Before you buy
This 2002 Lincoln Ls has 121 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Lincoln Ls Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2002 Lincoln Ls trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2002 Lincoln Ls Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Lincoln Ls has 121 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Ls
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 121
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 23
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2002 Lincoln Ls problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Suspension Failures, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Lincoln Ls?
This LINCOLN LS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Lincoln Ls
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Lincoln Ls, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The LINCOLN LS has 121 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 21 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later.
- 121 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 21 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2002 Lincoln Ls complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Lincoln Ls. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 24 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 24 | 6 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 7 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 9 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Lincoln Ls. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving at 50-55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he stood on the brake pedal un…
I have a 2002 lincoln LS v8 the passenger ball joint came loose and broke had it fixed driver side has now came loose and rattling
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to provide any …
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE FRACTURED, BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE FRACTURED AGAIN. THE STUD POST ITSELF CONTINUES TO FRACTURE ABOVE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING HOLE, DESPITE BOTH BALL JOINTS BEING REPLACED AND RETORQUED TO MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED TIGHTNESS.
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. SHE CLIPPED THAT CAR REAR END AND SWERVED RIGHT'HITT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OR UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
'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.
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. WHEN I TURN THE KEY ON THE LIGHT COME ON THE DISPLAY.
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON
WHEN I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES, MY 2002 LINCOLN LS WANTS TO OVERHEAT AND SHUT DOWN ON ME. I HAVE TO WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN AND THEN START IT UP AND PROCEED ON MY WAY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. WHE…
CADILAC CONVERTER RATTLE AND MAKE LOUD NOISES. IDLER STAY HIGH, IVE CHANGED IT THREE TIMES DEALER EVEN TRIED, BUT WANTS ME TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY ON OTHER IDEAS THEY HAVE OF WHAT THE PROBLEM IS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS WE…
DEALER SOLD ME A VEHICLE THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED AWAY. BIG RUST HOLES ON UNDERCARRIAGE
NO MATTER WHAT IS DONE THE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND EVERYTHING ERROR COMES UP AND CAR SHIFTS HARD AND SLIPS I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM SEEMS ALL OF THE LS CARS ARE DOING THE SAME THING.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN PRESTON HWY I REAR ENDED A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AS I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME. POTENTIAL TOTALED CAR WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE YET THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. 207,000 MILES ON THE CAR.
2002 LINCOLN LS , AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON. HAVE HAD TO DRIVE CAR FOR 3 YRS LIKE THIS WHILE HAVING FEAR OF AIR BAG NOT WORKING IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. 3 MECHANICS HAVE TRIED TO FIX AND IT ONLY TURNS OFF FOR A FEW MIN.S AFTER THEY ATTEMPT A FIX WITH THE WIRING. …
2002 LINCOLN LS , AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR FOR FEAR OF AIR BAG NOT WORKING IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS LINCOLN LS MILEAGE IS 73,503
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BALL JOINT WAS LOOSEN CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ALSO FAILED TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO SLOW …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Lincoln Ls.
Safety recalls
2002 Lincoln Ls recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Lincoln Ls. No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Lincoln Ls buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Lincoln Ls reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 121 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. This LINCOLN LS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lincoln Ls?▾
#1: Engine Problems (29 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (24 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (24 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Lincoln Ls?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Lincoln Ls?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Lincoln Ls, NHTSA complaints include 21 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 121 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Lincoln Ls have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2002 Lincoln Ls in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2002 Lincoln Ls?▾
This LINCOLN LS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Ls reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Lincoln Ls based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.