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2004 Lincoln LS Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2004 Lincoln LS has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission hard shifting and failure to engage gear.” Lincoln uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: it tracks how the vehicle is actually driven and calls for oil service when needed — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months on normal duty, much sooner with towing or repeated short trips. EcoBoost-powered Aviators and Nautilus models are turbocharged: heat is their maintenance story, so oil quality and cooling-system health matter more than on the old naturally aspirated V8s. Traditional V8 Navigators and Town Cars are long-interval machines — 100,000-mile plugs — that mostly reward fluid discipline.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2004 Lincoln LS.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission hard shifting and failure to engage gear

POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2005-02 → 2020-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11296640
“PURCHASED A USED 2004 LINCOLN LS WITH 43,000 MILES,WITH PREMIUM WARRANTY MY TRANSMISSION NOW BEGINS TO HAVE HARD SHIFT IN 3-4 AND IN REVERSE. SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKES THE TRANSMISSION HIT HARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10262207
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY DRIVING UPHILL. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR AND REMAINED IN GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10254771

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dead battery and no-start electrical failures

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2006-07 → 2014-06

“BRAND NEW BATTERY IN CAR. COME OUT TO START CAR. BATTERY IS DEAD. MY MECHANIC HAS CAR FOR THREE DAYS. HE TRIED TO FIND A SHORT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10605031
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND REALIZED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10214891
“THE VERY FIRST TIME MY 2004 LINCOLN LS BROKE DOWN ON ME WAS WHEN I STOPPED FOR GAS IN FEBRUARY 2006 AND IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER GETTING GAS I WAS UNABLE TO GET MY CAR STARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10161731

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ETC engine failsafe mode from ignition coil failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

36 NHTSA complaints · 2004-12 → 2016-01

“THROTTLE BODY FAILURE ON 2004 LINCOLN LS (V8). ENGINE CUTS OUT INTERMITTENTLY AND GOES TO "ETC ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE", REDUCING MAXIMUM ENGINE SPEEDS TO 10-15 MILES PER HOUR. OCCASIONAL STALLS AT FULL SPEED HAVE ALSO OCCURRED, TWICE DURING TURNS AT INTERSECTIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10353267
“MY 2004 LINCOLN LS GOES INTO "ETC ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE" WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW THE CAR TO ACCELERATE ANYMORE AND CAUSES THE CAR TO SLOWLY SLOW DOWN. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME ON MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10356003
“MY 2004 LINCOLN LS V6 SEDAN LOSES POWER AND STALLS. THE WRENCH APPEARS IN THE WINDOW AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10382739

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Inadvertent airbag deployment without collision

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2005-02 → 2017-12

“WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON A DRIVEWAY, THE PASSENGER CEILING AIR BAG DEPLOYED FROM THE FRONT SEAT TO THE BACK SEAT. THE CAR DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. PASSENGER WAS INJURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10644305
“AIR-BAG DEPLOYED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY CAUSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10199959
“DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10113367

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2004-06 → 2013-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE OFF THE ROAD, CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10499610
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. IN MAY OF 2009, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A CULVERT. THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10275911
“WHILE DRIVING 25-30 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING CONSUMER WAS SIDE IMPACTED ON DRIVER SIDE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10079278

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration without driver input

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2004-07 → 2013-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND BEFORE SHIFTING GEARS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HAVE TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10522318
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP AND DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL, THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10456661
“INTERMITTENTLY WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE, IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10080323

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake failure and loss of stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2004-04 → 2014-04

“YOUR DRIVING ALONG , THE CAR SLOW DOWN THERE IS A METAL TO METAL NOISE, TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON, YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10152626
“2004 LINCOLN LS HAS HAD 4 BRAKE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS. THERE IS A POSSIBLE DEFECT PER THE CONSUMER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10154119
“NO BRAKES TILL ENGINE WARMS UP. PEDAL GOOD BUT NO BRAKES. NEW PADS AND ROTORS. NO IDIOT LITE. MECHANIC CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY IT DOES THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10582791

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil-Life Monitor)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the Oil-Life Monitor calls it — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months. EcoBoost engines (Aviator 3.0T): use the specified synthetic and don't stretch the monitor; turbos cook marginal oil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Heavy Navigators shift a lot of weight — even wear is a ride-quality item, not just a tire-budget item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil service. Town Car livery duty and Navigator towing both count as severe service for brakes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford schedules the 10-speed (10R80) and 6-speed automatics at 150,000 miles normal duty — but 60,000 miles with towing or livery use, which describes many Lincolns. Mercon ULV / the specified Mercon type only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

V8 Navigator and Town Car: 100,000-mile plugs. EcoBoost V6 (Aviator, Nautilus 2.7T): commonly around 60,000 miles — check your year's guide; turbo engines run shorter plug lives.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles per Ford's schedule; sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Rear Differential Fluid (RWD/4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Navigator, Aviator RWD, and Town Car: replace rear axle fluid around 60,000 miles with towing or livery duty (150,000 normal per Ford). Limited-slip axles need the friction modifier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Serpentine / Accessory Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking. The 5.4L Navigator's belt also drives the cooling fan clutch on some years — a failure overheats fast.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped. (2004-era Town Cars predate cabin filters; modern Lincolns locate it behind the glovebox.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (OAT) on modern models: first change around 10 years / 200,000 miles per Ford, though shops commonly refresh by 100,000. Older green-coolant V8s: every 5 years. Never mix chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Feature-heavy Lincolns (air suspension compressors, power everything) expose weak batteries as electrical gremlins first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

75 crashes 1990–2024

How the 75 occupant deaths break down

53

driver deaths

22

passenger deaths

75

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2004 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2004 Lincoln LS reflects Lincoln's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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