2002 Lincoln LS

◆ Worse than typical

2002 Lincoln LS
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:25.301Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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

2002: 121 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

MAKING A SOFT RIGHT TURN AT SPEED OF 10MPH, ENGINE FAILED, SHIFTED INTO N TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE MOVING WITHOUT POWER STEERING, REAR-ENDED A FRONT VEHICLE. ENGINE STARTED WITHOUT A PROBLEM AND HASNT HAPPENED SINCE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030808

SUSPENSION 21%

21% of complaints: suspension — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

LTR RE HIS DEFECTIVE 2002 LINCOLN LS, THE AXLE BROKE AND THE WHEEL AND THE HUB CAME OFF THE CAR, WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THIS DEFECT.*MR WHILE DRIVING ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF AND THE CONSUMER WAS...

NHTSA ODI report, 20031112

AIR BAGS 20%

20% of complaints: air bags — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

'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 ODI report, 20190516

Also filed under STRUCTURE

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. UPON IMPACT, SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030910

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200206

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON THE TRUMAN PARKWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS FAST AS IT WOULD GO. BRAKES FAILED AND CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141021

Also filed under STEERING

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 2002 — complaint volume: 121

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Lincoln LS — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (26 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for suspension issues (25 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (24 reports on file for this year).

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ■ 2001 ● 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Lincoln LS reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Lincoln LS is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lincoln LS?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Lincoln LS have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.