10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,521 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Lincoln Navigator electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Lincoln Navigator Owner Comments

problem #19

Jul 012018

Navigator

  • 175,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall !!! I have a 2003 Lincoln Navigator that has the same issue with the reverse lights same recall issue as the 2012 Navigator also the car when it's in park won't engage when the break pedal is applied to unlock the gearing to reverse nutural drive 1st and 2ed gear it won't huge safety with the reverse lights I almost had an accident because other drivers are not aware I'm reversing issue started two months ago and I stopped driving it because I almost get into accidents with out the reverse lights wonder if this is a common safety consent for a recall.

- Fremont, WI, USA

problem #18

Nov 032014

Navigator

  • miles
My roof-mounted dvd player has never worked but still makes noises when car is crunk up or switched off, my battery all of a sudden went dead (car would not crank), headlights have shorts in them...after replacing $100 bulbs, I found out if I turn the lights off and back on, the bulb will come back on, check park assist light and alarms come on every time the vehicle is put in reverse, and my suspension will not let the vehicle up when the weather is cold.

- Pearson, GA, USA

problem #17

Aug 252011

Navigator 8-cyl

  • 199,000 miles
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 control deactivation switch fire. The fire originated in the area where the speed control deactivation switch is located (left rear corner of the engine compartment at the master cylinder. There was evidence of speed control deactivation switch failure prior to the fire including inoperable speed control, repeated difficulty shifting out of park.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #16

Jun 152009

Navigator

  • 76,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 35 mph the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer regarding the electrical system and they stated the entire fuse box needed to be replaced. The contact stated the suspension was also defective and the air bags were deflating. The dealer stated the air bag for the suspension needs to be replaced. The failure mileage was 76,000.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #15

Nov 152010

Navigator

  • 108,000 miles
My 2003 Lincoln Navigator has shut down completely three times in the last 6 weeks. Two of the occasions happened on the interstate while driving about 55 mph, the third instance happened in my subdivision driving less than 30 mph. After pulling the truck over to the side for safety the truck will not start immediately but will start after resting about 7 minutes. When the truck shuts down several lights on the dashboard light up. I explained the issue as well as I could to my local Ford / Lincoln dealership in madison, tn but they could not find any issues with it saying that no codes were showing. I also took the truck to a Goodyear service repair in brentwood, tn but they also could not diagnose the problem. After searching for this type of issue on the internet I found numerous customers that have had a similar experience, some saying that the issue is related to the "fail safe" security option kicking in while a person is driving. The issue of having my truck shut down completely on the interstate is dangerous and I would appreciate help on getting the issue resolved as soon as possible.

- Hendersonville, TN, USA

problem #14

Jun 112003

Navigator

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. Whenever the brake were applied the vehicle would vibrate and shake excessively. There were several electrical failures to include the electronic cluster in the odometer. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the failures repaired. The failure and current mileages were 30,000.

- Stockbridge, GA, USA

problem #13

Sep 102006

Navigator

  • 55,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle was purchased at marshall bros in new orleans, vehicle was sold as a certified vehicle. Vehicle had to have a new transmission installed 2 months after vehicle purchased. Vehicle was sold with the problem known to dealership. Worker at location stated they knew it and when we purchased vehicle, they insisted on us buying an extended warranty since it was used. Insisted to the point of giving policy at cost, this was due to known problem, transmission case and unit was so badly damaged that it could not have been missed. Previous owner contacted and stated they told dealership of problem. Also since vehicle was owned electrical system has gone haywire, battery not charging periodically, alarm and lights operating on their own, lights staying on, coming on at night, radio staying on dealership stated they could not find anything wrong when brought in for issues, they kept vehicle for three days. Happened several more times, same statement by dealer. I researched problem on internet and discovered tsb's on same problems, but no recall. But tsbs have existed since 2004, dealer knew windshield leaks into computer and moonroof can leak causing same problem, dealership didn't fix anything, then when out of warranty dealership states known issue and fuse panel needs replacing at cost of $4,000. This should be a recall after my research and since the dealerships are doing everything they can including lying and selling vehicles with known problems. BBB was contacted and in process of having press involved. Please look at all complaints on issue and make a recall necessary. This is a dangerous problem, vehicles wrecking, putting drivers in dangerous situations.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #12

Mar 012007

Navigator

  • 57,000 miles
Bought a 2003 Navigator used in January of 2007. Ever since then, the vehicle has been experiencing electrical problems as in windows go up when you push down, the electronic liftgate doesn't always work, the rear electronic seats don't always work, the odometer reads 0 miles to empty when I have a full tank, front air suspension has gone twice now due to an electronically sensor, power locks haven't worked.

- Wayne, MI, USA

problem #11

Nov 232008

Navigator

  • 67,000 miles
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:.

