2002 Lincoln LS

Introduction The 2002 Lincoln LS was a luxury sedan that debuted the carmaker’s new retro styling. Lincoln offered the LS with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 220 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could opt for the higher-powered 3.9-liter V8, which made 252 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission was available as an option for the V8 engine.

The LS received praise for its stylish design and comfortable interior. However, some owners have reported mechanical issues with the car, particularly with the V8 engine and transmission.

Engine

3.0-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, reduced engine performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.9-liter V8

• Spark plug failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, engine hesitation
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from valve covers
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-speed Automatic

• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, transmission slipping, shuddering
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission control module (TCM) failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic transmission shifting, limp mode
  • Solution: Replace TCM
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Six-speed Manual

• Synchronizer failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace synchronizer assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from suspension, poor handling, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting for a period of time
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or both headlights not working
  • Solution: Replace headlight bulb or assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door lock actuator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not functioning properly
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC blower motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from HVAC system
  • Solution: Replace HVAC blower motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Lincoln LS can be a reliable luxury sedan, but it is not without its potential issues. While the 3.0-liter V6 engine is generally reliable, the 3.9-liter V8 has had some reported issues with spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, and torque converter failure. The five-speed automatic transmission has also been known to have problems with the TCM and torque converter. The cost to fix these issues can vary greatly depending on the severity of the problem.