Lincoln LS harsh shifting problems

Filed Jan 16, 2013 · Transmission · 20,300 miles · FL

This low mileage vehicle (20,300 miles) shifts from park into reverse with a sudden lurch and thud. Also when accelerating in daily driving vehicle pauses and then a hard shift or two with lurch forward. Occurrences are increasing in frequency. No computer codes or warning lights illuminate. Called ford/lincoln customer service and was told that problem was similar to tsb 05612 but build date for VIN is 6/2005 so no further assistance offered. Safety is becoming an issue.

Filed Mar 22, 2012 · Acceleration, Transmission · 3 miles · CA

Shifts hard, when in 20-30 MPH, in gear 2 and 3. After diagnostic, dealer said it may be transmission, but they have to tear it apart. If bands, torque converter, or solenoid pack they have to tear down and rebuild. He did say that one of the solenoids went outer if bands were bent, they would have to rebuild the transmission for a cost of $2500 - $3500. I have read all over the internet where people are complaining about hard shifting and transmission problems. It seems that the part was defective by design. One person said that they bought a kit that fixes the design flaw - 5rw master servo bore repair kit (ford 5r55w/s/n). It is not made by ford, it seems they are too cheap to fix the real problem. They should listen to peoples concerns. I am also going to call the 800 number for ford lincoln and send them a letter. Would use with any tranny rebuild. The final cost of the repair is now at $4000.00. Yikes.

Filed Jul 8, 2011 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · ND

(02) lincoln ls issues. (110,000 miles currently) ford/lincoln should be held accountable for this product. The amount of problems from many customers around the country is simply amazing. For ford to not send out recalls on the ls is simply a lack of professional business. The following problems are not isolated to myself but rather by thousands around the country. - clock spring replaced 2 times. $600 each - transmission problems, unfixed at this point. Will cost $3,000 + - window mods replaced 4 times. $400 each time - engine coils bad. $600 fix, and still doesn't run right. - thermostat issues. Replaced once for $300 and doing it again. - both front inside door handles replaced. $400 each time. These were specifically designed to fail after time after seeing them! - loud "clunking" coming from front passenger wheel. Looked at with no answer why. - car has shut down electrically driving down interstate multiple times only to start up after sitting a while. Very dangerous due to losing power steering. No answer to why.

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Suspension · 104,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lincoln ls. While traveling 45 MPH the contact noticed a clunking noise coming from the front end driver side of the vehicle and that when traveling over a bump the vehicle will begin to sway left and right. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings and the vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 104000.

Filed Sep 23, 2009 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · MO

Failure of ball joints on 2002 lincoln ls loud squeaking sound and clunking sound from front passenger side of car, designated as the lower control arm of suspension system. The model years, 2000 and 2001 have been recalled but the identical equipment exists on the 2002 ls. I have not replaced the ball joint yet. Having done research this is a very common occurrence on the 2002 ls.

Filed Mar 18, 2009 · Transmission · 68,000 miles · CA

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. Jerks the car,to the brakes stop is delayed 10 sec. I had a car come in to my lane with out warning, and due to the transmission jerks when braking my car was struck, minor but if I was going faster I could of lost control. I see alot of complaints,why haven't there been any actions. This car was purchased at $19,000 and I still owe. Know I have a lemon. I even had my transmission flushed. Please note these transmissions are sealed not dip sticks,this fluid changed cost me $250.00 and I still have problems. The e warning is showing.

Filed Apr 14, 2008 · Suspension · 117,000 miles · MI

Ball joints on both sides are defective and need to be replaced. Car vibrates at speeds over 50mph, and clunks at lower speeds. Entire spindles need to be replaced as ball joint is part of integrated unit. Recall 00s39 , 00v359 was issued for this model manufactured in wixom plant from 8/18/1998 through 9/29/2000. This car was manufactured on 11/21/2000 prior to the recall report date of 11/1/2000. The recall should be extended to cover units manufactured after 11/1/2000.

Filed Apr 13, 2008 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · NC

Whenever there is a pothole or bumps in the road, there is a clunking noise in the suspension. I was the told the ball joints needed replacing and an alignment needed. This was done but the problem remains. This is on a 2000 lincoln ls. The problem first occurred at around 50,000 miles. The ball joints and alignment were done at around 190,000 miles with no difference in the condition.

Filed Sep 24, 2007 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. One year ago, the front end of the vehicle began making a clunking sound whenever it drove over a bump or dent in the road. One month ago, the vehicle began pulling to the left and right after the contact drove over a bump or dent in the road. The failure occurred at speeds between 25 and 65 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the recall repair for the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) was performed on the vehicle in january of 2001. The contact believed that the vehicle was only inspected at that time and no recall repair had been made. The current mileage was 102,000 and failure mileage was 85,000. The consumer stated that he feels ford should be held responsible for repairs. Updated 10/31/07

Filed Jul 21, 2005 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · TX

From the day I bought the car the transmission has shifted strangely. Several visits to the dealer and they tried several "reflashes" on the transmission control module. No change. Recently the problem has gotten worse, and the car has stalled 3 times while under power, and numerous times while idling at a stop light. Hard shifts and erratic shifts around 40mph are everyday driving occurances. Dealer told me 'that is how that transmission is designed'. That's crap. So's the transmission. Date that I entered into this complaint is the most recent occurance. Certainly not the only. I think this is a defective part and ford should replace it with a unit that works properly all the time.