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2001 Lincoln Ls

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ls years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Lincoln Ls are substantially higher than the model-year median of 91.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

166 reports with mileage · 74 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 110 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports1 fire reports11 injury reports

Structure complaints

11 reports
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99,999 miles · Jan 26, 2018
EngineStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTIFREEZ…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTIFREEZE RESERVOIR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,999.

NHTSA ODI #11065015

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2016
Structure

DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM OUT SIDE THE CAR CAN BE OPENED FROM CABIN SIDE. PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM OUT SIDE THE CAR OR FROM CABIN SIDE. FAILURE OCCURED IN EARLY JANUARY 2016. PRESENTS UNSAFE INCONVIENENT SPACE FOR PASSENGERS IF USED. OCCRED PARKED IN DRIVE WAY.

NHTSA ODI #10836959

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2016
Structure

ON THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE , THE ROCKER PANELS, INNER AND OUTER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT . THESE DEFECTS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE THE LOCAL LINCOLN / FORD DEALERSHIP HAS VERIFIED THESE DEFECTS AND THE WVSP AND DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY HAS INSPECTED AND EXAMINED THIS VEHICLE AND AS AN DIREC…

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ON THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE , THE ROCKER PANELS, INNER AND OUTER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT . THESE DEFECTS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE THE LOCAL LINCOLN / FORD DEALERSHIP HAS VERIFIED THESE DEFECTS AND THE WVSP AND DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY HAS INSPECTED AND EXAMINED THIS VEHICLE AND AS AN DIRECT RESULT OF THEIR FINDINGS OF FACT, HAS DEEMED VEHICLE TO BE ROAD UNWORTHY AND POSED TOO SERIOUS RISK FOR ITS DRIVER (MYSELF) , FOR ITS OCCUPANTS (MINE) AND FOR OTHER DRIVERS ON HIGHWAYS AND FOR PEDESTRIANS AND THEREFORE REMOVED IT FROM BEING ABLE TO MOVE, FROM BEING ABLE TO OPERATE , AND REMOVED IT FROM BEING ABLE TO BE DRIVEN ON ANY AND ALL HIGHWAYS.. THE DEFECTS ON THIS VEHICLE IN THEIR FINDINGS OF FACTS ARE SIGNIFICANT AND SERIOUS IN NATURE AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY ME AS THE REGISTERED OWNER OF IT.

NHTSA ODI #10817387

123,910 miles · Feb 18, 2015
Air BagsStructure

THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE HAS SUBSTANTIAL DEFECTS THAT IMPAIRS ITS SAFETY , THE SAFETY OF ITS DRIVERS, THE SAFETY OF ITS OCCUPANTS, THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS ON HIGHWAYS AND ROADS , AND THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS. THE ROCKER PANELS , INNER AND OUTER ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. ANY IMPACT THIS VEHICLE INCURRED WILL LIKE…

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THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE HAS SUBSTANTIAL DEFECTS THAT IMPAIRS ITS SAFETY , THE SAFETY OF ITS DRIVERS, THE SAFETY OF ITS OCCUPANTS, THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS ON HIGHWAYS AND ROADS , AND THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS. THE ROCKER PANELS , INNER AND OUTER ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. ANY IMPACT THIS VEHICLE INCURRED WILL LIKELY TO CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND OR OPERATED ON HIGHWAYS AND ROADS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10683959

122,650 miles · Dec 22, 2014
Structure

ON JULY 7, 2014 , THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE WAS TAKEN INTO AN AUTHORIZED AND OFFICIAL INSPECTION STATION / ENTITY FOR AN WEST VIRGINIA VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION . THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT LEGALLY AND / OR PROPERLY INSPECTED AND OR EXAMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSPECTION REGULATIONS SET FORTH BY THE WEST VIRGINIA STATE …

