2005 Lincoln LS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2005 Lincoln LS has 90 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 100, and ranks as the worst of the 2 model years with data. Engine problems lead at 33% of complaints, followed by electrical issues at 23%, with one fuel system recall on record.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 2 LS years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 90
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16.5 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2005 Lincoln LS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine30 (33%)
- Electrical System21 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (19%)
- Fuel System14 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (13%)
- Brakes11 (12%)
- Airbags10 (11%)
- Other4 (4%)
- Steering3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine can suddenly lurch or surge while stopped, causing the vehicle to roll into traffic.
- Vehicle loses power and cannot accelerate past 30 to 40 mph after dashboard warning lights illuminate.
- Engine has shut down completely at speeds up to 50 mph with no warning.
- Passenger side airbag has deployed on its own while driving with no impact.
- Airbags have failed to deploy during a rollover crash.
- Rear wheel lug nuts have broken or loosened, in one case at 70 mph.
2005 Lincoln LS recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V113000Mar 18, 2005Fuel System56 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. The recall began on april 4, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673, lincoln at 1-800-521-4140.
2005 Lincoln LS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,225
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other LS years
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Recalls | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | No verdict | 100 | 90 | 1 | 19 |
| 2006 | No verdict | 0 | 18 | 0 | 18 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Lincoln LS reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 90 complaints for the 2005 LS with a complaint index of 100, the highest among the 2 model years with data, meaning it has more reported problems than the 2006 LS.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lincoln LS?
- Engine problems make up 33% of complaints, followed by electrical system issues at 23% and transmission and powertrain problems at 19%, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2005 Lincoln LS have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall for a fuel tank that may develop a thin wall section and crack, creating a fuel leak risk. Dealers replace the fuel tank free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2005 Lincoln LS problems typically appear?
- Median mileage at failure is 59,500 miles overall, with engine complaints centering around 62,647 miles and electrical complaints around 62,000 miles.
- How does the 2005 Lincoln LS compare to the 2006 model?
- The 2005 LS logged 90 complaints and one recall versus 18 complaints and zero recalls for 2006, giving 2005 a much higher complaint index of 100 versus 0.