Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2005 Lincoln LS sits mid-pack among LS years: 132 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 electrical system (24), engine (22), and transmission (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
132
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 24 | 18% | — flat |
| Engine | 22 | 17% | — flat |
| Transmission | 17 | 13% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 15 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 12 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 10 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 10 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 9 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
Consequence
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“Car accident with full left side impaction door will not open doors will not open and I was not able to move out of my seat and yet I was stuck behind the steering wheel behind smashed impacted buckled, steering wheel did not deploy the airbags”
“OWNER OF A 2005 LINCOLN LS. CAR SHUTS DOWN AND GOES ON THROTTLE MODE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER A HEAVY RAIN FALL. THIS FAILURE OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH AND BE VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TO SUPPOSEDLY CORRECT THIS ISSUE, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LINCOLN DEALERSHIP TO BE ROBBED BECAUSE…”
“OWNER OF A 2005 LINCOLN LS. CAR SHUTS DOWN AND GOES ON THROTTLE MODE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER A HEAVY RAIN FALL. THIS FAILURE OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH AND BE VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TO SUPPOSEDLY CORRECT THIS ISSUE, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LINCOLN DEALERSHIP TO BE ROBBED BECAUSE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE THE SMELL OF FUEL EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY A LOCAL SMOG CENTER FUEL LEAKED FROM THE GAS TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTERWARDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”
It is close to typical for the LS: 132 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (24 complaints), engine (22 complaints), transmission (17 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Lincoln LS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LS years to avoid are 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among LS years belongs to 2006.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.