Owners have filed 179 complaints
about the 2002 Lincoln LS with NHTSA between 2002 and 2022.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the Lincoln LS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Engine
1429.2%
Front
918.8%
Automatic Transmission
714.6%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
510.4%
Body
48.3%
Side/Window
36.3%
Accelerator Pedal
36.3%
Lower Ball Joint
36.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
53.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
42.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
75.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2014.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1913.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3928.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2820.3%
150,000+ miles
1611.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2002peak 9Oct 2022
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Woodbine, MDCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
MY DAUGHTER WAS A RESTRAINED DRIVER ON A HIGHWAY ---IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, MOVING ABOUT 55MPH. THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER BRAKED SUDDENLY AND WHEN MY DAUGHTER PUSHED ON THE BRAKE IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND SHE HAD NO BRAKES. SHE CLIPPED THAT CAR REAR END AND SWERVED RIGHT'HITTING A SECOND CAR AS SHE GOT TO THE SHOULDER. SHE SCRAPPED ALONG THE METAL RAIL FOR A DISTANCE AND THEN WENT OFF THE ROAD IN TO A GULLY AND HIT A POLE AND AN DIRT EMBANKMENT. BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE LIGHT POLE DID NOT LOOK DAMAGED, I THINK THE POLE MUST HAVE HAD A LARGE CEMENT BASE, BASED ON THE EXTENT AND SHAPE OF THE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS DID A GREAT JOB. SHE HAS A BAD SPRAIN ON HER ANKLE THAT SHE WAS TRYING TO BRAKE WITH AND SORE EVERYWHERE. A FAMILY MEMBER WORKS AT FORD . HE ASKED ME TO CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID SINCE BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED. I CHECKED THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY RESISTANCE. I CHECKED THE BRAKE RESERVOIR AND IT WAS FULL. MY FAMILY MEMBER TOLD ME TO SUBMIT THIS REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #11307612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHouston, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11207944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHouston, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11207944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT THE FORCE OF THE CRASH INJURED THE CONTACTS NECK, FRACTURED HIS BACK IN TWO PLACES, AND FRACTURED HIS STERNUM. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE PAINS IN THE LOWER BACK AND BUTTOCKS DUE TO NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE TREATMENTS AND WAS MEDICATED DAILY BECAUSE OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A YARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THEY INVESTIGATED THE FAILURE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11005160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING DOWN PRESTON HWY I REAR ENDED A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AS I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME. POTENTIAL TOTALED CAR WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE YET THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. 207,000 MILES ON THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10903054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesMemphis, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS DEBRIS IN THE ROAD THAT CAUSED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS TO THE HEAD, FRACTURED RIBS, AND A BRUISED STERNUM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #10762141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 230,000 milesEl Paso, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving at 50-55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he stood on the brake pedal until the vehicle responded 8-10 minutes later. The vehicle speed was 120 MPH at the time the contact regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact shifted into neutral (N) and veered to the side of the road where the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact then shifted into park (P). However, the RPMs revved up to 5,000 MPH. The contact turned off the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesEl Paso, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving at 50-55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he stood on the brake pedal until the vehicle responded 8-10 minutes later. The vehicle speed was 120 MPH at the time the contact regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact shifted into neutral (N) and veered to the side of the road where the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact then shifted into park (P). However, the RPMs revved up to 5,000 MPH. The contact turned off the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
SUSPENSION
I have a 2002 lincoln LS v8 the passenger ball joint came loose and broke had it fixed driver side has now came loose and rattling
NHTSA complaint #11457059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesCitrus Heights, CA
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. The vin was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11425133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesChandler, OK
STEERING
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE FRACTURED, BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE FRACTURED AGAIN. THE STUD POST ITSELF CONTINUES TO FRACTURE ABOVE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING HOLE, DESPITE BOTH BALL JOINTS BEING REPLACED AND RETORQUED TO MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED TIGHTNESS.
NHTSA complaint #11389611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesChandler, OK
SUSPENSION
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE FRACTURED, BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE FRACTURED AGAIN. THE STUD POST ITSELF CONTINUES TO FRACTURE ABOVE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING HOLE, DESPITE BOTH BALL JOINTS BEING REPLACED AND RETORQUED TO MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED TIGHTNESS.
