2001 Lincoln LS Problems
- Complaints
- 240filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,006miles, 165 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Lincoln LS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owner complaints for the 2001 Lincoln LS are dominated by front suspension problems, especially the lower ball joints and control arms, which many describe failing at highway speed, often on vehicles their owners say were not covered by the 2000 ball joint recall. Remaining reports involve air bag and clock spring warning lights, coolant and misfire issues, and power window failures. Most sampled complaints arrive between roughly 65,000 and 130,000 miles, though ball joint reports also appear at much lower mileage.
- Suspension
Front lower ball joint / control arm separation
- 100 complaints (42%)
- median 95,000 mi at 7.6 yrs old (84 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2023
Owners describe loud popping, scraping or grinding noises from the front end, followed by the steering pulling or going unresponsive and in several cases the front wheel collapsing or detaching. A few mention that the ball joint nut was found loose or that the joint stud had fractured. Complaints frequently reference recall 00V359001 and say the dealer or manufacturer told them their VIN was not included, so the work was not covered. Reported from roughly 65,000 to 130,000 miles, with some reports at much lower mileage and often while turning or driving at speed.
What to check: Have a mechanic inspect both front lower ball joints and control arms for play, looseness or a loose nut, and ask whether the vehicle's VIN was ever covered by or repaired under the ball joint recall. Listen for popping or grinding over bumps during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving my car, after driving home from work (approx. 70 miles round-trip). While turning I heard a loud crunch and then felt a hard thud, my vehicle was difficult to steer, felt another crunch. I pulled into a parking stall, after parking my vehicle, another loud crunch, the driver's side wheel had fallen off and was wedged into the wheel well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10452763, filed 2012-03, 70,114 miles“We purchased a Lincoln LS on 2/24/12 and a I was driving the car home I heard a loud noise that sounded as if the wheels were going to fall off especially as I went over bumps. I took the car to midas and they diagnosed that the ball joints were bad, along with the struts, and gasket cover. I did some research and I found that the car had been recalled in 2000 for the ball joints.”
NHTSA complaint #10450118, filed 2012-03, 99,506 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light stays on (clock spring)
- 30 complaints (13%)
- median 87,003 mi at 7.5 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2016
Owners report the air bag warning light illuminating and staying on, sometimes flickering or coming back shortly after a repair. In several cases a dealer diagnosed the clock spring as the cause and replaced it, and owners were told that with the clock spring failed the air bag may not deploy in a crash. Some also mention seat belt noise or belts that seized around the same time. Mostly reported between about 85,000 and 130,000 miles, with the light appearing intermittently during normal driving.
What to check: Turn the key to the run position and confirm the air bag light comes on and then goes out after the self-test. Ask whether the clock spring has ever been replaced and request any records of air bag system repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My air bags lights are always on for no reason, I dont feel safe driving it becauae im scare its goin to brake down on my one day and I have my new born baby with me most of the time I drive the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10454149, filed 2012-04, 130,000 miles“-the contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. While driving at 55 MPH the contact noticed that the air bag light was illuminated, the vehicle lost power and when restarting the vehicle the air bag light illuminating flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected by a technician who determined that clock spring was failing, the cover and contact plate was replaced at a cost of 323.49. The contact was informed that with the clock spring failure could result in the air bag not deploying. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267010, filed 2009-04, 88,006 miles - Engine cooling
Misfire and rough running from ignition and valve cover
- 23 complaints (10%)
- median 86,910 mi at 7.0 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2001–2014
Owners describe misfires, rough idle, a check engine light and abnormal engine noises, and some point to coil-on-plug ignition components or oil leaking into the spark plug wells from the valve cover gasket. A few describe the engine stalling or stopping after a knocking noise and needing major engine work. Dealers in these complaints replaced ignition parts and gaskets, but owners say the symptoms sometimes returned. Spread broadly from roughly 30,000 to 150,000 miles, sometimes following spark plug replacement.
What to check: Check for a steady or flashing check engine light, feel for rough idle or hesitation on a test drive, and ask whether coil packs and valve cover gaskets have been replaced. A pre-purchase scan for misfire codes is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car started making knocking noise while riding on hwy 85 and I pulled over off on an exit and the car stop would not crank. It only happen this one time. It had to be towed. I had to buy a new engine. My Lincoln LS only has 108,000 miles on it. My check engine warning light was illuminated and I took the car for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10397077, filed 2011-04, 108,000 miles“2000 to 2006 Lincoln LS all have misfire problems , coming from faulty valve cover gaskets, 2000 to 2006 ford t-birds have same problem, only thing is the Lincoln didn't made the recall list . Same engine though, seems that the valve cover gasket leaks oil into spark plug wells causing short and misfire.”
NHTSA complaint #10211300, filed 2007-12, 79,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal feels low or stopping distance is long
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the brake pedal going near the floor, the car lurching or continuing to roll with the brakes fully applied, and longer stopping distances. Some note squealing and repeated rotor resurfacing or replacement at the dealer without a lasting fix. Reported mostly under about 30,000 miles in the sample, often as an intermittent condition.
