2003 Lincoln Navigator

Routine

Owners filed 127 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 1 time.

Avoid One of the Lincoln Navigator years to avoid: 2.4× the complaints of a typical Navigator year. Which Lincoln Navigator years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,500 milesMedian miles at failure

91 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Lincoln Navigator problems

31 of the 127 complaints (24%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension23
001
Electrical System12
021
Air Bags · airbags8
205
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame4
000
Structure › Body · body and frame4
000
Structure · body and frame4
000
Power Train · transmission4
101
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine4
000
Engine4
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior3
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Apr 22, 2026247,000 milesIL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 160,000. The contact reset the mileage, and the display showed 247,000. The contact had not contacted any other agencies. The VIN was not available.

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 202475,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rocker arms, and that the engine lacked adequate compression in cylinders #2 and #3, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.

FirerelatedFire
Filed Oct 18, 2022120,196 milesAL

The contact owned a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that fifteen minutes after she parked and turned off the vehicle in the driveway, her brother alerted her that the driver's side front seat had caught fire. The air bags were deployed. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was an electrical system failure. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle remained in the driveway and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. Prior to the failure, the gear shifter and driver's side front seat made grinding noises, and the passenger's side front window made clicking noises while driving. The failure mileage was 120,196.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 27, 201938,000 milesFL

RAIN WATER LEAK NEXT TO PASSENGER SIDE BACK REAR POWER WINDOW WHILE PARKED

Electrical System
Filed Mar 23, 2019175,000 milesWI

TAKATA RECALL !!! I HAVE A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR THAT HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE REVERSE LIGHTS SAME RECALL ISSUE AS THE 2012 NAVIGATOR ALSO THE CAR WHEN IT'S IN PARK WON'T ENGAGE WHEN THE BREAK PEDAL IS APPLIED TO UNLOCK THE GEARING TO REVERSE NUTURAL DRIVE 1ST AND 2ED GEAR IT WON'T HUGE SAFETY WITH THE REVERSE LIGHTS I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OTHER DRIVERS ARE NOT AWARE I'M REVERSING ISSUE STARTED TWO MONTHS AGO AND I STOPPED DRIVING IT BECAUSE I ALMOST GET INTO ACCIDENTS WITH OUT THE REVERSE LIGHTS WONDER IF THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY CONSENT FOR A RECALL.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 20, 2018140,000 milesCA

MY SUSPENSION HAS AIRBAGS THAT DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I KNOW OTHER NAVIGATOR OWNERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT AND WORKED ON BUT NOTHING CHANGES.PROBLEM SOMEWHERE IN THE SYSTEM. THE AIRBAGS DO NOT RAISE THE CAR AND IT BOUNCES AROUND WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR IS HARD TO CONTROL

Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2016107,000 milesVA

COMING HOME FROM A TRIP ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE. COME TO FIND OUT THE # 3 SPARK PLUS EXPLODED DESTROYING THE COIL AND AND THREADS HOLDING THE SPARK PLUG IN. CAUSING THE NEED TO RE TAP THE THREADS.

Engine
Filed Aug 29, 201579,000 milesNC

JUST DRIVING IN A 45 MPH, WHEN HEARD LOUD BANGING COMING FROM ENGINE. PULLED OVER AND HAD CAR TOWED IN FOR REPAIR. ENGINE BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG.

Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2015158,000 milesWY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Suspension
Filed Feb 4, 201555,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. ALSO, A "CHECK THE SUSPENSION" MESSAGE ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE REAR SHOCKS FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE RUNNING BOARD SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 29, 2014159,000 milesUT

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP AND CLANKING NOISE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT ENGINE AREA. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY IN THE SUV. WE WERE ABLE TO STILL DRIVE IT TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A "BLOWN-OUT SPARK PLUG". HE SAID THE SPARK PLUG HAD COME OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. HE SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THAT ENGINE AND THERE WAS A SPARK PLUG KIT FOR IT. HE USED THE KIT, AND IT ONLY HELD FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. IT NOW HAS LOST POWER, SHAKES, AND POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE REPAIR KIT OBVIOUSLY IS NOT AMPLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 12, 201445,000 milesFL

