Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Lincoln Navigator owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My tires were subject to a voluntary recall and when taken to the dealer were found to be defective. I was informed by the dealer that it would be weeks before replacement continental tires would be available so I purchase good year tires. I submitted all the required paper work for a refund and the bill of sale shows the new tires were purchased 10/4/02. I received a reply form letter from continental with a box checked that states; "the purchase date of the receipt you supplied does not qualify. The only previously purchased tires eligible for reimbursement are those tire(s) purchased between August 19, 2001 and October 10, 2002 as stated in your notification letter." I do not understand why they cannot see with their own eyes the receipt I supplied has a purchase date of 10/4/02 and does qualify.
2001 Lincoln Navigator- 21,000 miles -contitrac at-p255/75r17 tires - dot# ad9c 448 5100. We had been driving for about 2 hours on I-95 at speeds between 65 and 70 MPH. (posted limits on I-95 are 65 and 70) on a sunny day with temperatures around 95 degrees. The rear passenger side tire lost all it's tread and immediately blew out. This happened on Friday afternoon around 5 pm in moderate traffic 7/16/2004. Fortunately I was able to keep the car under control and move to the shoulder to change tire. The tire tread caused body damage of approximately $500.00 and forced me to replace all four tires and one wheel at a cost of $868. (at my expense of coarse. The Ford dealer where I bought the car would not have it any other way.) I will retain the old tire and wheel for inspection if needed.
The factory tires on these vehicles are going to get someone killed! I was very fortunate that none of my blow-outs were when I was traveling 75 MPH. Down interstate 10 ! I had just had my tires rotated and checked, and about 3 weeks later, I noticed a terrible vibration in my steering. I took it to the dealership, and was told it was my tire. I had them change it, and you should have seen the huge knot on that tire. Then, just about 11 months later, my steering wheel started shaking again, I took it to a tire shop here, and he took the tire off, and low and behold, here is another huge knot on this tire. We finally did what we should have done the first time this happened, we put a different brand of tire on the car. Those are the worst tires I have ever driven on bar none....
I have had multiple incidents of new tire valve failure involving tires purchased and serviced by sears auto center, regency square, richmond, virginia. The first failure occurred in February, followed by the failure of the same tire valve on the morning of April 24 th 2008. My complaints were dismissed at that time, and again were dismissed when the opposite tire valve failed that afternoon almost causing a serious accident on I 95 ( I have all documentation and aaa reports). I was forced by sears to pay for a new tire and again, they found nothing remarkable in this new valve failure. When I again complained and asked that all valves be checked, sears replaced another valve on a different tire. At present, I have one original valve on my vehicle.
Dt: 2001 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated the passenger side outer tie rod broke while driving on the road. The vehicle was slowing from 60-45 MPH when this occurred. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over. Also, this broke the inner belts of the passenger side front tire. The vehicle was towed to the dealership at that time. The dealership did not have a reason why this occurred. The contact spoke with Lincoln about the incident. The dealership replaced the outer tie rod end, and realigned the vehicle at the consumer's expense. The contact had to replace the passenger tire, and chose to replace the other tires as well. Updates 1/11/2006 -
Tl contact owns a 2001 Lincoln Navigator. The vehicle has continental contitrac aw, size p275/60r17 tires. While driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the passenger side front tire needed to be replaced. The passenger side rear tire also had a knot. The manufacturer stated that the tires were included in NHTSA recall number 02t012000 (tires:tread/belt), but they would not cover the charge due to the wear and tear. The failure mileage was 11,550 and current mileage was 11,650.
Tl* 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.
While driving on I-95 northbound around woolbright road, I ran over tire debris and caused part of my tire to come off. The tire did not go flat amazingly, but I will definitely need a new tire. I have a Navigator, so luckily it didn't cause any more damage like an accident.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 65 MPH the side wall of the left rear tire separated causing a blow out and there were no warning of any defects on the tire. The dealership inspected and replaced the tire. The manufacturer was not alerted.
Consumer requested reimbursement for the continental tire voluntary recall, however the claim was denied, the manufacturer stated the tires were not purchased between August 19, 2001 through October 10, 2002.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Navigator years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2001 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2001 Lincoln Navigator, 30% of the model year's 81 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Lincoln Navigator wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2001 Lincoln Navigator, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Lincoln Navigator wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 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.