AI Damage2003 Lincoln LS: common problems
Owners of the 2003 Lincoln LS filed 68 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 68
- involving a crash
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 29% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 12% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 10% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 10% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 10% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 10% of all complaints
- 8 Air bags 9% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 20 complaints (29% of all).
- Electrical system: 11 complaints (16% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 8 complaints (12% of all).
- Engine: 7 complaints (10% of all).
- Service brakes: 7 complaints (10% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 3.9 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 68 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had just been parked with the brake pedal depressed and the vehicle accelerated forward. The vehicle went over a curb, hit a tree, and stopped after hitting two other vehicles. A police report was taken at the scene.
Numerous random failures involving different computers within vehicle over 1-1/2 years, including failure and replacement of rack and pinion system. Brake system failure on 6/03/05 - abs computer was reprogrammed but they did not correct what caused corruption. Warned them of concern for my safety.
Vehicle suddenly lurched forward with the sound of high engine revolutions. Car crossed over a three foot wide sidewalk and collided with two trees just beyond the sidewalk. Skid marks on the sidewalk indicated that the brake was firmly applied as the car crossed it under unintended acceleration.
Found bad brake booster and sensor located on it (both unavailable from manufacturer), also found on line that to get light to stop flashing you have to take to dealer and have reprogrammed (nobody else has the ability) 4) Have constantly had problem with check engine light staying on and running rough, no power, and…
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 contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired.
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 and unsafe.
In addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who confirmed the fuel odor along the rear passenger side wheel.
Over the last week the vehicle my wife was driving she said while driving the vechicle began to stall while she was accelerating in traffic. She stated she was able to get it out the street but in doing so the engine revved up and shut off.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 4,491 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 12% most complained about).
On average one model year of the LS has 123 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 68, below average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln LS?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 68. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (18%), stalls while driving (9%), vibration (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2003 Lincoln LS?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2003 Lincoln LS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2003 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.