THIS IS THE FIFTH (5TH) TIME IN 6 YEARS I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR REPAIR OF THE AIR SUSPENSION (COMPRESSOR, RIDE HEIGHT) , ALL BUT ONE OF THOSE TIMES WAS TO THE FORD LINCOLN DEALERSHIP. IT IS CLEAR THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS THERE ARE 10 SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE 2003 AIR SUSPENSION ALONE, AS WELL AS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET (SEE COMPLAINTS ON EDMUNDS, EVEN FORDS WEBSITE AND SEVERAL CAR FORUMS. THESE ARE OF THE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR ONLY, NOT ITS EQUIVALENT FORD EXPEDITION, WHICH ALSO HAS HOSTS OF COMPLAINTS.) MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS STATE, MUCH LIKE MY EXPERIENCE, THAT THE DEALER CANNOT EVEN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DESCRIBE TO YOU THE DANGER INVOLVED WHEN THE SUSPENSION FAILS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CAR BOUNCES VIOLENTLY AND BECOMES TOTALLY UNCONTROLLABLE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 11, 2014GA

MY ROOF-MOUNTED DVD PLAYER HAS NEVER WORKED BUT STILL MAKES NOISES WHEN CAR IS CRUNK UP OR SWITCHED OFF, MY BATTERY ALL OF A SUDDEN WENT DEAD (CAR WOULD NOT CRANK), HEADLIGHTS HAVE SHORTS IN THEM...AFTER REPLACING $100 BULBS, I FOUND OUT IF I TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON, THE BULB WILL COME BACK ON, CHECK PARK ASSIST LIGHT AND ALARMS COME ON EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE, AND MY SUSPENSION WILL NOT LET THE VEHICLE UP WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 18, 201480,000 milesCA

I BOUGHT MY USED 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR IN 2008. A YEAR LATER, AIR SUSPENSION FAILURE HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. BOTH IN CITY AND ON HIGHWAY - VARIOUS SPEEDS - BUT THE SCARIEST AND MOST DANGEROUS WAS WHEN IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAYS. CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL SUSPENSION AND DROP EXTREMELY LOW. THE NAVI BOUNCED DANGEROUSLY AND VIOLENTLY EVEN AT VERY REDUCED SPEEDS. IT ALSO CAUSED THE NAVI TO SCRAPE THE GROUND ON A FEW OCCASIONS. HAD IT REPAIRED THREE TIMES @ $500+ AND WAS FINALLY TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL FOUR @ APPX $2000+!! I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NAVI'S. IN ORDER TO SAVE MY TIME, MONEY AND SANITY, I OPTED FOR SPRING-SUSPENSIONS AT A THIRD OF THE COST AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THOSE IN OVER 4 YEARS! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE SPRING-SUSPENSIONS AND STOP THE INSANITY. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 21, 2014102,812 milesDE

TOTAL AIR SUSPENSION FAILURE. *TR

Power TrainCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 20, 2014PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARD. THE ENGINE WAS OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN PARK. THE CONTACT RAN TO CATCH VEHICLE AND WAS INJURED FROM A FALL. DRIVER SUFFERED SPRAINED ANGLE, BODY BRUISING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Sep 24, 201365,319 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A LOUD ROARING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND DETECTED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE AIR LIFT COMPRESSOR. THE NOISE COULD ALSO BE HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,319.

