There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Lincoln Navigator, but owners have filed 127 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Lincoln Navigator problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Suspension | 39 | |
| Electrical System | 23 | |
| Structure | 18 | |
| Visibility | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 14 | |
| Power Train | 13 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 12 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
| Equipment | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body › Door — 5
- Structure › Body — 5
- Suspension › Rear — 5
- Suspension › Front — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 3
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,500 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 2003 Lincoln Navigator complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 247,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2026
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. The contact reset the mileage, and the display showed 247,000. The contact had not contacted any other agencies. The VIN was not available.
Engine · at 75,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rocker arms, and that the engine lacked adequate compression in cylinders #2 and #3, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of…
Firerelated · at 120,196 miles · reported Oct 18, 2022
The contact owned a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that fifteen minutes after she parked and turned off the vehicle in the driveway, her brother alerted her that the driver's side front seat had caught fire. The air bags were deployed. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was an electrical system failure. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle remained in the driveway and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the…
Electrical System · at 175,000 miles · reported Mar 23, 2019
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.
Unknown or Other · at 140,000 miles · reported Feb 20, 2018
My suspension has airbags that do not work properly. I know other navigator owners that have the same problem. I have had it looked at and worked on but nothing changes.problem somewhere in the system. The airbags do not raise the car and it bounces around while driving. The car is hard to control
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Lincoln Navigator as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lincoln Navigator?
Owners report suspension problems most often (39 reports), followed by electrical system (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,500 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.