Most common 2003 Ford Navigator problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Navigator complaints by model year
What 2003 Ford Navigator owners say
Engine & cooling
2003 Ford expedition xlt with 5.4 liter triton v8 engine with 59,000 miles. The vehicle is well maintained and not abused. The #3 spark plug was blown out of the aluminum cylinder head during driving at approximately 5 MPH. This event was preceded by a tapping noise which occurred over the preceding two weeks. The noise was similar to a noisy valve lifter. The engine had the original factory installed spark plugs that were never removed, replaced or serviced. The factory change interval on the plugs is 100,000 miles. Spark plug blow out resulted in the the need to replace the cylinder head and coil pack. Inspection of the old part revealed that only 4 to 5 threads were provided to retain the spark plug. Inspection of the new replacement head revealed that 9 threads are provided to retain the spark plug. Ford kept the old parts. …
Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 Lincoln Navigator. On 3 different occasions the spark plugs exploded, and she has had to replace the spark plugs and coils. The contact stated that when the spark plugs exploded they sent sends the fragments from the spark plugs into the engine. Each time this happened the number 3 and number 4 sparks werethe ones that exploded. While driving approximately 65 MPH on January 11, 2007 it was the most recent incident. She had to have the vehicle towed. The contact stated that the vehicle has been with the mechanic since 01/11/2007. The brakes squeaked, the seat belt button was replaced, the idler arm was replaced. The vehicle would always run rough and loose power. Updatd 02/27/07.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Ford Navigator a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Navigator rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Navigator at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Navigator?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (1) and suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Navigator have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Ford Navigator. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Navigator problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 40% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.