2000 Lincoln LS from North America - Comments

Hello, I have a 2000 LS with 82,000 miles. Besides having it's first 3 years being constantly in the shop and being told it's the "First Year Blues", I just recently took my car in specifying that my transmission was slipping. They informed me that it was not my transmission, but the "Knock Sensors" and a coil issue. After waiting a week for parts, they notify me that the $450 diagnostic was incorrect and that my valve gaskets leaked and all my coils were bad and that this was what was giving me the sensation of a transmission issue. After another week of waiting for parts (8 spark plugs, 8 coils, two valve gaskets and a misc. hose), I paid my bill and took my car home. Two days later, my transmission dies. After being towed to the dealership, I was then notified that yes, I did have a transmission issue. (Never mind listening to the person who has been driving the vehicle for 8 years now.) So now a new (refurbished) transmission is being put in. So I figure, get the clunking noise fixed in the front end as well. Figure that, a lower ball joint issue. My VIN# does not show the recall for this. After being told that the recall had expired. I called the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. They told me to call Ford. Ford stated that the recall had already been taken care of for my car and that I needed to call the dealership. The dealership stated that they did "inspect" my lower ball joints in 2000 and deemed that they were fine and just checked the torque specifications. So because of this "inspection" Ford is stating that it has "fulfilled" it's recall responsibility. Therefore, no dice on getting it fixed by Ford. Like most of you, the car, when running, is a great handling vehicle for those of us who love to drive. Some of the issues that some of you have had, I have not had yet. Such as, leaking moon roof, O2 sensor and a/c issues. I guess I will be looking for those in the future since I have to keep it because I have just spent more than what the car is worth on a trade in.

Maybe when you sell the car?

2001 Lincoln LS 3.9L v8 Sport package. I have had the ball joint problems. Now I am having radio, speakers, cruise, misfires, traction control, transmission, and fogging headlights. I fixed the ball joints by replacing front knuckle assemblies (since you can't buy just the ball joints, so stupid) and then all the other problems started at once. Here's the kicker. I have only had this car for 3 months when this started. It only has 120 miles on it in those three months because the piece of crap has been in the shop the whole time. Ford can get bent.. This is my second Ford ever and my last. I have owned GM vehicles for 20 years and NEVER had the problems with all combined that I have had with this one car. To be fair though, I owned a 94 ranger that was 100% trouble free. What a difference a few years make. GM FOREVER...

I have had my 2000 Lincoln LS for going on 3 years now, and have had to deal with most of the things that have been stressed in the last few pages of this bulletin.

I originally purchased the car through a trade-in for approximately 15k totally OVERPRICED! I'm over it. After taking it home I noticed that every time I geared into REVERSE, it would Jump, so hard and so far that I would have to keep my foot on the break while reversing in order to keep from hitting the car behind me. It was "off the hook"!

I fought with the dealership to replace whatever was wrong with that and assumed everything was A OK after that. Boy did I have another thing coming. Shortly after the air conditioner just stopped blowing cold. In the middle of summer mind you. After having free-on ran through my system in it worked like a charm, for about 30 minutes. I just gave up on that and was miserable throughout the summer.

That very same fall it started to over heat. Set me back 400 bucks to have some pump replaced.

I have cracked rims, I have my airbag light that's constantly illuminated.

I have my back 2 windows that don't roll down because of something inside the window jam is off track.

My rotors are warped and brake pads terrible.

No matter what I have been through in this car, it is really a great car when everything is going well. If I had the chance to trade it in or get rid of it, I would in a heartbeat, but being stuck with it I just had to make due with what I had and bite the bullet. Good luck to all of you who have been both blessed and cursed with the Lincoln LS.

I have a Lincoln LS 2000 with 300k miles (yes, three hundred thousand) on it. Overall the car is superb, but here's what I've had wrong with it over the years:

1: New transmission at 150k

2: All window mechanisms replaced

3: 4 replacements of the cover under the engine - any knock on a curb loosens it

4: Rear speakers have NEVER worked

5: Heat blows out when A/C is on (driver's side only) - Cure: Turn temperature on driver's side to max for a few minutes, then bring it down... good for another 50 miles before you have to do it again. Problem is in the sensor, but you'd have to remove the entire dashboard to get to it - and see below

6: "Bling" on vehicle shoddy - chrome strips pop out; marque labels loose; front side lights pop out; headlight bracket broke; etc. All because of flexy plastic on front and rear. Cure: Gorilla glue!

7: Driver's door opening cable stretched and door wouldn't open - had to have entire mechanism replaced (considering the mileage, not really an inherent problem)

8: Couldn't get gas into tank unless at a trickle. Cure: after they replaced the tank (faulty tank sensor, the dealership said) it turned out to be a blocked filter! That was infuriating (and a good reason not to trust dealerships, as if we needed another).

