VehicleVerdict

2000 Lincoln Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 137 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Navigator year — the 2000 model ranks #4 of 31 Navigator years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

Tires & Wheels leads the complaint categories with 45 reports (33% of the total).

137

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

2

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Navigator years?

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Lincoln Navigator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels4533%
Electrical System139%
Transmission118%
Brakes107%
Airbags97%
Speed Control97%
Suspension97%
Steering86%
Engine86%
Body & Structure64%
Visibility & Wipers54%
Other32%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2000 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

05V388000Speed ControlSeptember 7, 2005 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

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)

05V017000Speed ControlJanuary 27, 2005 · 738,490 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. FIRES HAVE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE PARKED WITH THE IGNITION 'OFF.'

Remedy

AS AN INTERIM REPAIR, OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. AS SOON AS REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EARLY APRIL 2005), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A NEW SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V388 AND 06V286)

01V258000Visibility & WipersAugust 8, 2001 · 1,083,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Consequence

LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

00V073000Trailer HitchMarch 7, 2000 · 565,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.

Consequence

THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I PURCHASED A 2000 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR FROM LAUREL-FORD DEALER IN MISSISSIPPI ON AUGUST 21, 2003. AFTER ASKING THE DEALERSHIP IF ALL NECESSARY MAINTENANCES WERE DONE ON VEHICLE MY FAMILY AND I LEFT FOR NEW YORK. I STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL MFR WARRANTIES AND I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN. WHILE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 25, 2003 · crash

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE HORN DID NOT BLOW AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED WHEN IT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE HORN STOPPED BLOWING AND THE VOLUME ON THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING THE DAY BEFORE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 27, 2004 · fire

THE CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER IT ROLLED OUT OF PARK UNOCCUPIED DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY ACCROSS THE STREET INTO OUR NEIGHBORS HOUSE. FORD DENIES ANYTHING. WE HAVE A POLICE REPORT AND VIDEO SHOWING THE CAR IN PARK UNDER A PILE OF RUBBLE. PLEASE HELP. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 22, 2000 · crash

EXITING CAR WASH (WASH RACK) ONTO PAVEMENT, SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, CAR LURCHED FORWARD WITH INABILITY TO STOP WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE FULLY ENGAGED WITHOUT DRIVER INITIATING. FAILURE IN BOTH BRAKING MECHANISM AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 30, 2000 · crash

EXITING CAR WASH (WASH RACK) ONTO PAVEMENT, SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, CAR LURCHED FORWARD WITH INABILITY TO STOP WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE FULLY ENGAGED WITHOUT DRIVER INITIATING. FAILURE IN BOTH BRAKING MECHANISM AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 30, 2000 · crash

2000 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2000 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 137 complaints put the 2000 model at #4 of 31 Navigator years. It is one of the Navigator years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Navigator problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (45 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).

Does the 2000 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Lincoln Navigator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Lincoln Navigator under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Lincoln Navigator years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Navigator years to avoid are 1998, 2003, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2001, 2019, 2006, 2005, 2018, 2007. The cleanest record among Navigator years belongs to 2027.

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.