Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Lincoln LS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
CEL came on, code indicated transmission issue. "e" appeared in the gear indicator, rather than the gear the transmission was in. Trans would not shift into 2nd and 5th of gears. Had the car towed to transmission shop, who told me the problem was a bad transmission case that had been destroyed as the result of servo impact over time. A bushing could have resolved the problem, had Lincoln installed one at manufacture. Tech told me this was a known problem with the Lincoln 5r55 transmission. Shop installed new transmission, with bushing, for $3700. No way a modern trans should fail at 113K miles, ESP. From something like this, so easily preventable. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. While driving unknown speeds, the vehicle failed to engage into overdrive and the check transmission indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact called a local dealer (casey jackson Ford, 1435 e main st, royston, ga 30662) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. While driving various speeds, the transmission malfunctioned. The contact stated that the transmission hardshifted, which caused the vehicle to lunge forward on more than one occasion. Jackson Ford in decatur, illinois was made aware of the failure, but the source of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Car goes into fail safe each and every time it is driven. It did so 19 times today. I connected a code reader which identified the problems as being related to the throttle control and the throttle body. I purchased the car 1 1/2 months ago. Prior owner had the throttle body replaced with a new mopar unit 4 months ago/ 2000.miles ago. Don't want to replace it again since this is likely not the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. While driving various speeds, the gear shifter became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to autofarm Ford Lincoln (221 mall rd, logansport, in 46947, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the cycloid patch failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Took transmission for repair. Transmission shop could not load new Lincoln software on new computer module. It has been two weeks at rowlett transmission shop and now the "engine side" of the new computer installed will not clear. Says there in an engine issue now. There was no engine issue before I took it to get the transmission fixed.
Just purchased 03 Lincoln LS v-8 sport three weeks ago, already into service. The tranny is slow on up and down shifts. The service dept. ( neil Lincoln Mercury @ 1900 rt 112 medford ny) said this was a known problem on my initial call, just bring it in and they will reprogram the tranny should solve the problem. My second complaint is I noticed an excessive amount of uncomfortalbe heat underneath the driver side dash while driving, I suspect this is due to the lack of an insulated cover. This cover I come to find out was in the 2000, 2001, 2002, model years. Unfortunately some genuis decided to forget it. That's a problem, as it is not just a little warm, but really hot, I can't imagine my complaint was the first for this, as none of the 03's are equiped with this protective cover. …
Car has consistently just shut off while driving (roughly 30 times in the last year). Been into the dealer no less than 10 times. Had thousands of dollars of valve covers, coils, plugs gaskets, windshield wiper components replaced. No change. Car will still die whenever it feels like it. Lincoln/Ford could care less, and the dealer and field engineers seem tired of seeing my car. Constant movement of brake pedal in rhythm with windshield wipers. Dealer has tried to fix numerous times and the problem is worse now then when they started. Front brake pads rattle. Dealer says it is a known issue and I should just deal with it. Front seat backs fall down. Dealer and Ford blame my kids being in car seats. Never had a problem before they took seats apart to replace faulty seat heater. The transmission is awful. Been reprogrammed 3 times and new servos installed. …
While driving suddenly the ABS light, traction control light and the parking brake light came on. I immediately exited the freeway and pulled into a parking area and turned the car off. After calming my 87 year old mother down I restarted the car and none of the lights came on. I proceeded to start driving my car home and again all the lights came on. I contacted the dealer where I purchased my car and spoke to the service manager who informed me that they knew of this problem with the lincolns and that I should bring it in which I did. I was informed that it would cost approx. $2,000.00 to fix this problem because Lincoln only covers automobiles that are less than 10 years old or have less than 100K miles. My car has 109K but I feel that Lincoln should cover this since they have known about it long before my car had 100K miles and this is a very big safety hazard. …
Shifts hard, when in 20-30 MPH, in gear 2 and 3. After diagnostic, dealer said it May be transmission, but they have to tear it apart. If bands, torque converter, or solenoid pack they have to tear down and rebuild. He did say that one of the solenoids went outer if bands were bent, they would have to rebuild the transmission for a cost of $2500 - $3500. I have read all over the internet where people are complaining about hard shifting and transmission problems. It seems that the part was defective by design. One person said that they bought a kit that fixes the design flaw - 5rw master servo bore repair kit (Ford 5r55w/s/n). It is not made by Ford, it seems they are too cheap to fix the real problem. They should listen to peoples concerns. I am also going to call the 800 number for Ford Lincoln and send them a letter. Would use with any tranny rebuild. …
Transmission complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Lincoln LS?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Lincoln LS, 29% of the model year's 68 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Lincoln LS transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 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 2003 Lincoln LS transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
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.