2002 Lincoln LS problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2002 Lincoln LS sits mid-pack among LS years: 179 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 140, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (30), suspension (25), and airbags (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
179
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
31
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other LS years?
What are the most common 2002 Lincoln LS problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 30 | 17% | — flat |
| Suspension | 25 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 24 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 15 | 8% | — flat |
| Transmission | 15 | 8% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 13 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 12 | 7% | — flat |
| Steering | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 6 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MAKING A SOFT RIGHT TURN AT SPEED OF 10MPH, ENGINE FAILED, SHIFTED INTO N TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE MOVING WITHOUT POWER STEERING, REAR-ENDED A FRONT VEHICLE. ENGINE STARTED WITHOUT A PROBLEM AND HASNT HAPPENED SINCE. DAMAGE TO FRONT VEHICLE WAS AT $310. DAMAGE TO LS WAS AT $960. ”
“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…”
“DT: THE CALLER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT. THE CALLER'S VEHICLE HIT THE FRONT CORNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.…”
“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…”
“I OWN A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE A BIT OF A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY TRANSMISSION DECIDES TO GIVE UP ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING AT 70MPH. I ALSO LOST MY POWER STEERING AND MY LIGHTS SHUT OFF. SINCE THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT,…”
2002 Lincoln LS — common questions
Is the 2002 Lincoln LS reliable?
It is close to typical for the LS: 179 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2002 LS problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (30 complaints), suspension (25 complaints), airbags (24 complaints).
Does the 2002 Lincoln LS have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Lincoln LS.
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.