What to check: Press the brake pedal firmly with the engine running and confirm it holds rather than sinking, and ask for records of rotor and pad work. Test braking from moderate speed on a quiet road.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When approaching a stop the brakes do not hold. This is an intermittent problem and no common denominators can be found. The car will slow down when braking, but on occasion the car will continue moving even when brakes are fully applied, causing the vehicle to run stop signs, intersections, and rear ending other vehicles. Also when braking it takes a long distance to do so.”
NHTSA complaint #10028479, filed 2003-07, 17,300 miles“On going problem with the brake pedal going to the floor and squeaking when braking. Vehicle been to the dealer on several separate occasions. They turn the front rotors twice on two separate occasion which the problem had recurred and now the front rotors need to be replaced. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this issue and fill out the remaining questionnaire.”
NHTSA complaint #10032398, filed 2003-08, 23,000 miles
Buying note. Front ball joint condition and recall coverage are the first things to confirm on a 2001 LS, since that is by far what owners report most; a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model is worth the cost. Also check air bag warning lights, engine misfire codes and window operation before committing.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 240 consumer complaints for the 2001 Lincoln LS. 165 of the complaints include a mileage, and 15% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,006 miles. Of all complaints, 20 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 13 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 22 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension110 46%
- Air bags33 14%
- Engine cooling26 11%
- Electrical system14 5.8%
- Steering14 5.8%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 5.8%
- Brakes13 5.4%
- Body and structure11 4.6%
- Vehicle speed control11 4.6%
Also reported: Wheels (9), Equipment (7), Exterior lighting (6), Engine (5), Other or unknown (4), Seats (4), Seat belts (3), Fuel system (2), Tires (2), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “I was driving down the road around 11pm to pick up my husband, and the left driver side r/r ds lower ball joint in front of the car collapsed to the ground. I had traffic coming from behind and from a cross street in front of me. Luckily, I was able to signal everyone by horn, arm waving and double blinkers before I was hit by anyone. I was able to prevent the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10680394, filed 2015-02, 191,821 milesAir bags: “I was driving on the freeway when I heard a loud sound like a gunshot and white somke everywhere. I turn to the right where my cousin was sitting and think its one of my tires that blew out. So I pull over to find out that my passanger seat airbag deployed for no reason. My cousin was very hurt his shoulder was swollen and is in pain due to the airbag. I almost crashed as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10538256, filed 2013-09, 120,000 milesEngine cooling: “My 2001 Lincoln LS v8 has been in the shop numerous times, way more than I can remember. There has been issues with the ignition coils, hydraulic fans, starter, coil pads. This has all been repaired with numerous amounts of dollars. I can no longer afford to keep up with this car. There is constant miss fires and bad shifting.”
NHTSA complaint #10229592, filed 2008-06, 65,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “In august of 2005, the warranty on my car was going to expire. I took the Lincoln LS to the dealership to have them check the car over. I told them that 2 of my windows were making strange noises. When I would lower or roll up the windows it made a clicking sound and the windows kind of slammed shut. The very next week, my drivers side window fell down into the door and it wouldn't work! It made this horrible grating sound like the window had broken inside the door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10158658, filed 2006-05, 49,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
15% of the 165 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,000 and 111,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Lincoln LS. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS · sedan | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Lincoln LS version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LS RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LS RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| LS RWD | 3.9L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| LS RWD | 3.9L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V359001Nov 3, 2000Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Lincoln LS 2000–2001
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front suspension lower ball joints were not tightened to specifications when they were attached to the lower control arms.
Recall details for the 2001 Lincoln LS → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 22 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020Body and structure. This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10017925Jun 7, 2005Body and structure. Water/moisture in cop wells - dtc p0301-p0308 - 3.9l engine - vehicles built through 5/1/2004.
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10017917May 1, 2005Engine cooling. Unusual engine noise or engine knock concerns due to regular fuel.
- 10012954Feb 21, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10012964Feb 1, 2005Equipment. Am fm and cellular phone reception interference .
- 10013321Jan 1, 2005Electrical system. Am/fm and cellular phone reception interference - service tip.
Other model years of the Lincoln LS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 18 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 90 | 59,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 91 | 59,925 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 68 | 59,788 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 121 | 80,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 240 | 88,006 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 354 | 76,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Lincoln LS model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lincoln LS?
Owner complaints for the 2001 Lincoln LS are dominated by front suspension problems, especially the lower ball joints and control arms, which many describe failing at highway speed, often on vehicles their owners say were not covered by the 2000 ball joint recall. The issues reported most often: Front lower ball joint / control arm separation; Air bag warning light stays on (clock spring); Misfire and rough running from ignition and valve cover.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Lincoln LS have?
NHTSA recorded 240 consumer complaints for the 2001 Lincoln LS as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Lincoln LS is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 110 complaints (46% of the total), followed by air bags with 33.
Has the 2001 Lincoln LS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Lincoln LS get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Lincoln LS (LS, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Lincoln LS reported?
Among the 165 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,006 miles and the middle half falls between 65,000 and 111,000 miles; 15% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.