VehicleVerdict

2003 Lincoln LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Lincoln LS sits mid-pack among LS years: 113 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 140, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (21), electrical system (18), and engine (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

113

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted458 complaints2000: 458 complaints2001: 319 complaints2002: 179 complaints2003: 113 complaints2004: 140 complaints2005: 132 complaints2006: 25 complaints
LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Lincoln LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2119%
Electrical System1816%
Engine1513%
Tires & Wheels98%
Brakes98%
Suspension87%
Speed Control76%
Airbags65%
Seats65%
Steering65%
Fuel System54%
Body & Structure11%
Other11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2003 Lincoln LS have recalls?

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

03V136000Tires & WheelsApril 7, 2003 · 1,736 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH CHROME WHEELS, THE CHROME WHEELS WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED. THESE WHEELS MAY CRACK AT THE LUG-NUT HOLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE LUG-NUT TORQUE.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN THE WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEELS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE WHEELS HAVE BEEN HEAT-TREATED. ANY WHEEL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REPEATED FAILURE OF LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING AND LEFT DIFFERENTIAL SEAL. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED WHEEL BEARING AND SEAL 2X, SECOND TIME REPLACED LEFT AXLE SHAFT ALSO. FIRST INDICATION OF PROBLEM IS ODOR OF GEAR OIL LEAKING FROM DIFFERENTIAL, PARTICULARLY AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING. NOTICED IT AGAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 15, 2008

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 31, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 24, 2007

“COMING TO A STOP APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR MADE A STRANGE NOISE WOULD NOT STOP.ALMOST RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.CHECKED OUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG EXCEPT SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER AT THE CAP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 8, 2014

“WHEN EVER THE CAR IS DRIVEN ANY LITTLE BUMP OR PATCH IN THE ROAD HAS THE CAR MAKING A LOUD SLAM SOUND EVEN WORSE GOING OVER ANY BUMP AND EVEN WORSE INTO TURNS. ALSO THE WHEEL SEEMS TO PULL AT THOSE TIMES AS WELL, THIS IS ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING, FEELS VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE. WE DON'T…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 1, 2016

2003 Lincoln LS — common questions

Is the 2003 Lincoln LS reliable?

It is close to typical for the LS: 113 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 LS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (21 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints), engine (15 complaints).

Does the 2003 Lincoln LS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 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.