LS (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.9-V8-Gas
3.9L 8-cyl / 252 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 220 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Lincoln LS Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
4.0-V6-Gas
4.0L 6-cyl / 207 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
4.6-V8-Gas
4.6L 8-cyl / 225 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.8-V6-Gas
3.8L 6-cyl / 150 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lincoln LS, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2006 Lincoln LS
On a used 2000-2006 Lincoln LS, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the suspension (267), the engine (177) and the cooling system (143). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 267 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS about the suspension.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 177 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 143 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 138 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 124 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Recalls (3)
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2006 Lincoln LS complaints?
Owners have filed 975 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS. The systems they name most often are the suspension, the engine and the cooling system.
Is the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 975 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS have?
NHTSA has 975 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2000-2006 Lincoln LS vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lincoln LS?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the suspension, the engine and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the LS have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 975 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.