2004 Lincoln LS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 21%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Lincoln LS, 21% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a Lincoln LS v8 with 55,000 miles. When I shift into reverse it creates a harsh sound, like the transmission is going to fall out. My check transmission light came on will be taking it to the dealership. I have been researching transmission problems on LS and seems to be extremely common manufacturing problem. Something must be done!”
NHTSA complaint #10322118, filed 2010-03, 55,000 miles“My 2004 Lincoln LS v6 sedan loses power and stalls. The wrench appears in the window and the engine light comes on. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer several times. Once the coils were replaced; most recently I took the car and the dealer was unable to diagnose the problem. This morning I was on the turnpike in high speed traffic and the car lost power, the wrench appeared and the engine light is on. I'm frustrated that a car with only 45k miles and in otherwise good condition can not be driven without fear of causing a major accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10382739, filed 2011-02, 45,187 miles“In nov 2008,while driving on a very busy street, I noticed the vehicle shifting very hard and at times causing a harsh jerk. As I attempted to make a left turn on a very busy intersection to return the vehicle home, the vehicle lost all power and the error message etc engine failsafe mode displayed on the screen. Thankfully the car slowly coasted across the 3-lane intersection without causing an accident. I had the vehicle towed to the Lincoln dealership and they stated that the throttle body need to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256099, filed 2009-01, 71,000 miles“First it started out in july 2007,AC wasn't blowing like it should be replaced control heads. Then my trac control light came on and park brake light was on checked and advised replaced speed sensor. Then check engine light came on found upstream bank 2 02 sensor reading out of spec. Replaced 02 sensor and clear codes. That cost me$1285.51. Which I replaced sensor,spark plugs,coil then in jan 2008 my transmission shift hard into reverse checked and advised found faults in solenoid,valve body,trans filter,repaired clear codes,ok. Replaced drive belt and pulley. That bill was 1318.72. …”
NHTSA complaint #10243077, filed 2008-09, 70,836 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11296640, filed 2020-01, 200,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013306May 27, 2005Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5r55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid…
- 10017898Apr 1, 2005Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Lincoln LS
25 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Lincoln LS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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