2004 Lincoln Navigator: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 86 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (23% of complaints); the 2002 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
86
owner complaints
2
fire reports
73,562
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: suspension (23%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)23% · 20 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)14% · 12 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 9 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)8% · 7 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)8% · 7 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)5% · 4 complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln navigator. The contact stated that the rear air suspension had failed causing the rear end to bounce up and down and while driving a clanking noise was present coming from the front driver side wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front suspension arm was needed to be replaced and the rear suspension air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2020
“Airbags for now completely so does the air compressor cars without airbags went out brakes went out radiator went out completely the car is falling apart”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2019
“[xxx]. Air suspension air track radiation electrician and air conditioner went out. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln navigator. While driving 70 mph, extra force was required to turn the steering wheel right and left, and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to brill's auto sales (388 southampton rd, westfield, ma 01085, (413) 568-9487) where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft and drive axle needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that he repaired the 4 wheel drive actuator himself. The vehicle was not completely repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 163,000.”Owner report · Traction Control System · Aug 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln navigator. While the vehicle was stationary, strong fumes entered into the cabin of the vehicle. In addition, fuel leaked onto the ground when the fuel tank was being filled. Sanderson ford in glendale, arizona was made aware of the failure and stated that the plastic piece that the filler hose was connected to had fractured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2017
“Air suspension will not inflate on time when driving away. Front air. Bag suspension deflates completely every time vehicle is turned off. I now have to buy my front wheel well covers due to this problem....car was in motion when this happened on a city street.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln navigator. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate and jiggle severely. The contact mentioned that the front of the vehicle was lower than necessary. The vehicle taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the suspension failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2016
“Vehicle was parked in a parking lot, driver was texting. Steering wheel airbag deployed for no reason. No bumps, no accidents. Upon changing airbag, found steering wheel airbag wiring had chafed against the horn mount ring, and grounded out, causing the deployment.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2015
“Duck this this is suppose to be a luxury suv for my and my 4 children. I shouldn't have these many problems considering the price I paid hello..... My dad is a mechanic for toyota and now I understand why he only buys toyotas to.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2015
“Car only has 120,000 and started to bounce, and lower during driving. Got diagnosed, with detached air linkage which were the front, paid $430, 2 months after the moter stopped completely, replaced motor, nearly$600, installed and didn't work, relay was the other problem, changed relay, worked for a week, and stopped comletely! Bought another one, tried to install it but is not working, another $100 down the drain! My only option is coil spring converstion, to stop with all the electrical problems! Lincoln should take more consideration in suspension, to make the car safe and driveable!”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 · 4x2
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 2004 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
NHTSA has 86 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Lincoln Navigator. The most complained-about area is suspension (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Lincoln Navigator problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 73,562 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.