NHTSA complaint #11389611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbine, MDCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
MY DAUGHTER WAS A RESTRAINED DRIVER ON A HIGHWAY ---IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, MOVING ABOUT 55MPH. THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER BRAKED SUDDENLY AND WHEN MY DAUGHTER PUSHED ON THE BRAKE IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND SHE HAD NO BRAKES. SHE CLIPPED THAT CAR REAR END AND SWERVED RIGHT'HITTING A SECOND CAR AS SHE GOT TO THE SHOULDER. SHE SCRAPPED ALONG THE METAL RAIL FOR A DISTANCE AND THEN WENT OFF THE ROAD IN TO A GULLY AND HIT A POLE AND AN DIRT EMBANKMENT. BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE LIGHT POLE DID NOT LOOK DAMAGED, I THINK THE POLE MUST HAVE HAD A LARGE CEMENT BASE, BASED ON THE EXTENT AND SHAPE OF THE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS DID A GREAT JOB. SHE HAS A BAD SPRAIN ON HER ANKLE THAT SHE WAS TRYING TO BRAKE WITH AND SORE EVERYWHERE. A FAMILY MEMBER WORKS AT FORD . HE ASKED ME TO CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID SINCE BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED. I CHECKED THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY RESISTANCE. I CHECKED THE BRAKE RESERVOIR AND IT WAS FULL. MY FAMILY MEMBER TOLD ME TO SUBMIT THIS REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #11307612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPounding Mill, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OR UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.*PM
NHTSA complaint #11270060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHouston, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11207944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHouston, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11207944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,251 milesLacey, WA
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. WHEN I TURN THE KEY ON THE LIGHT COME ON THE DISPLAY.
NHTSA complaint #11144496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON
NHTSA complaint #11118989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesLewiston, NE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES, MY 2002 LINCOLN LS WANTS TO OVERHEAT AND SHUT DOWN ON ME. I HAVE TO WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN AND THEN START IT UP AND PROCEED ON MY WAY.
NHTSA complaint #11102934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesLewiston, NE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES, MY 2002 LINCOLN LS WANTS TO OVERHEAT AND SHUT DOWN ON ME. I HAVE TO WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN AND THEN START IT UP AND PROCEED ON MY WAY.
NHTSA complaint #11102934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesLewiston, NE
ENGINE
WHEN I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES, MY 2002 LINCOLN LS WANTS TO OVERHEAT AND SHUT DOWN ON ME. I HAVE TO WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN AND THEN START IT UP AND PROCEED ON MY WAY.
NHTSA complaint #11102934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesST. Joseph, MO
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11079093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesST. Joseph, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11079093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SUSPENSION
CADILAC CONVERTER RATTLE AND MAKE LOUD NOISES. IDLER STAY HIGH, IVE CHANGED IT THREE TIMES DEALER EVEN TRIED, BUT WANTS ME TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY ON OTHER IDEAS THEY HAVE OF WHAT THE PROBLEM IS
NHTSA complaint #11015358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CADILAC CONVERTER RATTLE AND MAKE LOUD NOISES. IDLER STAY HIGH, IVE CHANGED IT THREE TIMES DEALER EVEN TRIED, BUT WANTS ME TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY ON OTHER IDEAS THEY HAVE OF WHAT THE PROBLEM IS
NHTSA complaint #11015358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT THE FORCE OF THE CRASH INJURED THE CONTACTS NECK, FRACTURED HIS BACK IN TWO PLACES, AND FRACTURED HIS STERNUM. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE PAINS IN THE LOWER BACK AND BUTTOCKS DUE TO NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE TREATMENTS AND WAS MEDICATED DAILY BECAUSE OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A YARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THEY INVESTIGATED THE FAILURE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11005160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swansea, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DEALER SOLD ME A VEHICLE THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED AWAY. BIG RUST HOLES ON UNDERCARRIAGE
NHTSA complaint #11002924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swansea, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
DEALER SOLD ME A VEHICLE THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED AWAY. BIG RUST HOLES ON UNDERCARRIAGE
NHTSA complaint #11002924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ringgold, GA
POWER TRAIN
NO MATTER WHAT IS DONE THE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND EVERYTHING ERROR COMES UP AND CAR SHIFTS HARD AND SLIPS I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM SEEMS ALL OF THE LS CARS ARE DOING THE SAME THING.
NHTSA complaint #10935936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING DOWN PRESTON HWY I REAR ENDED A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AS I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME. POTENTIAL TOTALED CAR WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE YET THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. 207,000 MILES ON THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10903054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,901 milesManteca, CA
AIR BAGS
2002 LINCOLN LS , AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON. HAVE HAD TO DRIVE CAR FOR 3 YRS LIKE THIS WHILE HAVING FEAR OF AIR BAG NOT WORKING IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. 3 MECHANICS HAVE TRIED TO FIX AND IT ONLY TURNS OFF FOR A FEW MIN.S AFTER THEY ATTEMPT A FIX WITH THE WIRING. THE MILEAGE THEN BEGAN ABOUT 80,007. ABOUT 1.5 YR AGO (MAY 2014) MY AC /HEATER CORE FLUID BEGAN LEAKING. IT WORSENED WHEN AC WAS TURNED HIGH, TOOK ABOUT 2 MONTHS BEFORE BURNING SMELL WAS CONTINUOUSLY COMING FROM ENGINE AFTER RUNNING AC AND FLUID WAS ALWAYS DRIPPING. 6 MONTHS (JAN 2016) AGO MY BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN FLUTTERING WHEN DEPRESSED. I HAD THE CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND BRAKES/ROTORS REPLACED. THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL FLUTTERS WHEN SLOWING FROM 30 MPH QUICKLY. MY LINCOLN LS MILEAGE IS 86,605
NHTSA complaint #10895177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.