Owners have filed 132 complaints
about the 2005 Lincoln LS with NHTSA between 2005 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 34
Against the median year of the Lincoln LS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% 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.
Automatic Transmission
627.3%
Side/Window
522.7%
Engine
418.2%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
29.1%
Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
29.1%
Electric Power Assist System
14.5%
Bead
14.5%
Sidewall
14.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
76.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
108.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2420.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4034.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1412.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1412.1%
150,000+ miles
65.2%
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.
Jun 2005peak 8Apr 2023
Recalls on the 2005 Lincoln LS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20050921 units in Canada
Fuel System
On this vehicle, the fuel tank may have a localized thin wall section in the lower half of the fuel tank. The fuel tank may crack, creating a potential for a fuel leak and fuel odour. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel tank.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Oak Park, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11516435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Park, ILCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11516435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Park, ILCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11516435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHesperia, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 15-20 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO NECK AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RELATIVES HOME. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO NOTIFY THE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11328159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesTroy, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE 2005 LINCOLN LS LEFT THE ROAD, HIT A DITCH, AND OVERTURNED SEVERAL TIMES IN A FIELD. THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED SIDE TO SIDE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE CRASH. THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER SEAT WE'RE BOTH OCCUPIED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY IN A FAULTY MECHANISMS IN THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, DESPITE MULTIPLE IMPACTS DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE CRASH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED, OR MINIMIZED, IF THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ESURANCE AND THE CLAIM NUMBER IS [XXX] AND THEY CAN BE CONTACTED AT [XXX]. [XXX] IS THE ADJUSTER. THANK YOU, IN ADVANCE, FOR YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10959884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesRaytown, MOCrash1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO THE LACK OF VISIBILITY BETWEEN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW AND THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DESIGNS WIDTH WAS TOO LARGE AND CAUSED HIM NOT TO NOTICE THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SUSTAINED MINOR LACERATIONS TO THE HEAD FROM THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #10525176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oak Park, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11516435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Park, ILCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11516435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Park, ILCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11516435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesChicago, IL
TIRES:BEAD
The contact owns a 2005 Lincoln LS. The contact stated all four tires melted and rusted to the ground and the belly of the vehicle fell out. The contact also stated the vehicle was overheated. There were no warning lights. The contact put tape underneath the engine to keep it in place. The contact drove the vehicle to the local mechanic which diagnosed the failure with a tire stripped. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000
NHTSA complaint #11466730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank needs replacement due to a crack in the fuel tank is causing fumes in the vehicle. Exactly like the recall of 2005 Lincoln LS, that the dealership cannot find because it is more than 15 years.
NHTSA complaint #11455608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,810 milesHavelock, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR COMING FORM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,810.
NHTSA complaint #11329591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHesperia, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 15-20 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO NECK AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RELATIVES HOME. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO NOTIFY THE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11328159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEastman, GA
WHEELS
BALL JOINTS, OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND STEERING SECTION GOES BAD, DOING A LOT OF POPPING AND CREAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11323457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEastman, GA
STEERING
BALL JOINTS, OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND STEERING SECTION GOES BAD, DOING A LOT OF POPPING AND CREAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11323457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEastman, GA
SUSPENSION
BALL JOINTS, OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND STEERING SECTION GOES BAD, DOING A LOT OF POPPING AND CREAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11323457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesElkton, MD
WHEELS
