Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln LS vs FORD F 150
How the Lincoln LS and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Lincoln LS vs FORD F 150: The LS averages 144 complaints per year, with notable issues in suspension and air bags, while the F-150 averages 1131 complaints per year, mainly for transmission problems. The LS has 4 recalls, the F-150 has 145. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln LS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln LS
The Lincoln LS, a now-discontinued sport sedan, shows a high rate of owner complaints, averaging 144 per year over seven years. The pattern points to chronic issues across multiple systems, including suspension, engine cooling, air bags, and transmission. Owners describe a car that can overheat in traffic, suffer from unexpected air bag deployments, and require major transmission work, suggesting a demanding ownership experience.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150, a popular full-size pickup, has a much higher total complaint count, but that's partly due to its larger sales volume and longer reporting period. The dominant issue is the 10-speed automatic transmission, with owners reporting hard shifts, jerking, and even sudden power loss. Electrical system problems, such as camera malfunctions, also appear frequently, indicating that modern F-150s may have complex electronic gremlins.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln LS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,008 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 144.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Lincoln LS
- 01SUSPENSION270
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING145
- 03AIR BAGS142
- 04POWER TRAIN126
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM103
Owners report a range of suspension-related problems, including issues that trigger warning lights and, in some cases, smoke under the hood. The high number of complaints suggests a pattern of premature wear or component failure, which could affect ride quality and safety.
A common complaint is overheating, especially during idle or in stop-and-go traffic, which can be a serious inconvenience and lead to engine damage if not addressed. Some owners also report smoke from under the hood, indicating potential coolant or oil leaks.
There are alarming reports of air bags deploying without any impact, both while driving and even when parked. This can cause injuries and is a major safety concern, as it indicates a possible electrical or sensor malfunction.
Transmission problems are frequent, with owners describing rough or jerky shifts, failure to engage certain gears, and the need for major repairs or even replacement. This can lead to costly bills and potential safety issues if the vehicle stalls or loses power.
“We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving on…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH SHE NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE/ SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHIC…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The most common issue is with the 10-speed automatic transmission, which owners report as shifting hard, jerking, or clunking, especially between certain gears. Some have experienced a complete loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety hazard.
Many owners report recurring warning messages for features like the front camera and pre-collision assist, which can be annoying and may indicate underlying electrical issues. These problems might affect the vehicle's driver-assistance systems.
Headlight-related complaints are common, which could involve poor visibility, flickering, or failure. This is a safety concern, especially for night driving.
Engine problems are also reported, though less frequently than transmission issues. These may include stalling, rough running, or other performance issues that could leave drivers stranded.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Lincoln LS — 4 recalls
The defect: 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 TORQUE.
The risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN THE WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: 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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DE…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: 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 BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: 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 BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Lincoln LS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
Based on the data, the Lincoln LS has fewer complaints per year (144) compared to the Ford F-150 (1131), but the LS's issues are more severe and widespread across critical systems like air bags and engine cooling. The F-150's problems are largely concentrated in the transmission, which is a major component but may be more predictable to address.
Key differences
- The Lincoln LS has a higher proportion of air bag complaints, including spontaneous deployments, which is a critical safety issue not seen in the F-150.
- The F-150's main problem is the 10-speed transmission, which causes hard shifts and occasional power loss, while the LS also has transmission issues but they are less dominant.
- The LS has significant engine cooling problems leading to overheating, while the F-150's engine complaints are less frequent.
- The F-150 has a much higher total number of complaints, but that is partly due to its larger sales volume and longer reporting period.
- Inspect the cooling system for signs of overheating, such as coolant leaks or a history of thermostat issues.
- Check for any air bag warning lights or previous deployments; have a mechanic verify the air bag system's integrity.
- Test drive the truck and pay close attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th and 6th gears, for any harshness or clunking.
- Check for any warning messages related to the front camera or pre-collision assist, as these may indicate electrical problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or previous major repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- For the Lincoln LS, ask about the cooling system and air bag system's service history.
- For the Ford F-150, take an extended test drive that includes highway speeds to assess transmission behavior.
- Check the NHTSA website for any outstanding recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Lincoln LS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln LS vs FORD F 150
- Lincoln LS total complaints
- 1,008
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Lincoln LS total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Lincoln LS avg complaints/year
- 144.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln LS
- Lincoln LS top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN