2001 Lincoln Navigator recalls and problems

The 2001 Lincoln Navigator has 3 safety recalls and 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
81
Crashes / fires
6 / 11
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Lincoln Navigator recalls

Recall 05V-388: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Sep 7, 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: A fire at the switch could occur.

Fix: 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 control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (Note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)

Recall 01V-258: Visibility

Reported Aug 8, 2001 · 1,083,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; kansas city plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; norfolk plant from 2/21/00 through 7/27/00; wayne stamping and assembly plant from 2/25/00 through 8/15/00; and wixom plant from 2/15/00 through 8/8/00.

Risk: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall 01V-227: Seat Belts

Reported Jul 16, 2001 · 1,400,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. Ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. Ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison plant from 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. Ford f-150 truck built at norfolk plant from 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; at ontario plant from 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; at kansas city plant from 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. Ford super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. Ford excursions built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. Ford expeditions built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: 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 to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

2001 Lincoln Navigator problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Tires23
Electrical System17
Vehicle Speed Control13
Suspension9
Power Train7
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Air Bags4
Seat Belts4
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Engine4
Visibility3

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 5
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 3
  • Structure › Body › Door — 2
  • Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Tires › Sidewall — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Lincoln Navigator complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported May 24, 2025
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. I started to watch my dash to see if the truck was over heating or the check engine light would come on but neither of those happened. The next light I stopped at I could see smoke coming from the driver side air vents. I pulled over and opened the hood and nothing. Well after some extensive searching I located the issue. The headlight switch to control my headlights was completely melted. Had I not pulled over and…
Unknown or Other · reported Apr 12, 2018
Bought car in october 2017 have hade to purches had problems with tires four time now today makes five times have to go purchase another tire have to have it towed in the morning
Electrical System · at 135,000 miles · reported Feb 8, 2016
The contact owns a 2001 lincoln navigator. The contact stated that after rainy weather, there was a burning odor and an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle as if it was attempting to start independently. In addition, the contact stated the windshield wipers failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electrical system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Air Bags · at 163,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 lincoln navigator. While the contact was seated and the engine had not been started, the driver seat air bag deployed. The contact heard an explosive noise and jumped out of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bag exploded and smoke and objects were ejected. The contact was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with first degree burns on his back side. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.
Service Brakes · at 118,000 miles · reported Oct 28, 2014
The contact owns a 2001 lincoln navigator. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle overheated and exhibited numerous other mechanical issues. The contact stated that the tires were bald, the air bag light illuminated, and the brakes failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brakes, tires, and parts of the engine needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Other Lincoln Navigator years

Compare all Lincoln Navigator years · All Lincoln models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Lincoln Navigator: 05V-388 (vehicle speed control), 01V-258 (visibility), 01V-227 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Lincoln Navigator?

Owners report tires problems most often (23 reports), followed by electrical system (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 miles.

Are Lincoln recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lincoln dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.