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ON JULY 7, 2014 , THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE WAS TAKEN INTO AN AUTHORIZED AND OFFICIAL INSPECTION STATION / ENTITY FOR AN WEST VIRGINIA VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION . THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT LEGALLY AND / OR PROPERLY INSPECTED AND OR EXAMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSPECTION REGULATIONS SET FORTH BY THE WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE. THIS STATION / ENTITY JUST PLACED AN CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION ON WINDSHIELD OF VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT IN AN SAFE AND MECHANICAL CONDITION TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAYS OF WEST VIRGINIA . IT HAD SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL AND FRAME DAMAGE ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF VEHICLE. BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT ROCKER PANELS , INNER AND OUTER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT . THIS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE , THE SAFETY OF ITS DRIVER , THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS , AND THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS. ON OCTOBER 2, 2014 , THIS VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM OPERATION ON THE ROADWAYS / HIGHWAYS IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA AND DEEMED ROAD UNWORTHY BY THE WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE. THE CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION [ JULY 2015 STICKER] WAS REMOVED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667675

123,700 miles · Nov 8, 2014
Structure

THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE HAD AN FAULTY SAFETY INSPECTION PERFORMED ON IT IN THE MONTH OF JULY 2014 BY AN INSPECTION STATION LOCATED IN WEST VIRGINIA.. IT WAS NOT OFFICIALLY INSPECTED AND EXAMINED. IT DID NOT MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS OF WEST VIRGINIA INSPECTION LAWS. HOWEVER, THIS INSPECTION STATION ATTACHED AN CERTIFICAT…

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THIS 2001 LINCOLN LS SPORTS PACKAGE HAD AN FAULTY SAFETY INSPECTION PERFORMED ON IT IN THE MONTH OF JULY 2014 BY AN INSPECTION STATION LOCATED IN WEST VIRGINIA.. IT WAS NOT OFFICIALLY INSPECTED AND EXAMINED. IT DID NOT MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS OF WEST VIRGINIA INSPECTION LAWS. HOWEVER, THIS INSPECTION STATION ATTACHED AN CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION ON IT NEVERTHELESS. [ AN JULY 2015 INSPECTION STICKER ]. DURING THIS PERIOD , THIS VEHICLE HAD STRUCTURAL AND FRAME DAMAGE , INVOLVING BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT ROCKER PANELS, INNER AND OUTER, BEING COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THIS DAMAGE AFFECTS THE 1] SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, 2] UTILITY OF THE VEHICLE, 3] PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE, 4] INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE , 5] STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE , AND, 6] USE OF VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE , THIS DAMAGE ON THIS VEHICLE AFFECTS 1] THE SAFETY OF ITS DRIVER[S] , 2] THE SAFETY OF ITS OCCUPANT[S] , 3] THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVER[S] ON THE HIGHWAYS , AND 4] THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS. HOWEVER , THIS INSPECTION STATION DEEMED IT ROAD WORTHY DURING THEIR INSPECTION OF VEHICLE DURING MONTH OF JULY 2014.AND APPROVED IT AS BEING SAFE AND MEETING ALL INSPECTION LAWS, INSPECTION PROCEDURES, AND ALL INSPECTION CODES. HOWEVER, ON OCTOBER 2, 2014, DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY [WEST VIRGINIA] AFTER THEIR INSPECTION AND EXAMINATION OF VEHICLE CONFIRMED THAT THIS INSPECTION STATION INDEED PERFORMED AN FAULTY AND IMPROPER AND ILLEGAL INSPECTION ON VEHICLE DURING THE MONTH OF JULY 2014 . THIS VEHICLE DID NOT MEET SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AS REQUIRED AS AN PROXIMATE RESULT OF THIS STRUCTURAL AND FRAME DAMAGE EXISTENT ON VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THE DIVISION OF SAFETY DIVISION [ WEST VIRGINIA] DEEMED THIS VEHICLE AS ROAD UNWORTHY AND REMOVED THE CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION FROM VEHICLE [ JULY 2015 STICKER]. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653589

108,000 miles · Apr 21, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingStructureVisibility

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 INSPECTIO…

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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. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILURE SEEMED TO BE REMEDIED HOWEVER , THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO BACKFIRE AND DRIVE ABNORMALLY ROUGH ,,IN ADDITION , THE ENGINE WOULD EXHIBIT ABNORMAL NOISES AND AN OVERPOWERING OIL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS IN FORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET AND COIL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRANT MILEAGE WAS108,000. THE POWER WINDOWS HAVE FAILED TWO TIMES AND THE PAINT IS PEELING. I BOUGHT THIS LINCOLN LS BECAUSE I NEW IT WAS A GOOD CAR BUYING IT FROM THE FORD & MERCURY DEALER . I M SAD TO SAY THEY HAVE LET ME DOWN AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE PAYING DOUBLE FOR IT. I AM A PERSON WHO BELIEVE IN TAKING CARE OF WHAT I LIVE TO PAY FOR. I ALWAYS KEEP UP WITH OIL CHANGING AND KEEPING A CLEAN CAR . I HAVE OVER PAID MORE THAN WHAT THIS 2001 LS LINCOLN IS WORTH. I AM SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT NOT BUYING ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AGAIN.THE COST OF AN NEW ENGINE AND OTHER REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET REPAIRS COST ME OVER $7000.00 IN CASH ADDED ON TO MY CAR BEING PAID OFF. I PAID $ 23000.00 AND MAID MY PAYMENTS ON TIME . THANK YOU FOR YOUR SINCERE CONCERN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10397077

111,000 miles · Apr 12, 2010
StructureSuspensionWheels

2001 LINCOLN LS--FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL- THERE WAS ALOT OF SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE WHEEL BEFORE INCIDENT OCCURRED. YESTERDAY, GOING THROUGH A DRIVE-THRU, I HEARD A POP. I GOT OUT AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FENDER WAS RESTING ON THE TIRE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND AS HE WAS TRYING TO PUT THE CAR ON THE TOW TRUCK, HE …

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2001 LINCOLN LS--FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL- THERE WAS ALOT OF SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE WHEEL BEFORE INCIDENT OCCURRED. YESTERDAY, GOING THROUGH A DRIVE-THRU, I HEARD A POP. I GOT OUT AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FENDER WAS RESTING ON THE TIRE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND AS HE WAS TRYING TO PUT THE CAR ON THE TOW TRUCK, HE SHOWED ME THE DAMAGE. THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM TO THE WHEEL CAME OFF. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FOR ME, AND CONTACT ME WHEN YOU FIND SOMETHING OUT! THX *TR

NHTSA ODI #10325012

76,000 miles · Jul 22, 2009
StructureSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE TOW DRIVER OBSERVED THAT TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE TOW DRIVER OBSERVED THAT THE OPPOSITE REAR FRAME ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WOULD NOT PROVIDE COMPENSATION BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #10277937

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

2001 LINCOLN LS HAD AN AIR VENT FACING THE WRONG WAY CAUSING WATER TO ENTER INTO THE TRUNK.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CD PLAYER MALFUNCTIONED, FRONT ROTORS WERE BELOW SPECIFICATIONS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED ON, FRESH GASOLINE WAS SMELLED, THE VEHICLE WOULD TAKE 5 SECONDS TO CRANK BEFORE IT T…

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2001 LINCOLN LS HAD AN AIR VENT FACING THE WRONG WAY CAUSING WATER TO ENTER INTO THE TRUNK.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CD PLAYER MALFUNCTIONED, FRONT ROTORS WERE BELOW SPECIFICATIONS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED ON, FRESH GASOLINE WAS SMELLED, THE VEHICLE WOULD TAKE 5 SECONDS TO CRANK BEFORE IT TURNED OVER, SLIPPING WAS FELT IN THE FRONT END, THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND HAD GONE OFF WHEN THE SPEED WAS DECREASED BELOW 60 MPH, THE #4 COIL HAD GONE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD UNDER THE HOOD ALONG WITH WHITE SMOKE DUE TO A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE BRAKE PADS HAD ABOUT 2K MILES LEFT ON THEM. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10124748

Official recalls

1

00V359001 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

Nov 3, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.