BUCKS, STALLS AND RUNS ROUGH, MISFIRES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND MIL STARTS FLASHING. THE COWL PLASTIC PIECE HAS A POOR SEAL ON IT THAT LETS WATER ONTO THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. FORD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE AND FORD ADMITS THAT SEALS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS MAY NOT BE THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS CARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BUT IT IS A BIG PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT, NOTHING A CUSTOMER CAN DO TO PREVENT THIS. FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THESE CARS AND FIXED THEM AT NO COST. THE FACT THAT THEIR DEALERSHIPS WERE HIDING THE REAL REASON FOR THIS MISFIRE AND NOT REPAIRING THE VEHICLES UNDER WARRANTY IS BREECH OF CONTRACT. FORD SHOULD BE FINED AND PUNISHED AND FORCED TO RECALL AND REPAIR ALL OF THESE CARS. I AM AN ASE MASTER MECHANIC. I TEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY AT THE COLLEGE LEVEL. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THE CAR WAS GARAGE KEPT AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED, IT LOOKS NEW. I FOUND THAT # 6 CYLINDER HAD A P0306 COIL MISFIRE DTC. I HAD TO REMOVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD JUST TO SEE THE COIL ON PLUG SET UP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BANK OF ENGINE. TURNS OUT THERE IS POOR SEALING OF THE WINDSHIELD COWL AREA AND WATER RUNS DIRECTLY ONTO THE ENGINE AND ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE WATER SHORTS OUT THE COILS, SPARK PLUGS, COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME ESPECIALLY WHEN WET. *TR
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 .