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2003 Lincoln LSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 68 owner complaints about the 2003 Lincoln LS, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2003 Lincoln LS
66
CarFlaw IndexSolid year49% below the LS median · #6 of 7 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints686 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage77kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 5, 2022. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Lincoln LS has problems

68 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train200
Electrical system110
Engine and engine cooling80
Vehicle speed control72
Engine70
Suspension70
Air bags63
Seats60
Steering61
12 other systems310

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2003 Lincoln LS recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other LS year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the LS median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Lincoln LS safety ratings

2003 Lincoln LS 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2003 Lincoln LS side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: Optional
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What LS owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOFARM FORD LINCOLN (221 MALL RD, LOGANSPORT, IN 46947, [PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYCLOID PATCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…
Complaint 11124335 · Sep 4, 2018 · 170,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HARDSHIFTED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. JACKSON FORD IN DECATUR, ILLINOIS WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE…
Complaint 11078996 · Mar 13, 2018 · 100,000 miles
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. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (CASEY JACKSON FORD, 1435 E MAIN ST, ROYSTON, GA…
Complaint 11076919 · Mar 8, 2018 · 78,000 miles

Own a 2003 LS?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.