2002 Lincoln Navigator: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The check engine warning light illuminated. The fuel gauge did not indicate the accurate amount of fuel in the vehicle. In addition, the hazard lights failed to illuminate properly and the speed control warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine failed and the fuel pump and fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the driver's side rear passenger's air bag deployed independently without warning. Also, the contact mentioned that there was an explosion underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. The contact stated the air bag deployed immediately after the vehicle was turned on. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that either something was placed under the seat or the seat cover was worn excessively. The air bag deployed from under the seat. The contacts left arm was severely injured. The manufacturer stated the air bags are not covered by the warranty. The air bags were not replaced. The VIN was rejected from the system. The failure and current mileage was 180,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“I had the spark plug blow out of the hole caused car to run on less compression and it is very costly to fix mechanic informed this vehicle is known for this. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. While the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The fire was extinguished was put out by a dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated a written report of the incident would be provided within fifteen days. The contact was informed by the manufacturer's website that her vehicle was included in a recall (NHTSA campaign id number: 05v388000 component: vehicle speed control). The manufacturer did not confirm that information. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2010
“My 2002 lincoln navigator caught fire, the entire engine and front half of the car is charred and the interior has significant burn damage, it almost set fire to our home. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2010
“Fuse/relay fuses get burned once every two days the suv turns off while in motion. Almost caused an accident in a heavy traffic intersection. Has happened for 5-6 times. Took the suv to an electrician found no problem, called ford dealer appointment in two weeks. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2010
“Leaky winshield causing faulty wireing and car shutting off while moving wipers stop working among other things ford noes of this issue and is not doing anthing to fix issue this is a safty issue as it could cause a fire or even loss of control of vehicle while driving as it shuts off speratically and sometimes wont restart”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2010
“I have a water leakage and it is affecting the electronics of the car..when it rains, electrical problem occurs..sometimes the car will shift to 4 wheel drive and the heater will go on and off, the radio stop working, electronic door lock will not open..acceleration and overdrive goes on..battery will go dead... *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. While driving 65 mph the vehicle speed cruise control would not activate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, and he was informed that the cruise control switch needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 115144.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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.
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.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Navigator by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Lincoln Navigator. The most complained-about area is air bags (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Lincoln Navigator problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Lincoln Navigator have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.