Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lincoln LS. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle felt as if a tire blew out. Afterwards, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. The VIN was not available.
Power steering was leaking. I called Ford company and was told there was nothing they could do. Took it to two Ford dealers to get cheapest prices. Had to have power steering rod and pump replaced. Which cost another 1200. Going broke from this car. Air conditioner also stopped working but could not afford to have it fixed yet. Dealer says they have to take off the whole dashboard to fix. They tried to put add something to the air to cool it but it did not work.
Numerous random failures involving different computers within vehicle over 1-1/2 years, including failure and replacement of rack and pinion system. Brake system failure on 6/03/05 - ABS computer was reprogrammed but they did not correct what caused corruption. Warned them of concern for my safety. July 10, 2005 went to turn steering wheel, but wheels didn't turn. Hit tree and totalled car. Ford ref #1451272954
Tl contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. While driving 35 MPH, the wheels fell off the vehicle and the lug nuts fell out of the wheel. The vehicle was towed. All four tires were flat and had to be replaced at the contact's expense. Prior to the failure, she heard a strange noise. The contact went to a Lincoln dealer at that time and informed them of the noise she heard underneath the vehicle. A noise was also heard near the steering component. The dealer stated that nothing could be done. In addition to the tires, the brakes had to be replaced as well and the engine light illuminated. The dealer was unable to determine why the light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. She was charged to replace the thermostat (asy) in the vehicle. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 70,000 and failure mileage was 29,510. …
I was driving down the highway at 50 MPH when I heard a loud noise coming from the back passenger side. Then I felt the car go out of control and I managed to safely get the car to the shoulder. My passenger door side airbag came out. When I got out of the car my tire was almost completely of the rim. I had my car towed to the repair shop and they said I needed a new axle, wheel bearing, control arm, rotor, rim and tire. Upon further inspection they realized the rim went through the underside of trunk and damaged battery and electrical components. They estimated it would cost about $3,000 to fix not including the body damage. I just replaced the right front hub assembly and control arm in feb. 2011. I have replaced engine coils and valve covers numerous times.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the ball joint was loosen causing the contact to loose control of the steering. In addition, the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, three months later the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 212,000.
We own a 2001 Lincoln l.s.. While making a right hand turn in a curve last night I heard a loud cracking sound come from the drivers side front suspension. Instantly the drivers side front end dropped causing me to lose control of the steering. Snatched the steering wheel hard to the left out of my hands causing me to cross opposing traffic into a ditch sliding into the front of a concrete pipe leading under the street. While applying the brakes in the grass car smashed into the edge of the concrete pipe. Had car brought to our home. Jacked up drivers side front this morning and found the lower ball joint had came out of the lower control arm it is busted as well as the tire, rim, front steel cross member that mounts the lower control arm is bent. Wiped out the oil pan causing all the oil to leak out also damaging the rear lower control arm mount which is aluminum. …
I am a 66 yr old widow, owner of a 2001 LS purchased June 2001, a recall fix was to have been done before my purchase in March of 2001 to correct a problem with ball joints. I read online that many of these vehicles have the damage that was suppose to be corrected for when they get to about 67000 miles, I am at 67000 miles, took my car in for inspection and need an 1800 dollar fix to correct the issue that was suppose to be avoided by the recall. Ford said, too long ago, no warranty beyond the norm for recall fixes. I can not believe with the amount of evidence that these cars all require a fix at 67000 miles that Ford isn't forced to address this dangerous condition. I also don't know if it's safe to drive a while longer, I just don't know how they got away with a recall that did not provide the fix.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln LS years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (16), 2001 (14), 2002 (10) and 2003 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Lincoln LS steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Lincoln LS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lincoln LS steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the linkages › knuckle › spindle › arm (5 mentions), followed by the linkages › tie rod assembly (2).
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.