- Commerce Township, MI, USA

problem #10

Oct 052006

Navigator 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,900 miles
: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The dealership rebuilt the automatic transmission, but this did not repair the problem. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership and the gear shifter assembly was replaced. Then the automatic transmission control valve was replaced. The vehicle has not been driven since the last repair was made. The consumer stated the vehicle stalled between 20 and 40 mph. The door lock switch was inoperative, the mirrors would not return to their orignal setting. Updated 10/27/06.

- Lithonia, GA, USA

problem #9

Jan 012005

Navigator

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving 70 mph the vehicle would suddenly shut down. This problem has occurred four times. The vehicle would lose power steering and power brakes. The service dealer tried various fixes but the problem remained the same.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #8

Jul 062004

(reported on)

Navigator

  • miles
Passenger side mirror does not work properly, radio cover has marks on it where it retract into the dash, kick plate inside of the driver's side door is broken, all four doors external patterns are loose, and the front console lock is broken. The door ajar light illuminated continually after being repaired three times.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #7

Oct 162003

Navigator

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
While driving vehicle experienced computer electronic system shutdown. The consumer referenced 10044144 a previous claim filed about the same problem. The consumer lost power steering and power brakes while traveling at a speed of 70 mph.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #6

Dec 092002

Navigator

  • 3 miles
The consumer experienced ongoing problems with 2003 Lincoln Navigator electrical system.

- Tyler , TX, USA

problem #5

Oct 122003

Navigator 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The retractable power running boards on my 2003 Lincoln Navigator intermittently fail to deploy and/or retract. As a result of the failure to deploy, I fell while exiting the vehicle, hitting my head on the ground, injuring my lower back (lumbar)in two places and fracturing my (thoracic) spine at T-12. I've researched this on line and found several others vehicle owners who have the same problem with the running boards. I'm told that Ford has a service bulletin #17249 that describes the malfunction. Ford and the dealer have been unable or unwilling to repair my vehicle. I have left it with the dealer for repairs numerous times, twice one of the running boards was stuck in the outer position at the time it was left for repair. I have met with the factory engineer on two occasions. I have made numerous complaints and telphone calls to the Lincoln customer servicehotline and met with smithtown Lincoln Mercury's previous and current service managers. A dangerous condition exists. Hopefully you will take an interest and force them to take whatever action is required to correct the malfunction before others also sustain serious injuries.

- Middle Island, NY, USA

problem #4

Jun 262004

Navigator 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
After purchasing a 2003 Navigator with power running boards, I noticed that the running boards do not always deploy (ie; move out) when a door is opened. I have worked with my local dealer to get the matter resolved and the manufacturer continues to extend the date that they promise there will be a fix. I have been waiting for more than a year. The first fix date was Oct'03, then Nov'03, then Dec '03 and now Dec '04. This can be a serious safety problem is someone was to open the door and try to step out of the vehicle with nothing to step on to -- especially if you factor in the height of the vehicle. Lincoln has most definately dropped the ball on this one and seems to not view the matter as a high priority. I called the Lincoln customer hotline and they have not been helpful, nor have they been able to get back to me with any answer. I have been told by my dealer that Lincoln has determined that the electronic "control" mechanism is defective. I am extremely dissapointed with Lincoln over the matter and feel that they have abandoned purchasers of their Lincoln Navigator's.

- Diablo, CA, USA

problem #3

Jan 202003

Navigator 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles
I purchased my vehicle brand new in January of 2003. I have had numerous problems with the vehicle since day 1.the entire computer had to be changed. The truck stalled on me at highway speed. It took over 2 1/2 weeks to get my vehicle back.here is a list of the other problems I have had. The rear vent motors have been changed. I had my windows stuck open with half of my electical system out for over four days due to the problem. The side view mirror motor had to be changed. The power running boards have never worked properly and the dealer can't find the problem. All four wheels had to be changed due to peeling. A new alternator had to be installed which left my vehicle dead without warning. The cd changer had to be replaced. The entire navigation system had to be replaced. The coil had to be changed three times. Which once again died at highway speed on me. I was nearly hit by a semi truck from behind. I thought for sure that my family and I were going to be seriously injured. It is at the dealer right now getting looked at. Twice while being at the dealer for service, my vehicle was hit needing repair. The list goes on. As you can say my vehicle is at the dealer more than it is at home, where it should be. Most of the problems tie my vehicle down for more than a week. I am fed up and tired of all the problems. I don't feel comfortable driving such an unsafe vehicle. I know it will stall again on me. Hopefully there will be no injuries or fatalities due to such an unreliable vehicle.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #2

Jan 172004

Navigator 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Automatic running boards had delayed deployment or wouldn't deploy at all. The consumer was exiting the from the rear seat when the boards did not deploy but as she stepped out of the vehicle it deployed striking the consumer in the back of her legs.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

problem #1

Oct 012004

Navigator 8-cyl

  • miles
While driving at 45 mph, the vehicle experienced a complete electronic shutdown causing the steering to become inoperative and brake problems. The vehicle had come to a rolling halt. The Lincoln dealership was unable to assure repairs or explain the cause and effect of the malfunction.

- Walton, NY, USA

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