Model year guide

2003 Lincoln LS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Lincoln LS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 51 on record.

2003 Lincoln LS at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints68
Combined19 mpg
Typical price$2,458

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Lincoln LS recalls 1

Wheels NHTSA Campaign #03V136000 · 07/04/2003

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.

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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Lincoln LS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2003 Lincoln LS safety ratings

Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Lincoln LS 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Lincoln LS MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Lincoln LS worth?

Low
$850
Typical price
$2,458
High
$4,000

From 49 comparable 2003 Lincoln LS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Lincoln LS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,850
Total$21,600
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,458) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,356), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Lincoln LS trims & engines on record

Trims
Sport · Premium · Base
Engines
3.9L 8-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl 220 hp

2003 Lincoln LS vehicles on record

2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A73Y662096 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A63Y699611 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87AX3Y661976 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Base1LNHM86SX3Y663883 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A23Y668730 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Base1LNHM86S93Y684045 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Sport1LNHM87A13Y679668 2003 Lincoln LS Base1LNHM86S73Y666286 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Sport1LNHM87A83Y683457 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A03Y672372 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM86S03Y702240 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Sport1LNHM87A23Y679467 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Base1LNHM86S73Y668927 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Base1LNHM86S53Y659854 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A83Y686018 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM86S83Y688300 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A83Y699271 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A53Y663795 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Base1LNHM86S03Y698884 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Premium1LNHM87A83Y652144 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Sport1LNHM87A63Y648531 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Sport1LNHM87A13Y691528 2003 Lincoln LS 2003 Lincoln LS Sport1LNHM87A73Y691310 2003 Lincoln LS Sport1LNHM87A73Y663376

Other Lincoln LS model years

2006 2005 2002 2001 2000

2003 Lincoln LS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Lincoln LS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Lincoln LS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln LS?

Based on 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, suspension.

What is the 2003 Lincoln LS safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Lincoln LS crash-test ratings of side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lincoln LS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Lincoln LS at about 19 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2003 Lincoln LS worth?

Comparable 2003 Lincoln LS listings run roughly $850–$4,000, typically around $2,458 (from 49 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.