9: And finally, car overheats - and the reason I bought a new car and gave the LS to my wife to run around town in. However, car is fine on long distance highway driving - it's only when it gets in traffic. To try and solve it I've had thermostat, electric fan, water pump, all the belts, central computer, all sensors and various peripheral pieces replaced, but all to no avail - I've also had the radiator replaced, the engine and (new) radiator flushed. The overflow (expansion) tank went yesterday - just blew a hole in it. But this is just symptomatic and not the cause - turning the heat on delays the inevitable when it gets that hot, but that's not really a "solution".

No, the over heating problem is caused by the electric fan not kicking in at full speed - it kicks in, but not at full throttle. This is a computer/ sensor problem (which regulates its turning on/ off and at what speed) and seems to be bad computer programming in the module itself. I say this because EVERY piece of equipment that triggers the fan (positively identified as the absolute source of the problem) has been replaced. Neither the dealership nor my very experienced mechanic can find any mechanical reason whatsoever for the problem - and I've spent a considerable amount or time and money to find this out.

By the way, when the A/C starts to blow hot, that's your first "alert" that the engine is about to overheat.

I'm afraid the only "final" solution is for Ford to finally admit that there is a problem and to address it accordingly. But as the car is no longer made, and they've long since "moved on" model/ design wise, it looks like we're going to have to live with it.

So, make sure the expansion tank is always full, carry a can of antifreeze (or water for emergencies) and don't hang around in traffic - just pull over and wait it out. The danger is not in the car just cutting out but in it blowing a weak spot (hose, expansion tank, radiator, head gasket) in the cooling system itself while over heating. Also make sure your belts are 100% good and tight (to spec) - replace them without hesitation if in the slightest doubt; and make sure the hoses (AND their clamps) are perfect, too.

And ALWAYS keep a weather eye on the temperature gauge!

Good luck!

I've had my '00 V6 Lincoln LS for about 5 years and it has nickel and dime'd me to death. I've replaced just about everything and right now it sits in my driveway as I'm waiting for new Catalytic Converters to come in to replace them.

I've had to replace:

1) Transmission - Would show an "E" and not shift anymore ($1500)

2) CPU ($800)

3) Coils

4) Rear Window Regulator (I had no idea that everyone had this issue)

5) Drivers side door handle (twice!!)

6) Back seat plastic fell right off

7) Front Speaker

8) A/C Compressor

9) Entire Exhaust - The catalytic converters rotted and blew through the exhaust ruining the entire system.

Plus many more that I can't think of off of the top of my head. I love the cars looks and handling and when it's running it's been great, but that hasn't been too often lately. In another month my loan is finally paid off and I can't wait to sell it or trade it in for something more reliable.

I have owned my 2000 Lincoln LS V8 Sport for 6 years. The first few years were great, I replaced the coil packs twice and the only other issue was that the chrome wheels were chipping and leaking air. There are several knock off rim manufacturers that produce the rims between $250-$300/rim. So those were to be expected. What was not, was the lack of knowledge of these cars by Ford and it's service centers. In the past year and a half, this car is a nightmare. I like most everyone had the heating problems. After 2 thermostats, two overflow tanks, two extra pressure caps, 7 bleeds they finally admitted that it was the pump. $6,000 and 7 months later, that problem is solved. As soon as I got the car back, it wasn't handling correctly instead of replacing my ball joints, they put lock-tight on it. Two weeks later I spun out of control, the ball joint snapped and I went over a curb. The airbag light is constantly on and the removable front piece under the bumper has fallen off 3 times. This car was not made to go past 90,000 miles.

The ball joint was recalled. If yours has not been inspected yet, go get it done, you could get hurt, or hurt someone.

2000 Lincoln LS V8. This care is "Luxury" on the outside but junk on the inside! I'm fed up with fixing it. It makes me feel somewhat sane to know others are going through the same thing.

1. My third window in two years has fallen down ($350)

2. My engine light comes on and off.

3. Shifting the gears jerks the car.

I hope future cars are better.

I had a 2000 Lincoln LS and had most of the same problems you all had.. CHECK ENGINE.. MISFIRES.. I replaced COILS several times ($$).. til I took it to someone who actually took the whole thing apart and realized that it was the BOOTS under the coils that needed to be replaced..

BEEPING.. the 5 sets of beeps- 5 times everytime you turn on the key.. yeah.. I took it to Lincoln Mercury and they told me there's no fix for it.. I searched high and low for beeps, tones, warnings, noises, sounds -- anything I can think of to look in the manual to see what I can relate it to, to fix the problem, and could find nothing.. no mechanic could tell me.. no one.. WELL, I came to find out.. I got in a car accident and totaled my car 2 weeks ago - MY AIRBAGS Didn't DEPLOY!! (head on at 45-50 mph) If you look under "airbags" then you'll find under airbag warning the 5 beep thing.. hmm.. guess you're not suppose to find out until the damage is already done??

