2002 Lincoln Navigator
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 32
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 32 complaints
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 | 14 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 82 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 1 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
25% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-08-06
When initially starting motor it revs high, and upon take off engine continues to rev high. After having the motor mounts replaced, the problem still persists!
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-04
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Vehicle speed control
22% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On 6/26/2007 around 3:00PM, my year 2002 Lincoln Navigator caught on fire by itself in the parking lot. The car is currently under inspection by the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-07-02
Air bags
22% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While driving 2 MPH in reverse, the driver's side air bag deployed. There were no warning indicators or crash. The driver sustained a bruised arm, but was able to drive to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-03-03
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-14
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side rear passenger's air bag deployed independently without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-25
Electrical system
19% · 6 reportsSteering
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly and steering wheel/handle bar.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
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R
2005-09-12Vehicle speed control05V388000 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…
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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R
2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 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…
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.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
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R
Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 05V388000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Lincoln Navigator is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lincoln Navigator?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Lincoln Navigator have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.