2002 Lincoln Navigator
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Navigator › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Lincoln Navigator. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 Lincoln Navigator. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
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.
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fire at the switch could occur.
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)
Owner complaints
32 complaints2 involved a crash5 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
My 2002 lincoln navigator ejected a spark plug causing a substantial repair bill. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Seat belts
On 12/03/11 when my husband started our 2002 lincoln navigator a loud bang happened, my seat belt tightened across my chest so tight it hurt and I couldn't breathe, the car started smoking so bad that my oldest daughter jumped out of the truck because it scared her so bad. The seat belt was so…
On 12/03/11 when my husband started our 2002 lincoln navigator a loud bang happened, my seat belt tightened across my chest so tight it hurt and I couldn't breathe, the car started smoking so bad that my oldest daughter jumped out of the truck because it scared her so bad. The seat belt was so tight it wouldn't come off at first which scared me because the smoke was by the side of my head! Now the seat belt won't work and I don't want to use my car without it. in the past year, 2011, my truck keeps blowing fuses on the automatic lights and air bag for the passenger side. I keep replacing the fuse but they only last about a week and then they blow out. Once the fuse IS replaced the automatic lights work, the airbag light goes off. But, no sooner do I change it, it blows again. So, I haven't replaced it. In february I have to go for emissions and I won't pass with this light on. in the last 6 months, my bright lights have turned on by themselves. I thought it only happened when we use the turn signals, but my husband told me it does it all the time. I didn't believe him until three days ago when I hit a bump and they went on. Then, yesterday I was sitting in our running, parked car and the brights just turned on while the car was on and not moving. That really scared me. What kind of electrical problems does this vehicle have? I have done the one recall on my truck for engine fire. Are there more recalls I should know about? *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. the contact was driving 50 mph when the side impact air bag deployed without warning. as a result, the contact sustained an injury to the ear drum. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics but the dealer was unable to determine why the air…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. the contact was driving 50 mph when the side impact air bag deployed without warning. as a result, the contact sustained an injury to the ear drum. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics but the dealer was unable to determine why the air bags had deployed without the vehicle being involved in a crash. the contact called the manufacturer and the manufacturer sent a specialist to inspect the vehicle. the specialist advised that a faulty component in the air bag caused the deployment. the manufacturer stated that they would not provide any assistance for the repair. the contact stated vehicle was unsafe to drive. the failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags › Frontal
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
I think this IS a common tactic by ford and the justice department should look into it. I leased a new 2002 navigator and had a similar situation. On a road trip in 2004 with 32000 miles, the engine seized. The dealer claimed there was sludge in the engine and ford would not honor the warranty.…
I think this IS a common tactic by ford and the justice department should look into it. I leased a new 2002 navigator and had a similar situation. On a road trip in 2004 with 32000 miles, the engine seized. The dealer claimed there was sludge in the engine and ford would not honor the warranty. Apparently, the lease included free oil changes at the dealer, which I was not aware of. I produced all of the receipts to show that I had the oil changed every 3000 miles (more frequently than required) but was told it was irrelevant since I didn't have the dealer do the oil changes. I was told the engine replacement would cost $12,000. The ford dealer was so upset by this he offered to do it for cost, about $4500, but I just walked away, even though they sued and put a $15,000 blot on my credit rating.this was my third navigator lease, including a 1998 and 2000 model before this. I paid top dollar for their most expensive vehicle and this IS how they treat good customers. Not to mention being stranded in the desert with my wife and five kids. I will never buy another ford again. one last point - I had just had the oil changed before I left and had less than 1000 miles on the car when it broke down. I checked the oil and it was more than 1/2 quart down. Clearly the car was using oil at just 32000 miles. Funny thing IS, I have a 97 explorer with roughly the same engine, and it finally threw a rod at 250,000 miles of excellent service. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
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
- Electrical system
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
- Electrical system
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
- Electrical system · Structure
Water leakage and electrical problem. *Tr
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
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
- Vehicle speed control
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.
- Fuel system, other
2002 lincoln navigator caught fire while parked in my driveway and burnt to the ground. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. while driving 45 mph, the contact proceeded through a traffic light and crashed into another vehicle. the rear of the vehicle was lifted from the ground. the contact sustained injuries to the face, shoulders, lower back, chest, and neck. neither of…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. while driving 45 mph, the contact proceeded through a traffic light and crashed into another vehicle. the rear of the vehicle was lifted from the ground. the contact sustained injuries to the face, shoulders, lower back, chest, and neck. neither of the air bags deployed in the vehicle. the contact was thrown into the steering wheel so hard that the seat belt snapped from the impact. the driver of the other vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, but was able to be revived. the vehicle was destroyed. a police report was filed. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 82,500.
- Air bags › Side/window
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. while driving 2 mph in reverse, the driver's side air bag deployed. there were no warning indicators or crash. the driver sustained a bruised arm, but was able to drive to the dealer. the dealer was unable to determine the cause of deployment. no repairs were made. the powertrain was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 89,746.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. the contact stated that a fire originated in the engine compartment without warning. the vehicle was destroyed. the local fire department extinguished the fire. the manufacturer has not been notified. the contact's garage sustained fire. his home…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lincoln navigator. the contact stated that a fire originated in the engine compartment without warning. the vehicle was destroyed. the local fire department extinguished the fire. the manufacturer has not been notified. the contact's garage sustained fire. his home was slightly damaged due to smoke and water. his other vehicle was also damaged by the fire. a police report was filed. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 80,000.
- Vehicle speed control
On 6/26/2007 around 3:00pm, my year 2002 lincoln navigator caught on fire by itself in the parking lot. The car IS currently under inspection by the dealer. *tr
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Dt*: the contact stated while driving on the highway 75 mph the driver's side tie rod snapped. as a result, the vehicle shook and the contact lost control of the steering. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who determined the driver and passenger side tie rods needed to be replaced. updated 10/17/2006 - the passenger's side tie rod was loose. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission completely went out at 56,000 miles- cost me $ 4,000.00 fuel pump went out at 76,000 miles- cost $ 800/ electrical and relay problems engine spark plugs fell out of engine currently in dealership replacing engine 81,000 miles- cost over $ 4,000. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Used car purchased with new car warranty (36000 miles). Car inspected after purchase by lincoln dealer, but 4000 miles later engine seized. Sludge was found to be in engine. No warning of engine shut-down prior to seizure. Ford denies warranty claim due to sludge in engine despite proof of vehicle being serviced by prior owner. *Ak
- Air bags
I won a 2002 lincoln navigator on an ebay auction and paid $19,000 for the vehicle via direct wire transfer through my bank. the lincoln navigator advertisement represented the vehicle as "like new in every way", "our mechanics have inspected this truck and found everything to be in excellent…
I won a 2002 lincoln navigator on an ebay auction and paid $19,000 for the vehicle via direct wire transfer through my bank. the lincoln navigator advertisement represented the vehicle as "like new in every way", "our mechanics have inspected this truck and found everything to be in excellent working condition" & "options: driver & passenger airbags". the vehicle IS in poor condition. the airbags were deployed and not replaced. radiator has two holes in it, the manufacturer warranty IS voided, keyless remote missing, cd magazine missing, owners manual missing, floor mats do not match, numerous scratches, dings & nicks. I was told it had climate controlled seats and it does not. I was also told that the seller IS a private party. unfortunately he IS a dealer thus I will have to pay sales tax of $1,064. I have corresponded with the seller via email and telephone numerous times. I have asked him to buy the vehicle back from me or pay for the repairs and he says that he does not have the money. all-in-all the seller's misrepresentation of this vehicle will cost me $8,647. *ak
- Steering
The vehicle displayed poor performance, consumer was informed the make and model was under investigation for the tie rod ends which may have caused the vehicle to act poorly. *Dt *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 IS closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in…
Ea05-005 IS closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.ford IS also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.ford has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation IS closed.odi believes that the vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the observed failure rates on these vehicles by model and model year.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist in the non-recalled vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in ford?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for details.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10177863This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10019912Engine misfire with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) pewee, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306, p0307, p0308, and p0316.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10017892Rear axle noise repair.
- 10016789Rear axle noise repair.
- 10014165Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10010731Multiple vehicles - fuel level indication concerns - service tip. Various models including 2005 super duty f-series, excursion, expedition, explorer, mountaineer and aviator.
- 10010001Customer maintenance reminder - literature program 04l19 - tie rod inspection procedure.
- 10009332Multiple vehicles using fehp rear axle fluid. Fluid usage change.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008542Pop/thump noise at end of window movement and/or driver's window bounce back and reverse to mid-position.
- 10008539Air suspension compressor noise.
- 10008225Airbag warning lamp on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1994/b1998 on vehicles without side air bags.
- 10008201Warning indicators-parking aid-reverse sensing system (rss) and forward sensing system (fss)-false activation of warning tone-service tips. Update.
- 10008177Steering idler arm noise.
- 10008166Fuel signal to instrument cluster service tip.
- 10008157Correct lug nut torque specifications - increase wheel nut and stud size - service tip.
- 10007409Runs rough / lacks power / misfire / malfunction indicator lamp - loss of compression on vehicles with over 20,000 miles.
- 10007316Courtesy rail lamps do not operate correctly or cause a battery draw.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004052Runs rough/lacks power/misfire - loss of compression.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003744Engine misfire or rough running condition with coil on plug (cop) ignition systems may be more accurately diagnosed using the optional worldwide diagnostic system (wds) coil on plug (cop) kit. 2003 super duty f series included.
- 10003192Tie rod end inspection procedure.
- 10002781Tie rod end inspection procedure.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002775Repeat air suspension compressor drier failures.
- 10002680Repeat air suspension compressor drier failures.
Every Lincoln Navigator model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.