MYRModel Year Report

2003 Lincoln LS

▲ Better than typical
2003 Lincoln LS
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:30.063Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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

Complaints per year, Lincoln LS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 2000: 354 complaints 2000 2001: 240 complaints 2001 2002: 121 complaints 2002 2003: 68 complaints 2003 2004: 91 complaints 2004 2005: 90 complaints 2005 2006: 18 complaints 2006
2003: 68 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2000354
2001240
2002121
200368
200491
200590
200618

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

POWER TRAIN 31%

31% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO OVERDRIVE AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180308

CAR GOES INTO FAIL SAFE EACH AND EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. IT DID SO 19 TIMES TODAY. I CONNECTED A CODE READER WHICH IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEMS AS BEING RELATED TO THE THROTTLE CONTROL AND THE THROTTLE BODY. I PURCHASED THE CAR 1 1/2 MONTHS AGO.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171103

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SHIFTS HARD, WHEN IN 20-30 MPH, IN GEAR 2 AND 3. AFTER DIAGNOSTIC, DEALER SAID IT MAY BE TRANSMISSION, BUT THEY HAVE TO TEAR IT APART. IF BANDS, TORQUE CONVERTER, OR SOLENOID PACK THEY HAVE TO TEAR DOWN AND REBUILD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120322

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and instrument cluster/panel.

SUSPENSION 12%

12% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hanger,bracket and front.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.

ENGINE 10%

10% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20030414 — wheels

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH CHROME WHEELS, THE CHROME WHEELS WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED. THESE WHEELS MAY CRACK AT THE LUG-NUT HOLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE LUG-NUT

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEELS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE WHEELS HAVE BEEN HEAT-TREATED. ANY WHEEL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 14, 2003. OWNER

Campaign 03V136000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Lincoln LS — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V136000 (wheels) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 2005 ● 2004 ◆ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ■ 2001 ◆ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Lincoln LS reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Lincoln LS is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln LS?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Lincoln LS have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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