2002 Lincoln LS: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 121 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (19% of complaints); the 2003 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
121
owner complaints
0
fire reports
80,503
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 80,503 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)19% · 23 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)15% · 18 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)15% · 18 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)8% · 9 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)7% · 8 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)6% · 7 complaints
“I have a 2002 lincoln LS v8 the passenger ball joint came loose and broke had it fixed driver side has now came loose and rattling”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2022
“The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. The vin was not available.”Owner report · Traction Control System · Apr 2021
“Both driver and passenger side lower ball joints have fractured, been replaced and have fractured again. The stud post itself continues to fracture above the control arm mounting hole, despite both ball joints being replaced and retorqued to manufacturer recommended tightness.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“'takata recall' I was driving and was in a car accident. There was major damage the front of my car and the airbags never deployed.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln ls. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact was unaware if the failure occurred while driving or upon starting the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.*pm*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2019
“When I drive approximately 35 miles, my 2002 lincoln ls wants to overheat and shut down on me. I have to wait till it cools down and then start it up and proceed on my way.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln ls. While driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle lost power and shut down. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred and the headlights went out. When the vehicle was restarted, the headlights illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2017
“No matter what is done the check transmission and everything error comes up and car shifts hard and slips I see I am not the only one having this problem seems all of the ls cars are doing the same thing.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2016
“While driving down preston hwy I rear ended a truck in front of me as I was unable to stop in time. Potential totaled car with heavy front end damage yet the air bag never deployed. 207,000 miles on the car.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln ls. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently. The brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. The emergency brakes also failed to slow down the vehicle. The contact had to turn off the vehicle in order to slow down. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 21 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact LS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Lincoln LS reliable?
NHTSA has 121 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Lincoln LS. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Lincoln LS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,503 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.