Wheels
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH CHROME WHEELS, THE CHROME WHEELS WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED. THESE WHEELS MAY CRACK AT THE LUG-NUT HOLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE LUG-NUT TORQUE.
Research · Midsize Cars
2003 Lincoln LSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 68 owner complaints for the 2003 Lincoln LS. Most complaints involve power train (20) and electrical system (11). The EPA rates it 18–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–21mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2003
Owner complaints
68
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
68 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2003 – Aug 2022
- Power train20
- Electrical system11
- Engine and engine cooling8
- Suspension7
- Engine7
- Vehicle speed control7
- Wheels6
- Air bags6
- Steering6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
20 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOFARM FORD LINCOLN (221 MALL RD, LOGANSPORT, IN 46947, 574-753-6294) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYCLOID PATCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.”
Electrical system
11 reports
“CAR GOES INTO FAIL SAFE EACH AND EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. IT DID SO 19 TIMES TODAY. I CONNECTED A CODE READER WHICH IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEMS AS BEING RELATED TO THE THROTTLE CONTROL AND THE THROTTLE BODY. I PURCHASED THE CAR 1 1/2 MONTHS AGO. PRIOR OWNER HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED WITH A NEW MOPAR UNIT 4 MONTHS AGO/ 2000.MILES AGO. DON'T WANT TO REPLACE IT AGAIN SINCE THIS IS LIKELY NOT THE PROBLEM.”
Engine and engine cooling
8 reports
“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. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl · 3.9L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SST · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| LS Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| LS Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 3.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
| LS Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 3.9 L, SST · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Lincoln LS as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 4767
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2003 LS questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Lincoln LS have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2003 Lincoln LS problems?
Owners filed 68 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (20), electrical system (11), engine and engine cooling (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2003 Lincoln LS get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Lincoln LS at 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026