Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Lincoln LS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The horn and cruise control just suddenly quit working does a master automotive technician ase-certified I decided to check it out before I contacted the dealer the problem is in the clock spring the clock spring has failed without an accident or anything to cause it to file this seems like it should be an issue that's a national highway traffic and safety administration should be interested in as it is a safety issue because of clock spring that will fail without stop the airbag it says car is in an accident the airbags will not deploy because of clock spring is defective I have a better mechanic for 32 years this is the first time I've ever seen a vehicle that the clockspring failed in without an accident because the failure I'm ashamed of Ford Lincoln Mercury installing such a substandard component that is important as a clock spring I believe this is an issue that should be fixed by …
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Lincoln LS. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly swerved off the road and crashed into an iron fence. The front driver side air bag failed to deploy with the massive impact. The front passenger seat was unoccupied, but the air bag deployed. The driver was fatally injured. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a salvage facility. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. .updated 06/28/16
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Lincoln LS. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel pulled to the right and caused the vehicle to drive into a ditch. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled and towed to an unknown location. A police report was filed. The contact suffered injuries and received medical attention. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Dt: the contact stated while sitting in vehicle at a complete stop he was involved in a crash. The contact's was hit from behind by another vehicle, and it, in turn , hit a vehicle from behind. Upon impact, neither of the air bags deployed. He had the brake pedal depressed. The contact reported the air bag failure to the manufacturer. They offered no free remedy. There were police and insurance reports taken.
Hi I'm making this complaint on behalf of my mom she just purchased her car that doesn't have an airbag without signing a disclosure form and the transmission is totally running down and not being informed of this she went ahead and bought the car unaware of any of this.
While driving the air bag warning light continuously illuminated on the dashboard. As a result, air bags were inoperative and wouldn't deploy when needed, per dealership. The dealership replaced every air bag component, but the problem still existed. The right front headlight held moisture and the fog light held water. The dealer replaced the headlights and fog lights. The bulb for the left side fog light burned out. The left seat was loose. The dealer replaced the clips on the back of the seat. The driver's side front door wouldn't open front he inside. The dealer replaced the handle. The check engine light illuminated and the engine stalled while the vehicle was stopped. The dealer replaced the intake hose. The engine made noise. The dealer replaced the mass air flow sensor. The passenger's side front power window was inoperative. The dealer replaced the window regulator. …
Airbag light flashes code 36 then goes steady. The light flashes three flashes, pauses then flashes six flashes, then pauses and repeats sequence. It does this sequence about five times then the light goes on steady. After doing some online research for clues, I looked under the driver's seat and found a broken wire on a yellow connector. This yellow connector is for the airbag system. I talked to the local dealer about it, and he said that I would have to pay to have it fixed. This should be a recall item since it affects safety. The vehicle has to have airbags by law, but I guess they don't have to work. The emission system is still covered under warranty and is not a matter of safety, go figure!
Tl contact owns a 2000 Lincoln LS. While driving approximately 35 MPH the passengers side air bag deployed. The passenger suffered bruises and injuries to his right arm and was taken to the emergency room. The dealer stated that they were unable to determine what caused the air bag to deploy. They also stated that they needed to remove the seat and inspect the wiring. The dealer also advised her to contact the insurance company. The failure and current mileages were 162,211.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Lincoln LS. The air bag restraint system light remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer informed the contact that the air bags would not deploy if the light is illuminated and he should have the vehicle serviced. The dealer replaced the wiring harness and restraint control module. There have not been any other occurrences since the replacement. The current and failure mileage were 76,100.
My 2000 Lincoln LS was struck broadside by a 1997 Mazda protege. The collision resulted in both the driver and passenger door, as well as the center pillar, being caved in by the other vehicle. However, despite a collision that resulted in over $4,200 worth of damage to this vehicle, the driver side air bag did not deploy. What is the use in having such safety equipment if one cannot rely upon it when an accident occurs?
Airbag complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2000 Lincoln LS?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the air bags of the 2000 Lincoln LS, 13% of the model year's 354 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Lincoln LS airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2000 Lincoln LS, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Lincoln LS airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.