Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My car rolled backward out of a parking spot at a mall. When it came to rest upon the bumper of a truck, it was still in park. The windows were up and the doors were locked. It was witnessed rolling backward with no one in the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that while parked with the gear in neutral, he was able to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle began to roll away but the contact was able to stop the vehicle without incident. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
While traveling on a divided highway at approximately 65 MPH my car abruptly slowed to about 10 MPH causing vehicles behind me to brake and/or swerve around me. A "wrench" warning light came on and I found after getting to a safe spot and stopping, that the owner's manual stated that the car was in the "limp mode" where it would not go any faster and needed to be taken to my nearest Ford dealership. After stopping the car I shut if off and upon restarting, the warning "wrench" light was off and the car acted normally. I drove to a mechanics and found that it's a somewhat common problem, diagnostics showed that it needed a throttle body assembly replacement. After spending over $525,the problem recurred several times. This is obviously a major problem for many other Ford vehicles and must be turned into a recall. …
While traveling on a divided highway at approximately 35 MPH my car abruptly slowed to about 20 MPH causing vehicles behind me to brake and/or swerve around me. A "wrench" warning light came on and I found after getting to a safe spot and stopping, that the owner's manual stated that the car was in the "limp mode" where it would not go any faster and needed to be taken to my nearest Ford dealership. After stopping the car I shut if off and upon restarting, the warning "wrench" light was off and the car acted normally. I contacted a number of dealerships and mechanics and found that it's a somewhat common problem, but the fix could be anything from a bad transmission solenoid to a complete fuel/computer/ignition redo for $4500 to $6500. Having this happen on a rural road is one thing, but if it happened on an expressway with traffic at 75 MPH plus, could quite possibly be lethal.
The transmission in these cars go out without warning. They will stop the vehicle from accelerating when driving down the road. You will have to pull over and once you pullover and come to a complete stop it will not let the car engage into gear and move.
First it started out in July 2007,ac wasn't blowing like it should be replaced control heads. Then my trac control light came on and park brake light was on checked and advised replaced speed sensor. Then check engine light came on found upstream bank 2 02 sensor reading out of spec. Replaced 02 sensor and clear codes. That cost me$1285.51. Which I replaced sensor,spark plugs,coil then in jan 2008 my transmission shift hard into reverse checked and advised found faults in solenoid,valve body,trans filter,repaired clear codes,OK. Replaced drive belt and pulley. That bill was 1318.72. Well then in 08/2008 same thing transmission shifts rough concern cylinder misfire. Check engine light back on. Thank god had a recall from Ford on that. Found contamination in both sides replaced affected coils,plugs,and cover which they only replaced 4 of the 8 coils. That would have been 593.18. …
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln LS years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (38), 2003 (20), 2004 (19), 2005 (17) and 2002 (15) model years. Transmission complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Lincoln LS transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (64 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (5).
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.