2001 Ford Navigator problems

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The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln Motor Company brand of Ford Motor Company since the 1998 model year. Sold primarily in North America, the Navigator is the Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Expedition. It is the heaviest production Lincoln ever built, and is also the Lincoln with the greatest cargo capacity and the first non-limousine Lincoln to offer seating for more than six people.

Lincoln Navigator production was sourced from 1997 to 2009 at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. Since 2009, production has also been sourced from the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

Background

At the end of the 1980s, in the United States, sport-utility vehicles gradually began to transition from dedicated off-road vehicles towards dedicated family vehicles, similar to station wagons. In 1991, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ) ended its almost unchanged 28-year production run. The vehicle had gained a famous reputation for its high content, featuring the same content as a luxury sedan. A smaller, unibody Grand Cherokee (ZJ) was induced during 1992 that offered new luxury equipment and class-exclusive features. General Motors introduced the Oldsmobile Bravada in 1990 and Ford later introduced the Mercury Mountaineer in 1996, convincing several other manufacturers to introduce mid-size luxury SUVs. As full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition are highly profitable vehicles, the Lincoln Navigator was positioned by Ford as a full-sized, luxury SUV.

2001 Ford Navigator

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Common 2001 Ford Navigator problems

The 2001 Ford Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, has several common problems reported by owners. These issues include:

  • Corroded Battery Cable Ends: The battery cable ends on some 1998-2010 and 2015 Ford Navigators have been reported as prone to corrosion. Although corroded battery cable ends are easy to fix, they may contaminate the cable insulation and cause serious damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. One owner had to replace his 2007 Lincoln Navigator’s alternator to resolve electrical problems caused by corroded battery cable ends. To avoid repairs like this, be sure to check your battery cable once in a while for signs of corrosion.
  • EGR System Issues: Some units of the 1998-2010 Ford Navigator may develop issues with their EGR system, especially when driven in dusty areas. The filter on the EGR solenoid may get clogged, causing the system to activate when it’s not supposed to. The engine of these SUVs may stutter, rough idle, or stall. Replacing the dirty EGR solenoid filter appeared to solve the issue on most affected vehicles.
  • Coolant Leaks and Overheating: Coolant leaks are fairly common in some 1999-2014 Ford Navigators. Owners of affected vehicles report smelling a strong coolant odor from their SUV, frequent engine overheating, as well as an activated low engine coolant warning light. Determining the source of the leak may be difficult if you’re not a mechanic, especially if it is deep within the intake manifold. Coolant leak repair requires advanced technical knowledge and skills because parts like the intake manifold, heater tube, and water pump may need to be removed to replace the intake hose connector or o-rings.

These are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 2001 Ford Navigator. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the vehicle's longevity. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify these problems early on and save on repair costs.

2001 Ford Navigator engine

Is the Navigator reliable?

The Lincoln Navigator has a 2.5 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal, ranking it 5th out of 19 vehicles in the luxury vehicle category.

Are Lincoln Navigators expensive to fix?

The average annual repair cost is $1,089 which means it has poor ownership costs.

Do Lincoln Navigators have transmission problems?

Lincoln has announced that 142 vehicles have been affected by a Transmission recall.

How long can a Lincoln Navigator engine last?

Another user with a 2020 model has reached about 90,000 miles without major issues, noting the vehicle's power and comfort. The responses suggest that a Navigator can easily surpass 130,000 to 140,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Is the Navigator reliable?

The Lincoln Navigator has a 2.5 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal, ranking it 5th out of 19 vehicles in the luxury vehicle category.

Are Lincoln Navigators expensive to fix?

The average annual repair cost is $1,089 which means it has poor ownership costs.

How many miles does a 2000 Lincoln Navigator last?

A well kept Navigator will easily last 200,000 to 300,000 miles as far as the engine goes. The transmission dosnt usually last much past 180,000 to 200,000 miles and usually somewhere around 200,000 miles you will most likely have to replace the timing chain and guides .

Is the Navigator safe?

So, how does the Lincoln Navigator do? The vehicle earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, the best score a vehicle can get. In fact, the Lincoln Navigator earned five stars for its frontal and side crash tests.

2001 Ford Navigator car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Navigator problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Ford Navigator vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Ford Navigator complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Ford Navigator.

2012-02-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-02-19
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: MY HUSBAND WERE INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH. THE 2001 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR SPUN AROUND AND ROLLED OVER AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS SHOCKED WHEN ADVISED OF THIS. *TR
2008-07-30

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-11-03
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TRUCK WAS PARKED NOT RUNNING WHEN IT JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE IN GARAGE. ALLEN FIRE DEPT CAME AND PUT OUT FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STORAGE FACILITY, DAMAGE TO TOWNHOME, FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED. TRUCK WAS NOT PD FOR, SO LIENHOLDER WENT AND SUED ME. WANT DAMAGES AND MENTAL ANGUISH PAID FOR BY FORD. *TR
2007-01-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-12-20
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: UNWANTED ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY WHEN THE CAR IS UNATTENDED. EVERY TIME IT RAINS I HAVE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FOR DAYS. STARTER KICKS IN AUTOMATICALLY, BLOWER STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS OFF. HEADLIGHTS JUST TURNING ON WITH THE SWITCH OFF AND THE KEYS OUT. *NM
2005-05-23

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-05-20
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: DT: CONSUMER STATES: TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND IT HAS BEEN FIXED. WAS BACKING OUT OF GARAGE A SUDDENLY VEHICLE SURGED AND LEAPED BACKWARDS. REPAIR SHOP SAID IT WAS IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND GASKET. NO LIGHTS CAME ON. *AK
2001-03-12

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING NOTICED OUTSIDE AIR ENTERING THROUGH DOORS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, REPLACED DOOR SEALS . PLEASE PROVIDE FURHTER INFORMATION.*AK

2001 Ford Navigator recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2001 Ford Navigator.

2000-11-28
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.
  • Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
  • Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Ford Navigator problems:

2001 Lincoln Navigator Problems and Complaints - 17 Issues
2001 Lincoln Navigator Problems and Complaints - 17 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2001-lincoln-navigator/problems

Top 2001 Lincoln Navigator Problems · Turn Off Suspension Switch Before Jacking/Lifting Vehicle With Air Suspension · Corrosion on Battery Cable Ends · Problems ...

Q&A: Lincoln Navigator Battery - Water on Alternator? 2001 ...
Q&A: Lincoln Navigator Battery - Water on Alternator? 2001 ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford-lincoln/59xme-lincoln-navigator-2001-lincoln-navigator-every.html

Jul 15, 2011 ... The problem you are having is a very common problem and no its not ghost. The 2001 Navigator has a known issue with the windshield leaking ...

Help! My expedition seems to be having an air intake problem ...
Help! My expedition seems to be having an air intake problem ...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/154305-help-my-expedition-seems-to-be-having-an-air-intake-problem.html

Sep 20, 2003 ... ... expedition, ford, intake, plugged, problems · Subscribe ... Issues · 2001 Expedition heater problems. 1997-2006 Expedition & Navigator · Today's ...

Common Problems with 2000 Lincoln Navigator: Q&A on Electrical ...
Common Problems with 2000 Lincoln Navigator: Q&A on Electrical ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford-lincoln/5lm2w-lincoln-navigator-electrical-problems-2000-lincoln.html

Sep 25, 2011 ... Not a Lincoln but no other choice for Ford mechanic so I ... Customer reply. I will have the mechanic inspect for a leak and respond ...

04 Navigator PCM, and AC issues. | Ford Forums
04 Navigator PCM, and AC issues. | Ford Forums
https://www.fordforums.com/threads/04-navigator-pcm-and-ac-issues.175062/

Apr 20, 2011 ... I have a 04 Lincoln Navigator and have a few issues ... You cant do that most likely, but that is the most common problem. ... 2001 Ford Expedition ...

Other years of Ford Navigator

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