Seats
Filed Nov 30, 201260,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED TO ADJUST AND COULD NOT BE MOVED FORWARD. THE METAL BAR FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED AND THE SEAT BECAME LOCKED IN PLACE, WHICH WAS ABNORMALLY FAR FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE METAL BAR ADJUSTER FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 29, 201280,000 milesNC

MY AIR SUSPENSION WENT OUT THE FIRST TIME IN MARCH OF 2008, IT JUST QUIT WORKING. I THEN PAID $500 TO GET IT REPLACED. THEN AGAIN IN 2011 IT WENT OUT 2 DIFFERENT TIME, IN WHICH THIS TIME I HAD THE COMPRESSOR REBUILT. AND AGAIN IT WENT OUT OF MAY OF 2012. THIS TIME I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPLACED, I ONLY DRIVE THE SUV WHEN I HAVE TO. THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR SUSPENSIONS ON THE 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR THAT FORD SHOULD MAKE THE PART GOOD. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 9, 2012189,000 milesSC

THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT AIRBAG RIDE SUSPENSION BAG EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 13, 2012199,000 milesCA

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, LEAKED THROUGH TO CRUISE DEACTIVATION SWITCH INTO CRUISE SYSTEMS AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS CAUSING CORROSION WHICH CAUSED A SHORT. HAD TROUBLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL WORKING OVER TIME LEAD TO HIGHER FLOW OF CURRENT THAT OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE AT SWITCH UNDER HOOD. FORD SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE. THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE AREA WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IS LOCATED (LEFT REAR CORNER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FAILURE PRIOR TO THE FIRE INCLUDING INOPERABLE SPEED CONTROL, REPEATED DIFFICULTY SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 19, 201150,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHENEVER HE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS DISENGAGED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AT LEAST TEN TIMES TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY DURING COLD WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 9, 201190,300 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL REMAINED STUCK TO THE FLOOR. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,300. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Oct 10, 2011KY

THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED IT'S ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THESE ARE ALWAYS MESSED UP PLEASE FIX THIS. *KB

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Sep 29, 2011FL

I WAS DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN SPONTANEOUSLY BOTH SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING ME FIRST DEGREE BURNS AND CONTUSIONS ON MY FOREARM, FACE AND CHEST. ALSO MY DAUGHTER HAD CONTUSIONS ON FOREARM AND HEAD. *TT

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 29, 201176,000 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF MY 2003 NAVIGATOR AS I HIT THE BRAKES I FELT MY SUV DROP FROM THE FRONT. THE TIRE SKIDDED AND I HIT THE CAR THAT WAS PULLING OUT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT MY TRUCK WAS NEVER THE SAME .IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT.I HAVE A 40000 DOLLAR TRUCK JUST PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS I KNOW MECHANICS THAT CAN CONVERT IT TO TO SPRINGS SUSPENSION FOR ABOUT 400 DOLLARS BUT THAT'S NOT THE POINT I PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR A PIECE OF YOU KNOW WHAT.I DRIVE A 2000 NISSAN WITH 170000 MILES ON IT AND HAVEN'T SPEND A DIME ON IT BESIDES TIRES *TT

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Aug 31, 2011160,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 9, 2011124,890 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE DRIVER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND SIDE ARMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 124,890. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 18, 201135,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HATCH BACK DOOR WAS RUSTED . THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 22, 201176,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THEY STATED THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE SUSPENSION WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DEFLATING. THE DEALER STATED THE AIR BAG FOR THE SUSPENSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 11, 2011122,303 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CRASH WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED OR WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE WHO REFERRED HER TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 122,303.

Wheels
Filed Mar 29, 201112,200 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH A NOISE WAS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO DETERMINE WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM AND NOTICED THAT THE CHROME WAS COMING OFF OF THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. THE CHROME PEELED TO THE POINT WHERE THE RIM WEIGHTS WERE HANGING OFF OF THE VEHICLE AND HITTING THE BRAKE CALIPER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WHO STATED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VIBRATING AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE RIMS AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT PROVIDED ANY ASSISTANCE TOWARD THE REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,200.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 9, 2011112,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN HE DISCOVERED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ABNORMALLY BRIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE LAMPS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ALSO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 6, 201161,400 milesOK

