Research · Midsize Cars
2004 Lincoln LSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 90 owner complaints for the 2004 Lincoln LS. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (25) and power train (19). The EPA rates it 18–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–21mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
90
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2004 Lincoln LS as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
90 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2004 – Jan 2020
- Engine and engine cooling25
- Power train19
- Electrical system18
- Air bags15
- Vehicle speed control15
- Equipment7
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Service brakes, hydraulic5
- Seats4
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 Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
25 reports1 crash
“I SHOULD HAVE DONE MY HOMEWORK PRIOR TO PURCHASING THIS CAR USED. 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, CAR STARTED SHAKING, AND JUMPING, WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE. MECHANIC UNABLE TO REPAIR, BUT REPLACED COILS AND CAR RAN "OK" FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND NOW DOES EXACT SAME THING TIMES 100. CAR STARTS, IDLES AT ABOUT 200 RPMS, SHAKES, POPS, JUMPS AND THEN DIES. MECHANIC SAID HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO DO EXCEPT REPLACE COILS AGAIN AND HE NOT EVEN SURE IF THAT WILL FIX THE CAR SINCE THAT IS WHAT THE CODE ON THE COMPUTER TOLD HIM TO DO IN THE 1ST PLACE. I HAVE A USED CAR THAT I HAVE MADE 2 PAYMENTS ON AND IS NOW A BEAUTIFUL, LUXURIOUS PILE OF SCRAP METAL STUCK IN A PARKING LOT WHERE IT LAST DIED. FROM WHAT ALL I HAVE READ, THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE WITH THIS CAR AND EVEN FORD DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. THIS WILL BE MY LAST FORD PRODUCT. *TR”
Power train
19 reports1 fire
“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.”
Electrical system
18 reports1 crash
“BRAND NEW BATTERY IN CAR. COME OUT TO START CAR. BATTERY IS DEAD. MY MECHANIC HAS CAR FOR THREE DAYS. HE TRIED TO FIND A SHORT. HE INSTRUCTED ME TO MAKE SURE ALL DOORS ARE COMPLETELY CLOSED AND LIGHTS ARE ALL OUT. THIS WAS AFTER MULTIPLE DEAD BATTERIES. I MADE SURE OF ALL THE ABOVE AND STILL CAME OUT TO DEAD BATTERIES. I MANUALLY TURN OFF THE LIGHTS AS I CAME OUT TO THEM BEING ON AFTER I HAD WATCHED THEM DIM AND GO OUT. I REPLACED THE NEW BATTERY WITH ANOTHER NEW BATTERY AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 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 (S5) · 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 Oct 28, 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 (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| LS Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| LS Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 3.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| LS Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 3.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 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 2004 Lincoln LS as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 1194
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.
2004 LS questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Lincoln LS have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2004 Lincoln LS problems?
Owners filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (25), power train (19), electrical system (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Lincoln LS get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Lincoln LS at 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026