MotorDeets

2003 Lincoln Ls: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Lincoln Ls: 1 recall, 68 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
68owner complaints
3mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2003 Lincoln Ls
Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Wheels Vehicle recall #03V136000 · 2003 · 1,736 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If this condition occurs, the driver May experience noise and/or vibration while driving the vehicle. Continued operation of the vehicle could result in the wheel separating from the hub, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the wheels to make sure that all the wheels have been heat-treated. Any wheel that has not been heat-treated will be replaced. Owner notification began April 14, 2003.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain20
Electrical11
Engine & cooling8
Suspension7
Speed control / throttle7
Engine7
Steering6
Airbags6

What owners describe

The 2003 Lincoln Ls has 68 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 7 Ls model years for complaints (well below the 140 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 59,788 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (121 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (91 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive182521Premium
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive172420Premium
3.9 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Premium
3.9 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162318Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Lincoln Ls.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Lincoln Ls manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Lincoln Ls manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Lincoln Ls manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Lincoln Ls manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Lincoln Ls have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Lincoln Ls. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2003 Lincoln Ls problems?

Owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (20), electrical (11), engine & cooling (8).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lincoln Ls get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 Lincoln Ls repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Ls years

2000200120022003200420052006