2003 Lincoln Navigator
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 14 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 77 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
31% of complaints: suspension — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, LEAKED THROUGH TO CRUISE DEACTIVATION SWITCH INTO CRUISE SYSTEMS AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS CAUSING CORROSION WHICH CAUSED A SHORT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120313
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING DOWN DRIVEWAY AND HIT THE MEMORY SEAT BUTTON MY MY NAVIAGATOR AND THE SEAT STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD AND KEPT GOING FORWARD UNTIL IT REACHED THE VERY FARTHEST IT COULD GO FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030909
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260422
14% of complaints: structure — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and body.
INJURY11% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: visibility — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and exterior.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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
2003 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Lincoln Navigator is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln Navigator?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Lincoln Navigator have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.