Before you buy
This 2004 Lincoln Ls has 90 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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2004 Lincoln Ls Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 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.
2004 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 2004 Lincoln Ls has 90 owner complaints, 8 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
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 90
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- 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 2004 Lincoln Ls problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 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 90 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 8 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.
- 90 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 8 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 2004 Lincoln Ls complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Lincoln Ls. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 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 2004 Lincoln Ls. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
THE TRANSMISSION IN THESE CARS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THEY WILL STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. YOU WILL HAVE TO PULL OVER AND ONCE YOU PULLOVER AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IT WILL NOT LET THE CAR ENGAGE INTO GEAR AND MOVE.
HI. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AND I KEPT SMELLING GAS VERY BAD. TO THE POINT THE WHOLE HOUSE SMELT AND WHEN I PARK THE CAR I CAN SMELL IT. I FIGURED THERE HAD TO BE A PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT FIND A LEAK. I DECIDED TO LOOK ONLINE AND FOUND LINCOLN HAD A RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE GAS TANKS WHICH …
WHILE DRIVING IN THE EVENING, ON A SLIGHTLY WINDING, SMOOTH, GRAVEL ROAD AT ABOUT 30 TO 35 MPH, TEMPERATURE ABOUT 34 DEGREES F, THE AIRBAG IN THE PASSENGER SEAT DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NOT ANY FORM OR TYPE OF COLLISION. DURING THE TIME I HAVE HAD THE CAR, ABOUT 2 YEARS, THERE HAS N…
NORMAL CLEAR WEATHER DRIVING DOWN BUSY STREET WHEN CARE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN ALMOST RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH VEHICLES BEHIND ME. THE ENGINE STOPPED , I RESTARTED WITH VERY LIMITED DRIVABILITY THE ETC FAILSAFE MODE KICKED IN FOR NO APPARENT REASON THIS ISSUE MUST BE ADDRESSED…
WAS COMING HOME FROM THE STORE I WAS GOING 55MPH AND OUT OF NO WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF....PULLED OVER TURNED OFF THE CAR THEN BACK ON AND WORK FOR LIKE A MIN THEN AGAIN I ALMOST CRASH BECAUSE NO LIGHT..A 15MIN DRIVE HOME BECAME 50MIN HAD TO BE PULLING OVER ALL THE WAY HOME.…
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON A DRIVEWAY, THE PASSENGER CEILING AIR BAG DEPLOYED FROM THE FRONT SEAT TO THE BACK SEAT. THE CAR DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. PASSENGER WAS INJURED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE WRENCH WARNING SYMBOL DISPLAYED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL A…
BRAND NEW BATTERY IN CAR. COME OUT TO START CAR. BATTERY IS DEAD. MY MECHANIC HAS CAR FOR THREE DAYS. HE TRIED TO FIND A SHORT. HE INSTRUCTED ME TO MAKE SURE ALL DOORS ARE COMPLETELY CLOSED AND LIGHTS ARE ALL OUT. THIS WAS AFTER MULTIPLE DEAD BATTERIES. I MADE SURE OF ALL …
WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH ON FLAT, SMOOTH TWO LANE ROADWAY THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AND SIDE SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED STRIKING DRIVER ON LEFT SHOULDER AND FACIAL AREA. THERE WAS NO SIDE IMPACT OR ROUGH ROAD PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND MOVE TO B…
NO BRAKES TILL ENGINE WARMS UP. PEDAL GOOD BUT NO BRAKES. NEW PADS AND ROTORS. NO IDIOT LITE. MECHANIC CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY IT DOES THIS. *JS
CARS STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON HIGHWAY OR SIDE STREET. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE RPM READING INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO LUNGE FORWARD. THE WRENCH WARNING ICON WAS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND BEFORE SHIFTING GEARS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HAVE TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE OFF THE ROAD, CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE LEG, CHEST, BACK AND NECK. THE CONTA…
FILLED CAR WITH GAS. PULLED UP TO ENTER ROADWAY AND HAD TO STOP FOR TRAFFIC. WHEN I TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD EMERGENCY BRAKE CAME ON. PUT CAR IN PARK SHUT OFF ENGINE AND RESTARTED AND EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN TWO DAYS. …
DRIVING DOWN THE SIDE STREET AND MY CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE. READS ETC .START UP WILL MOVE ABOUT 1/4 OF THE BLOCK AND DOES IT AGAIN. HAD TO KEEP TURNING IT OFF AND ON TO GET HOME.ONCE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR LS. THIS I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND COIL PACKS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPL…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP AND DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL, THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP ACCELERATIN…
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH AIR SUSPENSION - FRONT AND REAR. IT HAS THE TENDENCY TO GO UP AND DOWN AT WILL. WE HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER WHERE WE HAD THE SECOND ONE REPLACED AND IT IS GIVING CONSTANT PROBLEMS. THE FIRST ONE LASTED QUITE A FEW YEARS.(AT APPROX 43000 MILES) …
I SHOULD HAVE DONE MY HOMEWORK PRIOR TO PURCHASING THIS CAR USED. 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, CAR STARTED SHAKING, AND JUMPING, WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE. MECHANIC UNABLE TO REPAIR, BUT REPLACED COILS AND CAR RAN "OK" FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND NOW DOES EXACT SAME THING TIMES 100. CAR …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Lincoln Ls.
Safety recalls
2004 Lincoln Ls recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 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
2004 Lincoln Ls buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Lincoln Ls reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 90 owner complaints, 8 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 2004 Lincoln Ls?▾
#1: Engine Problems (28 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (19 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Lincoln Ls?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Lincoln Ls?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Lincoln Ls, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 90 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Lincoln Ls have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2004 Lincoln Ls in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2004 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 2004 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.