NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 90 owner complaints for the 2005 Lincoln LS. Most complaints involve electrical system (21) and power train (17). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Car accident with full left side impaction door will not open doors will not open and I was not able to move out of my seat and yet I was stuck behind the steering wheel behind smashed impacted buckled, steering wheel did not deploy the airbags”
“DROVE ABOUT 30 MILES SLOW DOWN TO A RED LIGHT WHEN ENGINE WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE BUT DID NOT THROW ANY CODES. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT ALL. IT TOOK A COUPLE OF TRIES TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY WHILE DRIVING EXTENSIVELY ON HIGHWAYS WITHOUT ANY CLUE AS TO HOW TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SIT LOWER THEN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE WEARING MUCH FASTER THAN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ..UPDATED 11/28/12 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK IN THE OIL PAN. SHE HAD IT FIXED,. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED ANOTHER OIL LEAK HAS SURFACED SOME WHERE ELSE. UPDATED 11/29/12”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,750 | 444 |
| LS Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,750 | 444 |
| LS Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 3.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
| LS Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 3.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
| 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 |
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.
Owners filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (21), power train (17), engine and engine cooling (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Lincoln LS at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).