Lincoln LS

Is your Lincoln LS a lemon?

The Lincoln LS has undergone serious makeover during recent years. The 2006 Lincoln LS is available in just one model, the V8 Sport, which comes with a 3.9 liter 280 hp engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission (manual shift capability) with overdrive and traction control.

The Lincoln LS' safety features include an anti-lock braking system, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, an antiskid system, brake assist, emergency inside trunk-lid release, a navigation system, power adjustable pedals, and xenon headlights. In addition, there is a theft-deterrent system, electronic parking brake, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, and alloy wheels.

While the list of features offered by the Lincoln LS is impressive, the fact remains that government bulletins are replete with complaints against the vehicle. Various lemon law cases are pending, while others have been successful.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Lincoln LS owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Air Bags: Side/Window
• Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly
• Wheels: Lugs/Nuts/Bolts
• Engine and Engine Cooling
• Tires: Sidewall

Many of these complaints have triggered recalls over the years. Details of these complaints include:

Consumers have filed the following specific complaints with the NHTSA:

"The passenger side impact airbag deployed without an accident while I was driving. Ford has refused to fix the vehicle, claiming that I ‘must have had an accident because of the diagnostic computer code.' Only the one bag deployed, damaging the seat and the passenger side seat belt retractor molding. No one was sitting in the passenger seat at the time."

"The consumer stated the check engine light and other lights illuminated. The vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph . The mechanic reset the warning lights, but was unable to diagnose the cause of the problem. The warning lights illuminated again. This time the vehicle would not accelerate over 30 mph ."

"My company leased a 2005 Lincoln LS in August 2005. There was a strong smell of gas by the car. I found gas dripping down from the bottom of the gas tank. I drove the car to the dealer. I was told that I had hit something with the gas tank, causing a puncture and the subsequent leak. The dealer would not cover the tank replacement under warranty and said it would cost $850.00 to replace. I had to submit to the repair charge. It is extremely unsafe to drive a vehicle with a fuel leak. Consequences include loss of gasoline and the real potential of a thermal event, or fire. This could be catastrophic terms of vehicle damage and possible loss of life."

The following recall was filed with the NHTSA in 2005:

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. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.