VehicleVerdict

2002 Lincoln Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 Lincoln Navigator sits mid-pack among Navigator years: 48 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 33, with 4 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), airbags (7), and speed control (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

48

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted240 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 240 complaints1999: 155 complaints2000: 137 complaints2001: 116 complaints2002: 48 complaints2003: 179 complaints2004: 119 complaints2005: 71 complaints2006: 90 complaints2007: 56 complaints2008: 40 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 10 complaints2012: 15 complaints2013: 19 complaints2014: 25 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 33 complaints2017: 45 complaints2018: 64 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 33 complaints2022: 33 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 28 complaints2025: 21 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Lincoln Navigator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1021%
Speed Control715%
Airbags715%
Electrical System613%
Fuel System510%
Steering36%
Transmission24%
Body & Structure24%
Other12%
Lighting12%
Brakes12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2002 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

4 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)

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 4, 2007 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 23, 2010 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH WAS INVOLVED IN LEFT SIDE COLLISION.WIT VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, AND AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 3, 2010 · fire

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 16, 2004

2002 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2002 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

It is close to typical for the Navigator: 48 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Navigator problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), airbags (7 complaints), speed control (7 complaints).

Does the 2002 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Lincoln Navigator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 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.