2001 Lincoln LS problems & reliability
240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Lincoln LS, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
11 complaints report injuries (13 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2001 Lincoln LS vehicles were involved in 7 fatal crashes with 7 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 110 | 46% |
| Air Bags | 33 | 14% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 26 | 11% |
| Visibility | 16 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 14 | 6% |
| Power Train | 14 | 6% |
| Steering | 14 | 6% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | 5% |
| Structure | 11 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 88,503 miles (middle 50% between 66,275 and 111,175 miles), based on 164 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and the contact noticed the front passenger side tire had separated from the joint. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the…”
Suspension · filed Apr 24, 2023
“The contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the front suspension ball joint detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V359001…”
Suspension · filed Apr 24, 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lincoln ls. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehcile began to shake back and forth violently which caused the contact to pull the vehicle over to side of the road. The contact…”
Suspension · filed Mar 29, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
135 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Lincoln LS. The 10 most recent:
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 appearing as bubbled…
TSB 20-2233 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 13, 2020
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 dust. Panel…
TSB 19-2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2019
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 dust. Panel…
TSB 19-2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2019
Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt
041601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 14, 2005
Excessive electrical system current draw which could result in a discharged battery and a no crank condition. *tt service tips. *tt
0295 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 14, 2005
Water/moisture in cop wells - dtc p0301-p0308 - 3.9l engine - vehicles built through 5/1/2004. *tt
02162 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2005
Safety belt retraction speed. *tt
042421 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2005
Unusual engine noise or engine knock concerns due to regular fuel. *tt
18615 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2005
Safety belt web stop button service. *eh
05310 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 21, 2005
Am fm and cellular phone reception interference . *eh
18426 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2005
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2001 Lincoln LS has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2001 Lincoln LS?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 88,503 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.