Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 1.2× | — | Engine | Average |
| 2001 | 5 | −14% | 1 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2000 | 4 | −14% | 2 | Brake | Average |
| 1998 | 5 | 1.2× | 1 | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Navigator year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Navigator problems
Latest Ford Navigator recalls
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain 4x2 sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." the rear tire pressure is incorrectly listed on the label for 4.2 vehicles.
Remedy: A supplementary label will be sent to customers to place near the certification label to identify the appropriate rear tire pressure.
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the affected expedition/navigator owner guides do not identify the locations of seating positions equipped with tether anchorages, and do not provide…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with owner guide inserts revised to provide the required information, and instructions for affixing these inserts to their owner guides.
Exterior lighting
Vehicle description: Mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Navigator should you avoid?
None of the Ford Navigator years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Ford Navigator problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the speed control & acceleration (4), body & structure (3) and engine & cooling (3). Acceleration complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Navigator had?
3 recalls across 1998–2003. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Ford Navigator recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.