GEAR SHIFT KNOB CAME LOOSE. CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE LOCKED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. COULD NOT USE REVERSE, NEUTRAL OR PARK. I COULD NOT SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DRIVE. DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 30, 2010VA

SUSPENSION SYSTEM RISES AND FALLS WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. THE FIRST INCIDENT THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WOULD NOT RAISE UP AND MADE DRIVING HAZARDOUS. THIS LAST INCIDENT THE REAR WENT UP AND WILL NOT COME DOWN. THE VEHICLE CAN HARDLY BE HELD IN THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENS. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM HAVE BEEN LISTED ON THE INTERNET. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 29, 2010TN

I OWN A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR WITH THE 5.4 LITER ENGINE AND I HAVE AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM BOTH BACK CORNERS ON EACH OF THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS. MY MECHANIC SHOP DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT DURING THIS YEAR OF 2003 THE GASKETS COULD OF BEEN DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION AT THE MANUFACTURING PLANT. I FEEL LIKE THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS MATTER. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 22, 2010108,000 milesTN

MY 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR HAS SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 6 WEEKS. TWO OF THE OCCASIONS HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH, THE THIRD INSTANCE HAPPENED IN MY SUBDIVISION DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH. AFTER PULLING THE TRUCK OVER TO THE SIDE FOR SAFETY THE TRUCK WILL NOT START IMMEDIATELY BUT WILL START AFTER RESTING ABOUT 7 MINUTES. WHEN THE TRUCK SHUTS DOWN SEVERAL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP. I EXPLAINED THE ISSUE AS WELL AS I COULD TO MY LOCAL FORD / LINCOLN DEALERSHIP IN MADISON, TN BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH IT SAYING THAT NO CODES WERE SHOWING. I ALSO TOOK THE TRUCK TO A GOODYEAR SERVICE REPAIR IN BRENTWOOD, TN BUT THEY ALSO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AFTER SEARCHING FOR THIS TYPE OF ISSUE ON THE INTERNET I FOUND NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE, SOME SAYING THAT THE ISSUE IS RELATED TO THE "FAIL SAFE" SECURITY OPTION KICKING IN WHILE A PERSON IS DRIVING. THE ISSUE OF HAVING MY TRUCK SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY ON THE INTERSTATE IS DANGEROUS AND I WOULD APPRECIATE HELP ON GETTING THE ISSUE RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Dec 1, 2010140,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BOUNCE ABNORMALLY. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL HE COULD FEEL THE BODY OF THE TRUCK TOUCH THE TIRE. THE ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IN APRIL 2008 AND HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE CURRENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. UPDATED 5/9/11 *CN

Suspension
Filed Nov 29, 2010112,000 milesIA

SUSPENSION RELAY FAILS THEN COMPRESSOR FAILS NOW IT STILL WILL NOT FILL AND HOLD AS IT SHOULD RIGHT FRONT DIPS DANGEROUSLY LOW NO REAL FIX OR RELIEF IN SIGHT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 15, 201098,000 milesAR

SUSPENSION PROBLEMS IN MY 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 13, 2010102,000 milesTX

AIR SUSPENSION MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AT AROUND 100,0000 MILES. ALSO AIR BAGS LEAK AND ARE SLOW TO AIR UP IN COLD WEATHER. MECHANIC SAID NEED TO REPLACED. *TR

Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension System
Filed Oct 4, 2010150,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR RISE SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE FAILED AND WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BOUNCE ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY TYPE OF ROAD BUMP OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE AIR RISE SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENTIRE AIR RISE SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 19, 201030,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHENEVER THE BRAKE WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AND SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THERE WERE SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES TO INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC CLUSTER IN THE ODOMETER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURES REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000.

