2003 Lincoln LS
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 354 |
| 2001 | 240 |
| 2002 | 121 |
| 2003 | 68 |
| 2004 | 91 |
| 2005 | 90 |
| 2006 | 18 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
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
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
10% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
9% of complaints: wheels — 6 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
HELLO, I BOUGHT A 2003 LINCOLN LS AND I'M GETTING A MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT IS SAYING ETC FAIL SAFETY MODE AND THE CAR IS NOT ABLE TO GO OVER 30 MPH, AND HAS VERY SLOW PICK UP AND IS RUNNING VERY HARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131023
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
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V136000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Lincoln LS have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.