Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Lincoln Navigator owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 160,000. The contact reset the mileage, and the display showed 247,000. The contact had not contacted any other agencies. The VIN was not available.
Loss of brake fluid, leaked through to cruise deactivation switch into cruise systems and electrical components causing corrosion which caused a short. Had trouble with cruise control working over time lead to higher flow of current that overheated and caused fire at switch under hood. Ford speed control deactivation switch fire. The fire originated in the area where the speed control deactivation switch is located (left rear corner of the engine compartment at the master cylinder. There was evidence of speed control deactivation switch failure prior to the fire including inoperable speed control, repeated difficulty shifting out of park.
Takata recall !!! I have a 2003 Lincoln Navigator that has the same issue with the reverse lights same recall issue as the 2012 Navigator also the car when it's in park won't engage when the break pedal is applied to unlock the gearing to reverse nutural drive 1st and 2ed gear it won't huge safety with the reverse lights I almost had an accident because other drivers are not aware I'm reversing issue started two months ago and I stopped driving it because I almost get into accidents with out the reverse lights wonder if this is a common safety consent for a recall.
I purchased my vehicle brand new in January of 2003. I have had numerous problems with the vehicle since day 1.the entire computer had to be changed. The truck stalled on me at highway speed. It took over 2 1/2 weeks to get my vehicle back.here is a list of the other problems I have had. The rear vent motors have been changed . I had my windows stuck open with half of my electical system out for over four days due to the problem. The side view mirror motor had to be changed. The power running boards have never worked properly and the dealer can't find the problem. All four wheels had to be changed due to peeling. A new alternator had to be installed which left my vehicle dead without warning. The cd changer had to be replaced. The entire navigation system had to be replaced. The coil had to be changed three times. Which once again died at highway speed on me. …
My 2003 Lincoln Navigator has shut down completely three times in the last 6 weeks. Two of the occasions happened on the interstate while driving about 55 MPH, the third instance happened in my subdivision driving less than 30 MPH. After pulling the truck over to the side for safety the truck will not start immediately but will start after resting about 7 minutes. When the truck shuts down several lights on the dashboard light up. I explained the issue as well as I could to my local Ford / Lincoln dealership in madison, tn but they could not find any issues with it saying that no codes were showing. I also took the truck to a Goodyear service repair in brentwood, tn but they also could not diagnose the problem. …
After purchasing a 2003 Navigator with power running boards, I noticed that the running boards do not always deploy (ie; move out) when a door is opened. I have worked with my local dealer to get the matter resolved and the manufacturer continues to extend the date that they promise there will be a fix. I have been waiting for more than a year. The first fix date was oct'03, then nov'03,then dec '03 and now dec '04. This can be a serious safety problem is someone was to open the door and try to step out of the vehicle with nothing to step on to -- especially if you factor in the height of the vehicle. Lincoln has most definately dropped the ball on this one and seems to not view the matter as a high priority. I called the Lincoln customer hotline and they have not been helpful, nor have they been able to get back to me with any answer. …
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The dealership rebuilt the automatic transmission, but this did not repair the problem. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership and the gear shifter assembly was replaced. Then the automatic transmission control valve was replaced. The vehicle has not been driven since the last repair was made. The consumer stated the vehicle stalled between 20 and 40 MPH. The door lock switch was inoperative, the mirrors would not return to their orignal setting. Updated 10/27/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer regarding the electrical system and they stated the entire fuse box needed to be replaced. The contact stated the suspension was also defective and the air bags were deflating. The dealer stated the air bag for the suspension needs to be replaced. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Bought a 2003 Navigator used in January of 2007. Ever since then, the vehicle has been experiencing electrical problems as in windows go up when you push down, the electronic liftgate doesn't always work, the rear electronic seats don't always work, the odometer reads 0 miles to empty when I have a full tank, front air suspension has gone twice now due to an electronically sensor, power locks haven't worked.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. Whenever the brake were applied the vehicle would vibrate and shake excessively. There were several electrical failures to include the electronic cluster in the odometer. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the failures repaired. The failure and current mileages were 30,000.
Electrical complaints in other Navigator years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Lincoln Navigator, 17% of the model year's 127 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Lincoln Navigator electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2003 Lincoln Navigator. 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 2003 Lincoln Navigator electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.