Most common 2002 Lincoln Navigator problems
Share of the 32 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln Navigator complaints by model year
Best Navigator years: 2011, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021, 2020. Compare all years →
2002 Lincoln Navigator recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.
Remedy: By letter dated September 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2002 Lincoln Navigator:
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.Ford is also including the entire population of…
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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…
What 2002 Lincoln Navigator owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The check engine warning light illuminated. The fuel gauge did not indicate the accurate amount of fuel in the vehicle. In addition, the hazard lights failed to illuminate properly and the speed control warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine failed and the fuel pump and fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that a fire originated in the engine compartment without warning. The vehicle was destroyed. The local fire department extinguished the fire. The manufacturer has not been notified. The contact's garage sustained fire. His home was slightly damaged due to smoke and water. His other vehicle was also damaged by the fire. A police report was filed. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.
Air bags
Tl contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While driving 45 MPH, the contact proceeded through a traffic light and crashed into another vehicle. The rear of the vehicle was lifted from the ground. The contact sustained injuries to the face, shoulders, lower back, chest, and neck. Neither of the air bags deployed in the vehicle. The contact was thrown into the steering wheel so hard that the seat belt snapped from the impact. The driver of the other vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, but was able to be revived. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 82,500.
I won a 2002 Lincoln Navigator on an ebay auction and paid $19,000 for the vehicle via direct wire transfer through my bank. The Lincoln Navigator advertisement represented the vehicle as "like new in every way", "our mechanics have inspected this truck and found everything to be in excellent working condition" & "options: driver & passenger airbags". The vehicle is in poor condition. The airbags were deployed and not replaced. Radiator has two holes in it, the manufacturer warranty is voided, keyless remote missing, cd magazine missing, owners manual missing, floor mats do not match, numerous scratches, dings & nicks. I was told it had climate controlled seats and it does not. I was also told that the seller is a private party. Unfortunately he is a dealer thus I will have to pay sales tax of $1,064. I have corresponded with the seller via email and telephone numerous times. …
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The check engine warning light illuminated. The fuel gauge did not indicate the accurate amount of fuel in the vehicle. In addition, the hazard lights failed to illuminate properly and the speed control warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine failed and the fuel pump and fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The fire was extinguished was put out by a dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated a written report of the incident would be provided within fifteen days. The contact was informed by the manufacturer's website that her vehicle was included in a recall (NHTSA campaign id number: 05V388000 component: vehicle speed control). The manufacturer did not confirm that information. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
2002 Lincoln Navigator engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 15 / 13 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 10 / 15 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Lincoln Navigator a good car?
Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Navigator rates average: about 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 2002 Lincoln Navigator?
The engine & cooling — 9 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (7) and speed control & acceleration (7).
How many recalls does the 2002 Lincoln Navigator have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Lincoln Navigator, the most recent from September 7, 2005 (vehicle speed control). 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.
At what mileage do 2002 Lincoln Navigator problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 14% 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.