NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 92 owner complaints for the 2001 Lincoln Navigator. Most complaints involve tires (23) and electrical system (18). The EPA rates it 12 mpg combined.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Navigator model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 138 |
| 2000 | 133 |
| 2001 | 92 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 127 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 48 |
| 2006 | 60 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 30 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2019 | 85 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
“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.”
“I had been driving for about 15 minutes and then I noticed a burning plastic smell. It was dark so my headlights were on. I felt heat coming from under the dash by the pedals. I started to watch my dash to see if the truck was over heating or the check engine light would come on but neither of those happened. The next light I stopped at I could see smoke coming from the driver side air vents. I pulled over and opened the hood and nothing. Well after some extensive searching I located the issue. The headlight switch to control my headlights was completely melted. Had I not pulled over and popped the hood, Im sure the truck would have continued to catch fire. I replaced the fuses and switch and have not had any problems there but I do now have problems with my odometer lights. I cannot seem to keep that fuse from popping. Everyone I replace just pops again. So I have an electrical issue somewhere I guess I'll just have to start chasing wires!”
“ON 10/16/12 TRUCK STARTED SMOKING TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC, HE SUGGESTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO FIX A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. ON 10/17/12 DEALER AUTO SHOP REQUESTED WE TAKE THE CAR THE NEXT DAY TO GET FIXED. ON 10/18/12 AROUND 9AM WHILE TRUCK WAS PARKED IT STARTED SMOKING AND THEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNED INCLUDING THE INTERIOR. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | $6,450 | 741 |
| Navigator 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 | 15 | 12 | $6,450 | 741 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 92 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (23), electrical system (18), vehicle speed control (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Lincoln Navigator at 12 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).