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 2001 Lincoln LS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was traveling in my 2001 Lincoln LS when I was struck by another vehicle resulting in my vehicle rolling laterally and also end over end. My car sustained a frontal impact severe enough to result in the structural steel bumper being split in two and the transmission oil cooler, radiator and air-conditioning condenser and associated radiator wall being smashed against the front of the engine. The vehicle is completely destroyed suffering significant damage to all sides of the car excluding the trunk lid, but including the severance of several parts including the right front wheel. The roof of the vehicle has been altered stemming from landing on it, affecting the a and b pillars of the vehicle and buckling the roof itself. I have photos of the vehicle and the physical address of the remains of the car should someone choose to see it.
On two occasions my car suspension had failed. I am just lucky I was not on the highway or I could have been fatally wounded. I can not believe I never received any notices about the suspension recall. The first instance I was driving in my driveway and the car completely dropped down on the tires and could not move the vehicle. The second instance I was driving and the suspension fell on a regular road not a fast highway. It had cost me $250.00 to have it towed both times because it could not be moved by driving. In addition the second failure cost me $175.00 because the front tires were ruined. For the repair work on both instances cost me $125.00 each time totaling another $250.00 . So because of someone's failure to tighten nuts it cost me $675.00 , and not to mention the risk of losing my life. Terrifying to say the least.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. The air bag indicator illuminated on the vehicle's dashboard. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on March 8, 2007 for a diagnostic test. The test results determined that the clock spring failed and was replaced on March 17, 2007. On March 29, 2007, the air bag indicator illuminated again. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer on March 31, 2007 for another diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 86,000. The consumer stated that on April 4, 2007 he was involved in an accident and upon impact the airbags did not deploy. Due to the accident there were severe damages on the front and left side of the car. Prior to the accident, the consumer complained about the air bag light being on. Update 04/30/07
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. While driving at various speeds, the air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a connector was replaced, but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 142,834.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. While driving at an unknown speed, the horn was depressed and failed to sound and the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. Updated 04/12/16.
This 2001 Lincoln LS sports package has substantial defects that impairs its safety , the safety of its drivers, the safety of its occupants, the safety of other drivers on highways and roads , and the safety of pedestrians. The rocker panels , inner and outer are completely rusted out. Any impact this vehicle incurred will likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven and or operated on highways and roads.
While driving about 5 MPH vehicle swerved across center lane, and side swiped oncoming truck. Damage was $ 7200. After vehicle was repaired steering wheel was off center, about 45 degrees. Dealer then aligned front end. 2 weeks later, wheel went off center oi other direction by 45 degrees. Dealer then found one lower ball joint missing. And said there was a recall on that component. Consumer did not get recall letter , daler checked VIN, and this vehicle was not affected. After repair was done, repair bill stated lower ball joint was loose, not missing. Then wheel was making a clicking sound when turning. Dealer then replaced clock spring assembly and reset airbag. Consumer felt incident was caused by missing ball joint.
Tl*-the contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. While driving at 55 MPH the contact noticed that the air bag light was illuminated, the vehicle lost power and when restarting the vehicle the air bag light illuminating flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected by a technician who determined that clock spring was failing, the cover and contact plate was replaced at a cost of 323.49. The contact was informed that with the clock spring failure could result in the air bag not deploying. The contact is in the process of contacting the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 88,006 and the current mileage is 88,015. Updated 05/15/09 updated 05/18/09.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. While driving 45 MPH, the driver side front wheel fell on its side without warning. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a service shop where it was determined that the ball joint bolts sheered off. Recall number 00V359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) was found, but the vehicle is not included. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 76,188. The consumer stated the repair was performed on 08/08/07 and provided the repair invoices. The dealer stated the air bag light was on . Updated 08/22/07
All front airbags and all seatbelts have automatically disengaged and do not work. I have taken the car to three dealerships and was told it would cost me approximately $1,000 for "exploratory" searches to see if it is the module to the airbag. I contacted Ford as I felt this should be a safety failure in the car and not a consumer related incident. I was told that Ford was not responsible for airbag failure issues and that Ford would not cover the charges or pay to have the airbags fixed. The airbags are inoperable.
Airbag complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2001 Lincoln LS?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Lincoln LS, 14% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Lincoln LS airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2001 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 2001 Lincoln LS airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries 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.