2004 Lincoln LS problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2004 Lincoln LS sits mid-pack among LS years: 140 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 140, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (29), electrical system (21), and transmission (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
140
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
14
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other LS years?
What are the most common 2004 Lincoln LS problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 29 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 21 | 15% | — flat |
| Transmission | 19 | 14% | — flat |
| Airbags | 15 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 15 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 10 | 7% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 9 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TRAVELING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY SURGE FORWARD THEN CORRECT ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TRAVELING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY SURGE FORWARD THEN CORRECT ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
“04 LS WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2004. I HAVE HAD CONTINUAL MAJOR PROBLEMS. BEGINNING IN 2004, THE SOLENOID PACK WAS REPLACED, FOLLOWED BY THE FOLLOWING: ALL 6 COILS, A NEW TRANSMISSION (2008), HEATER CORE (TWICE), FUEL SENDING UNIT, OXYGEN SENSOR, SOME HOSE/GASKET (CAN'T REMEMBER) AND NOW THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. IN MAY OF 2009, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A CULVERT. THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. HE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE…”
“ DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IT ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE DEALER, THEY WERE GOING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. *SC *JB ”
2004 Lincoln LS — common questions
Is the 2004 Lincoln LS reliable?
It is close to typical for the LS: 140 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2004 LS problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (29 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints), transmission (19 complaints).
Does the 2004 Lincoln LS have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 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.