2001 Lincoln LS

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2001 Lincoln LS
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2001: 240 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	354
2001	240
2002	121
2003	68
2004	91
2005	90
2006	18

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SUSPENSION 50%

50% of complaints: suspension — 119 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

WE OWN A 2001 LINCOLN L.S.. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN IN A CURVE LAST NIGHT I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND COME FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION. INSTANTLY THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END DROPPED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130908

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH VEHICLE SWERVED ACROSS CENTER LANE, AND SIDE SWIPED ONCOMING TRUCK. DAMAGE WAS $ 7200. AFTER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER, ABOUT 45 DEGREES. DEALER THEN ALIGNED FRONT END.

NHTSA ODI report, 20010413

Also filed under AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL POPPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210329

AIR BAGS 14%

14% of complaints: air bags — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT AND WHITE SOMKE EVERYWHERE. I TURN TO THE RIGHT WHERE MY COUSIN WAS SITTING AND THINK ITS ONE OF MY TIRES THAT BLEW OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130901

WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030502

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASH

VISIBILITY 7%

7% of complaints: visibility — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20001124 — suspension

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BAL

Campaign 00V359001 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 2001 — complaint volume: 240

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Lincoln LS — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for suspension issues (119 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (33 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (26 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 00V359001 (suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ◆ 2002 ● 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2001 Lincoln LS reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Lincoln LS is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lincoln LS?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Lincoln LS have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.