Air Bags › Side/Window3 injured
Filed Jul 4, 2010119,600 milesSD

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 LINCOLN FORD NAVIGATOR ON JULY 3RD AT APPROXIMATELY 3PM DOWN US HIGHWAY 52 NEAR SPRINGFIELD SOUTH DAKOTA ON A FLAT STRETCH OF DRY ROAD GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR. FOR NO APPARENT REASON OUR AIRBAGS FROM THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE ROOF DEPLOYED WITH AN EXPLOSION. IN ADDITION TO ALMOST WRECKING THE VEHICLE MY SON AND NIECE AND MYSELF ALL RECEIVED IMPACT BURNS ON OUR FACES (NOT SURE IF IT WAS FROM THE EXPLOSION OR THE BAGS THEMSELVES) AND HEARING PROBLEMS THAT HAVE CARRIED OVER TO TODAY (JULY 4TH). IF WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON ANY OTHER STRETCH OF ROAD EXCEPT FLAT-LAND I BELIEVE WE WOULD HAVE UPSET AND ALL BEEN KILLED OR INJURED SEVERELY. THE AIRBAGS ACTIVATED FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER...I THINK THIS NEEDS CHECK OUT BECAUSE IF IT BECOMES AN ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL LIVES WILL CERTAINLY BE LOST. HIGHLY DANGEROUS ..I'M SURPRISED WE SURVIVED IT. *TR

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Jul 1, 2010129,153 milesCA

ON SUNDAY JUNE 27TH 2010 AT APPROX. 4:30 PM. MY WIFE AND 2 CHILDREN WERE TRAVELING TO PALM SPRINGS ON THE EAST BOUND 10 FWY IN BANNING WHEN, FOR NO REASON THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WENT OFF HITTING MYSELF AND MY 7 YEAR OLD. I WAS ABLE TO REMAIN IN CONTROL OF OUR 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND PULL TO THE CENTER MEDIAN AS I THOUGH MAYBE WE WERE HIT BY SOMETHING. AS I LOOKED AROUND THE NAVIGATOR, THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO SIGN OF DAMAGE OR BEING HIT BY ANY KIND OF DEBRIS. I HAD TO CUT THE AIRBAGS AWAY TO SEE AND GET TO A SAFER PLACE TO CHECK ON MY CRYING CHILDREN. I WAS RELIEVED THAT THEY WERE NOT INJURED VISUALLY, BUT WE ARE HAVING THERE EARS CHECKED FOR DAMAGE FROM THE LOAD NOISE. WE DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF TO OUR LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE CRASH SENSOR WENT OFF AND THAT WE SHOULD CONTACT OUR INSURANCE. OUR INSURANCE SAID IT IS A MANUFACTURES MALFUNCTION AND TO CONTACT THE HEAD QUARTERS OF FORD AND LINCOLN. AFTER THE RUN AROUND THERE, THEY SAID IT WAS AN INSURANCE ISSUE BECAUSE THE CRASH CODE WAS SIGNALED. WE ARE NOW ON THE HOOK FOR $3500-4000 FOR REPAIRS AND FEEL THAT IT WAS EITHER THE CRASH SENSOR MALFUNCTION OR THE AIRBAG SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR BECAUSE THE CRASH CODE AND THE INSURANCE DOES NOT WANT TO OPEN CLAIM BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I FEEL IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE CHILD SEAT DEFLECTION SOME OF THE AIRBAG, MY 3 YEAR OLD WOULD SUSTAINED INJURIES. FORD-LINCOLN DOES NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH ISSUE. *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Jun 28, 201072,000 milesCA

