2001 Lincoln Navigator
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 132 |
| 2000 | 109 |
| 2001 | 81 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 127 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 48 |
| 2006 | 60 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 30 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 30 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2019 | 69 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: tires — 15 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS SUMMONED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS ALSO FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130828
I had been driving for about 15 minutes and then I noticed a burning plastic smell. It was dark so my headlights were on. I felt heat coming from under the dash by the pedals.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250524
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON 10/16/12 TRUCK STARTED SMOKING TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC, HE SUGGESTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO FIX A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. ON 10/17/12 DEALER AUTO SHOP REQUESTED WE TAKE THE CAR THE NEXT DAY TO GET FIXED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121019
I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE GAS PEDAL CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER REMOVING MY FOOT. I THOUGHT I MAY HAVE SET OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL, SO I PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030514
6% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES
Campaign 01V227001 — check if this car was fixed
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 OVERHE
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
Campaign 01V258000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
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 CONTRO
Campaign 05V388000 — check if this car was fixed
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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
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.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
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.
Campaign 06E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V227001 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V258000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Lincoln Navigator is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lincoln Navigator?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Lincoln Navigator have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.