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 APPROXIMATELY 96,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11098800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesElkton, MD
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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 APPROXIMATELY 96,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11098800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pontiac, MI
ENGINE
OVER HEATS CONSTANTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR DEFFINATLEY MANUFACTURER PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11063570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPortsmouth, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COILS KEEP FAILING ON LOW MILEAGE CAR. ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH VARIOUS COMPONENTS AND SECURITY ALARM GOES OFF MANY TIMES EACH DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10990682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPortsmouth, VA
ENGINE
COILS KEEP FAILING ON LOW MILEAGE CAR. ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH VARIOUS COMPONENTS AND SECURITY ALARM GOES OFF MANY TIMES EACH DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10990682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPortsmouth, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
COILS KEEP FAILING ON LOW MILEAGE CAR. ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH VARIOUS COMPONENTS AND SECURITY ALARM GOES OFF MANY TIMES EACH DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10990682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tinley Park, IL
POWER TRAIN
DROVE ABOUT 30 MILES SLOW DOWN TO A RED LIGHT WHEN ENGINE WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE BUT DID NOT THROW ANY CODES. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT ALL. IT TOOK A COUPLE OF TRIES TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY WHILE DRIVING EXTENSIVELY ON HIGHWAYS WITHOUT ANY CLUE AS TO HOW TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10969075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tinley Park, IL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DROVE ABOUT 30 MILES SLOW DOWN TO A RED LIGHT WHEN ENGINE WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE BUT DID NOT THROW ANY CODES. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT ALL. IT TOOK A COUPLE OF TRIES TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY WHILE DRIVING EXTENSIVELY ON HIGHWAYS WITHOUT ANY CLUE AS TO HOW TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10969075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,168 milesBaltimore, MD
AIR BAGS
WHEN I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK THEN WHEN IAM READY TO PULL OFF IT STUCK IN PARK PLUS MY AIRBAG LIGHT WONT GO OUT
NHTSA complaint #10967686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,168 milesBaltimore, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK THEN WHEN IAM READY TO PULL OFF IT STUCK IN PARK PLUS MY AIRBAG LIGHT WONT GO OUT
NHTSA complaint #10967686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesTroy, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE 2005 LINCOLN LS LEFT THE ROAD, HIT A DITCH, AND OVERTURNED SEVERAL TIMES IN A FIELD. THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED SIDE TO SIDE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE CRASH. THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER SEAT WE'RE BOTH OCCUPIED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY IN A FAULTY MECHANISMS IN THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, DESPITE MULTIPLE IMPACTS DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE CRASH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED, OR MINIMIZED, IF THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ESURANCE AND THE CLAIM NUMBER IS [XXX] AND THEY CAN BE CONTACTED AT [XXX]. [XXX] IS THE ADJUSTER. THANK YOU, IN ADVANCE, FOR YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10959884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR TURNS ON AND RUNS BUT LOSES POWER RANDOMLY. IT EITHER SPUTTERS DEAD OR STALLS AND BACKFIRES. WHEN I TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IT REPEATS THE CYCLE. I HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMPS, THROTTLE BODY AND MAF SENSORS. AND STILL NO LUCK I SEE ON THE LINCOLN FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM NOT YET RECOGNIZED BY THE NHSTA OR LINCOLN.
NHTSA complaint #10948483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ENGINE
THE CAR TURNS ON AND RUNS BUT LOSES POWER RANDOMLY. IT EITHER SPUTTERS DEAD OR STALLS AND BACKFIRES. WHEN I TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IT REPEATS THE CYCLE. I HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMPS, THROTTLE BODY AND MAF SENSORS. AND STILL NO LUCK I SEE ON THE LINCOLN FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM NOT YET RECOGNIZED BY THE NHSTA OR LINCOLN.
NHTSA complaint #10948483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAR TURNS ON AND RUNS BUT LOSES POWER RANDOMLY. IT EITHER SPUTTERS DEAD OR STALLS AND BACKFIRES. WHEN I TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IT REPEATS THE CYCLE. I HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMPS, THROTTLE BODY AND MAF SENSORS. AND STILL NO LUCK I SEE ON THE LINCOLN FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM NOT YET RECOGNIZED BY THE NHSTA OR LINCOLN.
NHTSA complaint #10948483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,789 milesWindsor Locks, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ETC ENGINE FAIL SAFE - ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL REPLACED WITH OE... CONTINUES TO PRODUCE AN ETC ENGINE FAIL SAFE AND NO CODE(S) SPECIFICS FOR FAULTY COILS (OR WHICH COILS) (3 BAD COILS & PASSENGER SIDE VALVE/SPARK PLUG COVER GASKETS) OR POSSIBLE FAULTY ALTERNATOR. ALSO, CLIMATE CONTROL DEVICE FAILED 3 TIMES AND WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. CHEAP THIN WALLED ANTI-FREEZE AND WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR CRACKED DURING EXTREME COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10881943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.