Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Lincoln LS, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 19 | 16% |
| Air bags | 16 | 13% |
| Suspension | 14 | 12% |
| Power train | 7 | 6% |
| Wheels | 6 | 5% |
| Visibility | 5 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 4% |
| Steering | 3 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving at 50-55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illumin
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
I have a 2002 lincoln LS v8 the passenger ball joint came loose and broke had it fixed driver side has now came loose and rattling
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure an
NHTSA complaint: Traction control system
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE FRACTURED, BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE FRACTURED AGAIN. THE STUD POST ITSELF CONTINUES TO FRACTURE ABOVE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING HOLE, DESPITE BOTH BALL JOINTS BEING REP
NHTSA complaint: Steering
MY DAUGHTER WAS A RESTRAINED DRIVER ON A HIGHWAY ---IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, MOVING ABOUT 55MPH. THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER BRAKED SUDDENLY AND WHEN MY DAUGHTER PUSHED ON THE BRAKE IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND SHE HAD NO BRA
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OR UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFA
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. WHEN I TURN THE KEY ON THE LIGHT COME ON THE DISPLAY.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
| Reliability raw | 73 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 74 | good |
| Maintenance | 75 | good |
| Depreciation | 52 | average |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 32 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine and engine cooling is the most reported area with 19 of them (16%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 73/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 74/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2002 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.