1997 Lincoln Navigator Problems & Complaints

Better than average93% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Navigator at the same age

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file for the 1997 Lincoln Navigator yet, but there are 2 recalls. 2 recalls cover this model year.

0complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Lincoln Navigator complaints by model year

’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’261921321098132127864860453010169121417212532528532332171613
Owner complaints per model year, Lincoln Navigator. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Navigator years: 2011, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021, 2020. Compare all years →

1997 Lincoln Navigator recalls (2)

Trailer hitches

NHTSA recall 00V-073 · Mar 7, 2000 · 565,800 vehicles

Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.

Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA recall 98V-095 · May 13, 1998 · 1,520,000 vehicles

Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The lug nuts on these vehicles May not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.

Remedy: Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in May 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1997 Lincoln Navigator:

Factory installed towing hitch separatio

NHTSA investigation PE99060 · opened Sep 27, 1999 · closed Mar 8, 2000 · led to recall 00V-073

This investigation was opened on September 27, 1999 based on five consumer reports alleging that some of the eight hitch mounting bolts either became loose or came completely out of its retaining plate.one of the complaints indicated that while towig a trailer the hitch actually separated from the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle when the four mounting bolts on that side came completely out.

Tie rod end failures

NHTSA investigation PE98024 · opened Apr 21, 1998 · closed Jul 21, 1998

There is no summary currently available

Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

NHTSA investigation DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006

On September 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 Ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or…

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the 1997 Lincoln Navigator have?

There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Lincoln Navigator, the most recent from March 7, 2000 (trailer hitches). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln Navigator?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2013 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021 and 2020. See the full Lincoln Navigator years comparison.

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.