Before you buy
This 2003 Lincoln Ls has 68 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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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2003 Lincoln Ls Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2003 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. 4 trims analysed.
2003 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 2003 Lincoln Ls has 68 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Ls
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 68
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2003 Lincoln Ls problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 68 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 1 recall campaign are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 68 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 1 federal recall campaign
- 3 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 2003 Lincoln Ls complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Lincoln Ls. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 2003 Lincoln Ls. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 one day and a bolt on r…
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the chrome wheels were leaking air which caused the tires to become flat. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not conta…
CAR GETS TO HOT MY FILL BUCKET FOR THE RADIATOR KEEPS GETTING A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF IT OR SOME WHERE I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND AGAIN THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. AND IT HAS OVER HEATED AND GOES ALL THE WAY TO H NOW BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IT MITE NOW NEED HEAD GASKETS Y C…
WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR ON A HIGHWAY OR STREET ANY TIME IT ENCOUNTERS SMALL BUMPS THE WHEEL TURNS AND THERE'S A LOUD SLAMMING SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. IT'S WORSE GOING INTO TURNS SPEED DOES NOT MATTER YOU CAN GO SLOW OR FAST AND THE LOUD SLAMMING …
WHEN EVER THE CAR IS DRIVEN ANY LITTLE BUMP OR PATCH IN THE ROAD HAS THE CAR MAKING A LOUD SLAM SOUND EVEN WORSE GOING OVER ANY BUMP AND EVEN WORSE INTO TURNS. ALSO THE WHEEL SEEMS TO PULL AT THOSE TIMES AS WELL, THIS IS ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING, FEELS VERY SCARY AN…
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, 574-753-6294) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYCLOID PATCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE …
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…
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…
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. PRIOR OWNER HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPL…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO …
THE TRANSMISSION HAS PROBLEMS SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING AND MAKES IT DANGEROUS TO OTHER CARS AROUND ME
TOOK TRANSMISSION FOR REPAIR. TRANSMISSION SHOP COULD NOT LOAD NEW LINCOLN SOFTWARE ON NEW COMPUTER MODULE. IT HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS AT ROWLETT TRANSMISSION SHOP AND NOW THE "ENGINE SIDE" OF THE NEW COMPUTER INSTALLED WILL NOT CLEAR. SAYS THERE IN AN ENGINE ISSUE NOW. THERE WAS NO …
I PURCHASED MY 2003 LINCOLN LS JUNE/2015. EXCELLENT CONDITION, 35,000 MILES. INTERIOR IMMACULATE CONDITION LEATHER SEATS AND CARPET VIRUTALLY UNTOUCHED. UNDERNEATH HOOD THE SAME, HADN'T LOOK AS IF BEEN DRIVEN. EXTERIOR BODY AND PAINT AGAIN EXCELLENT. THE CAR APPEARED AS IF IT H…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…
CEL CAME ON, CODE INDICATED TRANSMISSION ISSUE. "E" APPEARED IN THE GEAR INDICATOR, RATHER THAN THE GEAR THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN. TRANS WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND AND 5TH OF GEARS. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP, WHO TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS A BAD TRANSMISSION CASE THAT H…
COMING TO A STOP APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR MADE A STRANGE NOISE WOULD NOT STOP.ALMOST RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.CHECKED OUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG EXCEPT SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER AT THE CAP. [XXX] INFOR…
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT MISFIRES IT DOESN'T WANT TO GO ON ACCELERATION..IT IS LEAKING OIL INTO THE SPARK PLUG WELLS AND AFFECTING COILS..THERE WAS A EXTENSION WARRANTY ON THESE PARTS.BUT IT WAS 10 YEARS OR 100000 MILE . I DIDN'T PURCHASE THIS CAR TILL AFTER IT ALREADY HAD MORE T…
CAR HESITATES ON ACCELERATION SINCE IT WAS NEW. TOOK THE CAR TO THE SELLING DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONDITION GOT WORSE. WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTS BUCKING AND MISFIRING. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SELLING LINCOLN DEALERSHIP (SESI LINCOLN M…
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. I HAVE FOUND THAT SOMETIMES IF I TURN THE CAR OFF/ON THE MESSAGE DOES NOT…
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. HE DID SAY THAT ONE OF THE SOLENOIDS WENT OUTER IF BANDS WER…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Lincoln Ls.
Safety recalls
2003 Lincoln Ls recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Lincoln Ls. 1 recall campaign are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
WHEELS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2003 Lincoln Ls buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Lincoln Ls reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 68 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign 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 2003 Lincoln Ls?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (20 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (15 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Lincoln Ls?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Lincoln Ls?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Lincoln Ls, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 68 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Lincoln Ls have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2003 Lincoln Ls. A major recall area is WHEELS. 1 recall campaign are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2003 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.