2003 Lincoln LS Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 12%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Lincoln LS, 12% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car has consistently just shut off while driving (roughly 30 times in the last year). Been into the dealer no less than 10 times. Had thousands of dollars of valve covers, coils, plugs gaskets, windshield wiper components replaced. No change. Car will still die whenever it feels like it. Lincoln/ford could care less, and the dealer and field engineers seem tired of seeing my car. Constant movement of brake pedal in rhythm with windshield wipers. Dealer has tried to fix numerous times and the problem is worse now then when they started. Front brake pads rattle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10212443, filed 2007-12, 39,000 miles“I have been having the same problems from day one since I bought this car. I had a brand new transmission put in by the Lincoln place three years ago. Now my transmission is acting up again. 1. Transmission shifts rough or jerky from park 2. Transmission shifts rough or jerky while driving 3. Gear changes take to long to complete 4. Shifts occur too early, too late, too often 5.always having to replace the same parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10390394, filed 2011-03“The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. On two different occasions, while driving between 35-65 MPH, the vehicle lost power and power steering. The failure occurred intermittently and without warning. The dealer stated that the vehicle was fine even though the stability enhancing system light continues to illuminate. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10220106, filed 2008-03, 110,000 miles“The contact stated while driving 35mph, the check engine light illuminated and the temperature gauge elevated followed by white steam erupting from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. Additionally, the automatic stability traction control activated which causes the engine to stall. The dealer determined the traction assist cluster sensors needed to be replaced, however the problem persisted.”
NHTSA complaint #10164473, filed 2006-08, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that the engine goes into the fail safe mode without warning. The failure has occurred three times within the past month while driving 40-45 MPH. The dealer has not been able to correct the failure. Ford motor company has yet to respond. The failure mileage was 44,000 and current mileage was 45,000. Updated 01-10-08. The consumer also stated while driving, the transmission would shift erratically. The shifter cover was cracking on the right side. Updated 01/10/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10211785, filed 2007-12, 44,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026402May 20, 2008Ford/lincoln mercury: certain 2003-2005 model year lincoln ls and ford thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9l engine with extended warranty coverage on ignition coil assemblies…
- 10025342Mar 10, 2008Lincoln service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Certain 2003-2005 lincoln ls vehicles equipped with duratec 3.0l 4v engine. Pcv hose assembly replacement…
- 10023293Jul 3, 2007Certain 2003 model year lincoln ls and ford thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9l engine - extended warranty coverage on ignition coil assemblies and engine valve cover…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10017908Jun 7, 2005Intermittent stumble on rapid tip-in from steady speed, generally between 20-50 mph (32-80 km/h) accompanied by a inductive backfire after the tip-in.
- 10017917May 1, 2005Unusual engine noise or engine knock concerns due to regular fuel.
- 10012947Feb 21, 2005Maf diagnostic service tip - vehicles equipped with egr system module (esm).
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Lincoln LS
20 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Lincoln LS
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology