VehicleVerdict

2001 Ford Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2001 Ford Navigator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted7 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 7 complaints
Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Ford Navigator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control240%
Airbags120%
Electrical System120%
Body & Structure120%

Does the 2001 Ford Navigator have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V396000OtherNovember 28, 2000 · 495,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TRUCK WAS PARKED NOT RUNNING WHEN IT JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE IN GARAGE. ALLEN FIRE DEPT CAME AND PUT OUT FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STORAGE FACILITY, DAMAGE TO TOWNHOME, FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED. TRUCK WAS NOT PD FOR, SO LIENHOLDER WENT AND SUED ME. WANT DAMAGES AND MENTAL ANGUISH PAID FOR BY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 3, 2007 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING NOTICED OUTSIDE AIR ENTERING THROUGH DOORS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, REPLACED DOOR SEALS . PLEASE PROVIDE FURHTER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

“MY HUSBAND WERE INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH. THE 2001 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR SPUN AROUND AND ROLLED OVER AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS SHOCKED WHEN ADVISED OF THIS. *TR ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 19, 2012 · crash

“UNWANTED ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY WHEN THE CAR IS UNATTENDED. EVERY TIME IT RAINS I HAVE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FOR DAYS. STARTER KICKS IN AUTOMATICALLY, BLOWER STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS OFF. HEADLIGHTS JUST TURNING ON WITH THE SWITCH OFF AND THE KEYS OUT. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 20, 2006

2001 Ford Navigator — common questions

Is the 2001 Ford Navigator reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Ford Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Ford Navigator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Ford Navigator under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.