Wondering what common issues Lincoln Navigator owners run into? Well, say no more, since we’ve highlighted a number of routine problems that plague the Navigator. You can also expect to find their best probable fixes and associated costs right here. Before diving deep, however, let’s skim through a quick answer.
The most common problems of the Lincoln Navigator are air suspension faults, paint bubbling, and rusty running boards in the 2004, 2006, and early model years. Other problems include fuel pump leaks and corroded battery cable ends on the 2018 and recent models; an inoperative HVAC blower motor on the 2015 model; and a fire hazard in the 2021 model year.
The Navigator is a fairly dependable vehicle, especially when it comes to building quality. It has achieved a number of reliability ratings and rankings. Let’s dive deep into these problems, determine what causes them, and give you a hint about their fixing cost.
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1. Potential Engine Compartment Fire
Ford has issued a recall for certain Navigators for the 2021 model year. According to details, there is the threat of a potential engine fire in these vehicles. Engine fires are hazardous since they can quickly spread to the whole vehicle and cause serious injuries and burns to occupants.
The issue is particularly worrisome since the fire can start even when the vehicle is turned off. In tight parking spaces or in-home garages, this occurrence can lead to disaster. That is why it is recommended to park your vehicle in open spaces, away from structures and buildings, until the repair is performed.
In order to fix the problem on vehicles equipped with standard and heavy-duty radiator fan motors, your dealer will install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. If necessary, they will also inspect the battery junction box. If found faulty, it will be swapped for a new one. All of this will be done free of cost.
The NHTSA campaign ID for this recall is 22V346000.
2. Fuel Pump Welds May Leak
Fuel pump leaks can quickly escalate to becoming fire hazards. With the presence of an ignition source near the leak, a fire can quickly start and spread around the vehicle. The 2018 Lincoln Navigator poses this danger to several unsuspecting owners.
Certain vehicles of the said model year are equipped with high-pressure fuel pump assemblies. This excessive pressure can cause the assembly weld joints to fracture, resulting in fuel leakage.
Fortunately, Ford has a remedy for the problem and has issued a recall for the affected Navigators. We recommend that you drop by your local dealership soon to get the fuel pump assembly and associated parts replaced, free of cost.
The NHTSA campaign ID for this recall is 18V392000.
Also read: Types Of Gas A Lincoln Navigator Takes (Explained)
3. Inoperative HVAC Blower Motor Function
Reports about the air conditioning failing to function normally are not uncommon on the 2015 Lincoln Navigator. Owners have voiced their concerns about the HVAC blower not working properly under particular fan speed settings. As it turns out, the issue at hand is caused by a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control.
In rather extreme cases, the poor connection results in the blower getting burned up. Regrettably, the owner has to pay for the replacement. Despite the fact that the problem has recall-worthy potential, all Ford did is release a service bulletin.
According to the special service message ‘SSM 47797’ brought forth by Ford, not only is the electrical connection supposed to be tightened; rather the connection’s pigtail harness to the blower motor is also supposed to be replaced – in order to avoid future repairs.
Outrageous, isn’t it? Well here’s the deal – you can expect to pay around $300 for blower replacement, and around $20 (excluding labor charges) for swapping the wiring harness.
4. Air Suspension Problems
With great ride quality come certain compromises, and the Lincoln Navigator surely isn’t an exception. Problems with the air suspension have been identified in many model years of the vehicle. The 2004 model year most prominently incurs the challenge.
There have been several accounts of the air suspension bags failing to inflate or deflate. In such cases, the vehicle refuses to elevate back up to the correct ride height. There have also been instances where both bags at the front or rear end cease to inflate normally. This results in the SUV dropping to the ground.
Driving a vehicle with a faulty height on either the front or rear end can result in a pretty bumpy experience. The underbody may rub against the ground too, depending upon terrain conditions. This can further cause problems and failures in underbody components. Some owners have also reported scrapping with garage roofs and doors due to having a raised rear end.
Unfortunately, no known recall has been added to the menu by Ford. Every owner that faces this issue due to either faulty airbags or sensors has to get it fixed by the pocket – especially if the problem occurs outside the vehicle’s warranty period.
If you happen to be one of the affected, we suggest that you take your Navigator to the dealership as soon as possible. Depending upon the failure’s root cause, we assume you’d have to spend around $1500-2000 for the repairs.
5. Rusty Running Boards
Running boards are necessary structures that facilitate getting in and out of a high vehicle. The Lincoln Navigator, being a full-size SUV, also features these boards below the doors on both sides. These boards on the 2006 model year are prone to gather rust around the bolt area. Consequently, they fail to hold a person’s weight and break away from the vehicle.
Several incidents have occurred where the board breaks or becomes loose with a person onboard. In a rather peculiar case, the power running board proceeded to slide back in, despite a person standing on it. Such failures can cause serious injury, especially to children and senior citizens.
The only known fix for the problem is to replace the running boards altogether. Ford hasn’t taken up any responsibility for the issue yet, and it’s likely to stay that way. If you happen to own a vehicle from this model year and beyond, make sure to inspect these boards for rust every now and then. Just to give you an idea, this double-sided money pit can easily swallow around $2000 from your pocket.
6. Paint Bubbling Fault
Paint bubbling is a manufacturing fault that can occur in any new car at a certain point. The 2000 model years of the Lincoln Navigator are apparently plagued by this flaw in the tailgate. As for the 2009 model year; paint bubbling, followed by rusting is a crucial issue to look out for.
In case you’re in the market for a used Navigator, we’d suggest that you thoroughly inspect each part of the bodywork for paint bubbling. In the alternate scenario where you’re an affected owner, you will have to get the problem fixed before rusting spreads. The fix would require a new paint job, and quite possibly some rust treatment beforehand; depending on the condition of rusting. Overall, be prepared to endure a bill of around $800-1000.
7. Corroded Battery Cable Ends
Lincoln Navigators, much like any other vehicle, are prone to corrosion on the battery cable ends. In the recent model years of the SUV, however, the issue seems to be more common than ever.
Electrolyte leaks and other factors can result in corrosion on the cable ends. This corrosion, when accumulated over a long time frame, can easily cause battery disconnection. When the vehicle battery fails to work, even the most basic functions cease to take place. Starting the engine is the biggest hurdle, followed by basic operating features such as central locking, lighting, etc.
In case your vehicle shows signs of corrosion from time to time, it’d be best to get it fixed. A quick way to get past the issue would be to clean the positive and negative terminals, using compounds such as baking soda. Nevertheless, the best option would always be to replace the terminals with new ones. This replacement would cost around $20-30 at most.
Another issue that might be plaguing the battery is a faulty alternator. Alternators are fixed to regulate battery charging levels. In case the alternator overcharges or overheats, corrosion at the cable is inevitable. In such a scenario, swapping the faulty alternator for a new one is the best option. This little venture would cost you around $400-500.
The Lincoln Navigator is a well-built SUV that is expected to last over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and sound driving habits. The vehicle can pretty much last more than a decade without requiring major repairs and uneconomical visits to the dealership.
As for the years that must be avoided due to build quality defects and other issues, we’ve done thorough research and recognized the worst model year. While we were at it, we also managed to find the best model year that has the least amount of complaints.
As for every vehicle in the market, certain model years must be avoided. For the Lincoln Navigator, we’ve found the 2003 model year to be the worst. This year has recorded the most number of complaints, based on data from the NHTSA and other complaint sites. Furthermore, the 1999 model year seems to follow its footsteps as the 2nd most problematic model year.
As for the 2003 model year, the trend is justified – since it was the first model year of the 2nd generation Navigator. Issues and known faults in the 1st model years are pretty common among manufacturers. Whereas back in 1999, the vehicle was still new and not a lot of road safety regulations existed back then. Anyhow, you should be mindful of the complaints and ratings before making a purchase decision.
On similar grounds, we’d title the 2020 model year as the best in terms of the number of complaints filed. The vehicle has had 2 minor recalls by the NHTSA, but overall, nothing major. This is followed by the 2017 model year, which also has a minimum number of complaints; but a major recall regarding the service brakes issue.
Nevertheless, if you plan on buying or have bought a used navigator from the above-mentioned model years, make sure to inquire about potential recalls and whether the problems have been fixed. Happy motoring!
Closing Thoughts
Alright, we’ve delved deep into the most common issues you might face with a Lincoln Navigator. From air suspension faults, paint bubbling, and rusty running boards to fuel pump leaks, we’ve got you covered on what to look out for.
Now, if you’re a Lincoln enthusiast or you’re not sure which model you should commit to, then don’t forget to check our other articles on Lincoln models and their common problems, like the Lincoln MKC and many more.
In conclusion, while Lincoln Navigator has its fair share of problems, being informed and proactive can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Happy driving!
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.