SO for ALL you who may be experiencing some of those problems.. I hope this helps a little :)

Please help me, I have a Lincoln LS 2000, I've had it for 4 years plus, and have had the same issues; now my car is still over heating after a new fan, thermostat, reservoir, radiator, and hoses. Please feel free to call me at 1-352-636-1870 or email me at siteraandmichael@yahoo.com. Please help me figure this out.

I am taking my car to the shop again tomorrow. I love my car so much, but these expensive issues are stressing me. I am so stressed out with car issues.

(S.Tolbert), Florida.

I have a 2000 LS bought in early 2001. It has 103,000 miles.

I have had just about every problem and associated high costs mentioned by those commenting before this entry. I needn't go into detail.

I will say that Ford now advertises that their quality is equal to Toyota's.

As a American, I find that a painful declaration on Ford's part. It's admitting defeat.

2003 Lincoln LS V8. This was my 2nd LS. What was I thinking. I purchased a 2001 LS V8 new and as many of us had the ball joint problem. Most annoying was the shaking in the steering wheel & the seat. Yes, I tried the wheel balance. It persisted. I replaced the tires, then the rims, then balanced the drive shaft. It still vibrated. I got upset with it and traded it.

I traded it for a 2003 LS V8 Sport. I liked the style and handling. Guess what, it developed a shake. This time I got smart and replaced the front brake rotors with heavy duty rotors and ceramic pads. Problem solved. Seems that the cheap thin rotors warp and cause a vibration. The new pads got rid of that squeak. That was the first problem. Here is what followed;

Right rear brake caliper came apart. The dealer said brakes are not a warrant-able item. It's not like they wore out.

Left rear bearing spun and had to be replaced.

The CD player works when it feels like working. I have not yet recovered my CD's.

Foggy headlights.

Transmission sensor went out causing a hard shift or a delayed shift.

Replaced a window motor.

Fixed the drivers door handle.

Now the kicker. I have had 3 sets of coils put in. First at 51,000 miles, then at 84,000 miles, again at 104,000, now at 116,000 miles I am having that issue again. Seems they last less each time. See the pattern. Is it the boots or the coil position?

I haven't decided what to do with the car. It looks almost new. I liked what it was supposed to be, a luxury sport sedan. Maybe I should drop in a 427ci and a 9 bolt rear end. In the mean time I parked it in the garage next to my Vette and bought a BMW.

They no longer produce this model and Ford is not in 2nd place. Go figure...

I owned a 2000 STINKEN LS for 2 years and they suck!!! Everything about the car sucks.

Don't buy American cars, they suck and are so costly to repair. I'm going back to import cars because they are more reliable.

Ford is a bad car company, no wonder why so many plants are being closed down!!!

I hate my Lincoln LS and will never buy one again!!!

I have a piece of crap 2000 Lincoln LS. I have spent over $2000 in the last year fixing it and am getting ready to get some more work done on it.

The ball joint snapped on me last October, luckily, I wasn't on the freeway as I has planned to be. Ford said they aren't liable because the recall replaced the nuts/bolts. I say the owe me a new car at least! This is complete crap.

Is anyone filing suit? Let me know terina1181@yahoo.com, subject, 2000 Lincoln lawsuit.

Okay, I have a 02 V8 with the Sport Package. I really love my car, but I am getting to the point that I want to drop kick the thing. I am the type of person that cannot stand issues being wrong with none of my cars, so I take them in like clock work.

It first started when my extended warranty ran out at 75000 miles. Lived in Wisconsin for most of the time, I noticed that the AC was not getting as cold as it should be. Took it in several times while under warranty. Ford said they could not find anything. Moved to Texas 2 years ago, took it in to the nearest dealer, found the problem right away. Cost was $600, luckily it was still under warranty.

While in Wisconsin, took it to my alignment guys who said the ball joints were bad. Ford refused to change them. When I moved to Texas, I did the same thing, Ford would not replace them.

Took it in this morning because the coolant light came on, and then the engine started sounding like a jet about to take off. This is only after the CD changer (spent $400, last week with an after market radio) ate 6 of my CD's and the rear driver door jammed.

Got a call from Ford today after taking it in, and found out it's going to cost me anywhere from $1900 to $2500 to get the hydraulic coolant fan motor, thermostat and door unjammed. What a waste - as I was hanging up the gentleman had the nerve to tell me the ball joints were bad.

I understand I am a woman, but I am not a dumb woman, I do my research. Found out that the HCFM they are trying to charge me for only is $359, where they want $600. I also found someone who will change my thermostat. Hopefully he will be able to do the HCFM, heck I will pay him the $600 that Ford wants to charge me for just the part.

I am going to let Ford do the door jam, but I am going to purchase the part and take it with me. Found it cheaper at an online dealer.

Since the call, I have been to many websites where people are just having issues with all the same common things on these LSs. If a lawsuit develops, please keep me abreast. I would not mind sticking Ford in the pocket.

DD.