Which Lincoln LS years should I avoid?

NHTSA data does not assign an Avoid label to either the 2005 or 2006 Lincoln LS. The 2005 model has a much higher complaint index (100) than 2006 (0), so it carries more reported issues even without a formal Avoid verdict.

What is the most common problem with the Lincoln LS?

Across both model years, engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 36 of 108 total complaints, or 33 percent.

Is the 2005 Lincoln LS reliable based on complaints?

The 2005 LS has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the two years covered, with 90 complaints, 4 crashes, 6 injuries, and one recall campaign reported to NHTSA.

Is the 2006 Lincoln LS better than the 2005?

By complaint volume, yes. The 2006 LS has 18 complaints and a complaint index of 0, compared to 90 complaints and an index of 100 for 2005, with no recall campaigns listed for 2006.

At what mileage do Lincoln LS engine problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 59,500 miles for 2005 and 65,000 miles for 2006.

Lincoln LS Best and Worst Years (2005–2006)

NHTSA data covers only the 2005 and 2006 Lincoln LS, and neither year carries an official Avoid, Good, or Best verdict. The 2005 model logged 90 complaints (complaint index 100) versus 18 for 2006 (complaint index 0), with engine problems the top issue for both.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Model years: 2; 2005–2006
NHTSA complaints: 108
Recall campaigns: 1
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Engine

LS Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln LS problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	No verdict	100	90	4	0	1	Engine	19	—
2006	No verdict	0	18	2	0	0	Engine	18	—

Most common Lincoln LS problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine36 (33%)
Electrical System25 (23%)
Transmission & Powertrain20 (19%)
Airbags14 (13%)
Fuel System14 (13%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (13%)
Brakes12 (11%)
Other5 (5%)
Steering4 (4%)
Visibility & Wipers2 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Lincoln LS years should I avoid?: NHTSA data does not assign an Avoid label to either the 2005 or 2006 Lincoln LS. The 2005 model has a much higher complaint index (100) than 2006 (0), so it carries more reported issues even without a formal Avoid verdict.
What is the most common problem with the Lincoln LS?: Across both model years, engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 36 of 108 total complaints, or 33 percent.
Is the 2005 Lincoln LS reliable based on complaints?: The 2005 LS has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the two years covered, with 90 complaints, 4 crashes, 6 injuries, and one recall campaign reported to NHTSA.
Is the 2006 Lincoln LS better than the 2005?: By complaint volume, yes. The 2006 LS has 18 complaints and a complaint index of 0, compared to 90 complaints and an index of 100 for 2005, with no recall campaigns listed for 2006.
At what mileage do Lincoln LS engine problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 59,500 miles for 2005 and 65,000 miles for 2006.