Selling a broken or junk Lincoln LS

If yours needs more than it's worth, sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

What the LS is

The LS was a rear-drive midsize sedan on Ford's DEW98 platform, shared with the Ford Thunderbird, Wikipedia says. It was built at Wixom, Michigan until production ended on April 3, 2006, when the plant was idled. Wikipedia lists a 3.0 Jaguar AJ V6 and, for 2000-2002, a Getrag 5-speed manual. Lexus raised concerns that the name could be confused with its own LS sedan, and Lincoln used only the letters. The MKZ and MKS replaced it.

Problems by model year

Complaints are what owners reported to NHTSA, counted October 10, 2026. They are not findings that a part failed.

2000-2002: suspension and air bags

These three years hold 715 of the 982 complaints. Suspension leads the 2000 (113) and 2001 (102). The one recall that matches is 00V359001: on 2000-2001 cars, the front lower ball joints were not tightened to specification. Dealers check the torque and tighten or replace the fasteners. NHTSA describes the campaign as covering passenger vehicles, 82,300 in all, so the count may include other cars.

Air bags come second on the 2000 (40) and 2001 (26), and owners filed 34 power train complaints on the 2000. By the 2002, engine and cooling leads with 21.

2003-2006: power train and electrical

The later cars have 267 complaints. Power train leads the 2003 (16) and 2004 (17). On the 2005, the electrical system leads with 15.

The two remaining recalls are small. 03V136000 covers 2003 cars with 17-inch chrome wheels that were not heat-treated and could crack at the lug holes; it counted 1,736 vehicles. 05V113000 covers 56 cars from 2005 whose fuel tank could have a thin spot, crack and leak.

Complaints by model year

Repair it or sell it?

1. Check the VIN at NHTSA's recall page. On a 2000-2001, ask a Lincoln dealer whether the ball joint recall was done.
2. A knock over bumps or a tire that tilts suggests the suspension. Our broken suspension guide explains when it's worth it.
3. Get the shop to write the estimate down, then compare it to the going price for a healthy LS of that year. If they're close, see repairs cost more than it's worth.

Selling the LS whole

1. List the VIN, the odometer reading and the trouble. A Getrag manual is worth mentioning if yours has one.
2. Say whether it rolls and steers straight, and where it's parked, so the truck can load it.
3. Keep the wheels and parts on the car, and point out anything that's been removed.
4. Get an offer online or call (877) 421-6008. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
5. Have the title ready. See after you sell for plates and insurance, or selling with no title if it's lost.

More Lincolns: the MKZ, MKS, Town Car, or every Lincoln we cover.