WE HAVE A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. ON JUNE 17, 2010 WHILE DRIVING ON THE 605 FREEWAY, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE TREMENDOUSLY THEN LOOSE POWER. THE CAR IS STILL RUNNING BUT COULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. A HUGE MACK TRUCK BEHIND US WAS BRAKING HARD TO AVOID HITTING OUR CAR. WE PULLED TO THE SIDE WITH THE CAR SHAKING AND RATTLING. LUCKILY, IT HAD ENOUGH POWER TO MAKE AN EXIT. A PRIVATE AUTO MECHANIC AT AUTO SHOP ARTESIA FOUND THAT THE SPARK PLUGS HAD BLOWN AND COMPLETELY DAMAGED THE CYLINDERS HEAD. MECHANIC STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS MANY TIMES ON FORD VEHICLES. MECHANIC INSISTS THAT VEHICLE MUST BE TOW TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR EXTENSIVE MAJOR REPAIR. MECHANIC RECOMMENDS NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS IT MAY IGNITE IN FLAMES DUE TO FUEL LEAK. WHEN CAR ARRIVED AT CERRITOS FORD DEALERSHIP, LEAD TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT IT IS A BLOWN SPARK PLUGS ISSUE WHICH DAMAGED THE CYLINDERS HEAD. REPAIR BILL IS QUOTED AT $4,500. CERRITOS FORD ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS AN A KNOWN DEFECTS ON FORD VEHICLES AND CAN NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIR COST DUE TO THE FACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY UNABLE TO COMPENSATE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. WE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH THIS MATTER. MY CASH RESERVE IS FOR MY SON'S MONTHLY SCHOOL TUITION. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP US. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT ON FORD VEHICLES, BUT WE ARE NOT GETTING ANY ASSISTANT FROM FORD REGARDING THIS MATTER. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2010NY

WE BOUGHT A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR FROM A LOCAL DEALER AND ABOUT A MONTH TO LATE NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE SUNROOF AND FRONT HANDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, BECAUSE THE GASKET WAS KIND OF WARPED .FIRST WE SEALED IT UP WITH SILICONE, SO WE THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED UNTIL WE NOTICED MORE WATER LEAKING.BY THIS TIME IT WAS TO LATE. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE STORE NOTICED A BUZZING SOUND .GUESS WHAT THE ELECTRICAL BOARD IS FRIED . I ALWAYS WONDERED IF WE'RE THE ONLY ONE BUT IM QUITE SURE WE'RE NOT . THIS IS A POORLY DESIGNED PIECE OF CAR. THERE HAS TO BE SOME WAY IN DETERMINING HOW TO FIX THIS WATER LEAK. BUT NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING. WHY ISN'T THEIR A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 2, 201099,000 milesCO

2003 NAVIGATOR, 99,000MILES - SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT - ENGINE LOST POWER, GAS SPILLING OUT OF ENGINE, DURING THE TRANSPORT OF 1 ADULT AND 4 CHILDREN. 1. ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE TRUCK WAS GIVEN A FULL SERVICE FOR 100K MILES, LESS THEN 1000 MILES LATER, THE CAR IS RENDERED INOPERABLE, AND THE DEALER OFFERED TO GIVE $2500 ON TRADE (THE AMOUNT OF THE 100K SERVICE) OR REPAIR THE ENGINE FOR $5500. 2. CAR DOES NOT RUN 3. NOTHING IS FIXED YET, FORD WILL NOT ADMIT A PROBLEM AND WILL NOT ASSIST THE DEALER. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 2010111,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THROUGH GRASS, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 111,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 13, 2010105,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD BUT THEN AFTER A FEW SECONDS, SUDDENLY TAKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A VACUUM LEAK. THE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED A DAY LATER. THE FAILURE REOCCURRED TWICE BUT HAD NOT OCCURRED SINCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 127, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1998
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
20261200Routine
202513600Routine
202416700Routine
20237800Routine
2022211410Routine
2021331200Routine
2020321320Routine
2019851010Routine
2018521230Routine
201732510Routine
201625410Routine
201521410Routine
201417000Routine
201314000Routine
201212300Routine
20119000Routine
201016000Routine
200910100Routine
200830210Routine
200745240Routine
200660330Routine
200548020Routine
200486021Fatalities reported
2003 — this page127130Routine
200232450Routine
2001816110Routine
20001097170Routine
19991327122Fatalities reported
19981926220High concern
19970200Routine

Compare every Navigator year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 17, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.