VehicleVerdict

2003 Lincoln Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 179 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median Navigator year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 31 Navigator years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (39), electrical system (29), and body & structure (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

179

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Lincoln Navigator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension3922%
Electrical System2916%
Body & Structure1810%
Engine169%
Airbags148%
Visibility & Wipers148%
Transmission137%
Brakes74%
Speed Control74%
Other63%
Tires & Wheels53%
Lighting32%
Steering32%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats21%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2003 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT: WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN OFF ON AN EXIT, THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE ROLLED OFF, THEN THE TIE ROD SNAPPED AND THE CONSUMER WAS TRAPPED. THE CONSUMER HIT A GUARD RAIL. NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT TIRE OR TIE ROD WAS SO HOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 28, 2004 · crash

“HAD SMOKE IN PASSENGER AREA OF CAR. DEALERSHIP STATES IT WAS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, BUT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOR VEHICLE TO THIS DATE AND STATES THEY ARE "BACKORDERED:. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 23, 2008 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RUNNING BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING ROTTING. THE BRACKETS WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED AND THE SHEET METAL UNDERNEATH THE BOARDS WAS MISSING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONSULT WITH THE DEALER ON SEVERAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 8, 2010

“LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, LEAKED THROUGH TO CRUISE DEACTIVATION SWITCH INTO CRUISE SYSTEMS AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS CAUSING CORROSION WHICH CAUSED A SHORT. HAD TROUBLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL WORKING OVER TIME LEAD TO HIGHER FLOW OF CURRENT THAT OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE AT SWITCH UNDER HOOD. FORD SPEED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 25, 2011 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE OTHER VEHICLE MADE A SUDDEN LEFT TURN, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CAUGHT THE TAIL END OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 3, 2005 · crash

2003 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2003 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 179 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 31 Navigator years. It is one of the Navigator years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Navigator problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (39 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints), body & structure (18 complaints).

Does the 2003 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Lincoln Navigator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Lincoln Navigator under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.