VehicleVerdict

2001 Lincoln LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 319 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median LS year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 7 LS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 17 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 119 reports (37% of the total).

319

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

17

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted458 complaints2000: 458 complaints2001: 319 complaints2002: 179 complaints2003: 113 complaints2004: 140 complaints2005: 132 complaints2006: 25 complaints
LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Lincoln LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension11937%
Airbags3310%
Engine3110%
Electrical System196%
Visibility & Wipers175%
Steering144%
Brakes144%
Transmission144%
Speed Control113%
Body & Structure113%
Tires & Wheels113%
Lighting72%
Other62%
Seats41%
Seat Belts31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Fuel System21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2001 Lincoln LS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V359001SuspensionNovember 3, 2000 · 82,300 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING TIRE CAME OFF OF HER 2001 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT CALLED HER INSURANCE COMPANY AND INFORMED THEM OF WHAT HAPPENED. THE INSURANCE DENIED HER CLAIM BECAUSE THE CAR WAS PART OF A RECALL. WHEN SHE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. ABOUT THIS FAILURE, THEY INFORMED HER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 21, 2006 · crash

“VEHICLE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, GEARSHIFT PANEL LIGHTS WENT OUT/ BACK UP LIGHT WERE NOT WORKING. *AK CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DRIFTED ACROSS THE CENTER LANE AND SIDESWIPED 2 VEHICLES, THERE WERE NO INJURIES, HOWEVER THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE, CONSUMER FEELS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2001 · crash

“ENGINE STALLED DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL BEFORE TRAVELING INTO A DITCH. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ALTERNATOR FAILED WHICH RESULTED IN STALLING OF ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION /…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 30, 2001 · crash

“ENGINE STALLED DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL BEFORE TRAVELING INTO A DITCH. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ALTERNATOR FAILED WHICH RESULTED IN STALLING OF ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION /…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 30, 2001 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 17, 2003

2001 Lincoln LS — common questions

Is the 2001 Lincoln LS reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 319 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 7 LS years. It is one of the LS years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 LS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (119 complaints), airbags (33 complaints), engine (31 complaints).

Does the 2001 Lincoln LS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Lincoln LS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln LS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LS years to avoid are 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among LS years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.