Common Lincoln Navigator Failures: Problems, Solutions And More!
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV that’s built to last. Aside from its elegant cabin, its superb handling and excellent fuel economy make it stand out from other vehicles in its segment. It is important that you know the common failures of the Lincoln Navigator , in case you want to buy one.
Whether you’re thinking about buying a Lincoln Navigator or already drive one, it’s helpful to know its reliability ratings and the most common problems you may encounter as your SUV racks up the miles.
How good is the Lincoln Navigator?
The Lincoln Navigator was given an average reliability score of 2.5 out of 5, ranking it 5th out of 19 vehicles in the luxury vehicle category. This rating is based on site data on the cost, severity, and frequency of reported repairs.
On the other hand, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was given a predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100. Older models aren’t far behind either: The 2007 Lincoln Navigator received a score of 4.7 out of 5 from Kelley Blue Book.
Common Lincoln Navigator Failures
As reliable as it is, the Lincoln Navigator isn’t perfect. Like other vehicles on the market, performance and drivability issues can arise as this model ages. Here are some of the top common Lincoln Navigator failures by model year:
1- Problems and damage due to rust in the stirrups
One of the most common Lincoln Navigator failures on some 2006 models affects their running boards. The owners report that they have discovered rust damage to the panels which, in some cases, has made the support structure unstable.
Depending on the extent of the damage, owners have had to replace the brackets or the entire running board to resolve the issue. Repairs for this type of problem can cost up to $1,500 in parts and labor.
2- Problems with the pneumatic suspension
Another common problem that can be found on some Lincoln Navigator models manufactured from 1998 to 2010 has to do with the vehicle’s air suspension. Problems can reportedly arise when drivers forget to disengage the air suspension when using a jack to raise the vehicle.
When lowering their vehicles, owners noticed that their airbags did not self-adjust, causing the rear or sides of their SUVs to tilt and shake. These symptoms can also occur later, after your vehicles have been parked for a while.
Although this problem can occur on different model years of the Lincoln Navigator, it is most common on units from the 2004 model year. The cost of repairing the air suspension can be as much as $2,350 in parts and service.
3- Inconvenience in the battery cables
The ends of the battery cables on some 1998-2010 and 2015 Lincoln Navigators have been reported to be prone to corrosion. Although corroded battery cable ends are easy to fix, they can contaminate the cable’s insulation and cause serious damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
An owner had to replace the alternator in his 2007 Lincoln Navigator to resolve electrical problems caused by corroded battery cable ends. To avoid repairs like this, be sure to check the battery cable from time to time for signs of corrosion.
4- Problems with the EGR system
Some 1998-2010 Lincoln Navigator units may develop problems with their EGR system, especially when driven in dusty areas. The EGR solenoid filter can become clogged, causing the system to activate when it shouldn’t.
The engine in these SUVs may stutter, idle rough, or stall . Replacing the dirty EGR solenoid filter seems to resolve the issue on most affected vehicles.
5- Failure of refrigerant leaks and overheating
Coolant leaks are also quite common on some 1999-2014 Lincoln Navigators. Owners of affected vehicles report a strong smell of coolant in their SUV, frequent engine overheating, as well as an activated low engine coolant warning light.
Determining the source of the leak can be difficult if you’re not a mechanic, especially if it’s deep inside the intake manifold. Coolant leak repair requires advanced technical knowledge and skills , as parts such as the intake manifold, heater tube, and water pump may need to be disassembled to replace the intake hose connector or gaskets o-rings
6- PCV Grommet Vacuum Leak Issues
PCV vacuum leaks are another thing to look out for on some 1998-2003 and 2005 Lincoln Navigators. The molded rubber hose connections on affected units can reportedly crack or collapse , causing the engine to run. evil. Owners recommend replacing the damaged PCV hose to fix the problem.
To end
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the problems that you may encounter in your Lincoln Navigator over time. By knowing the common failures of the Lincoln Navigator and sticking to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, you’ll be able to keep it in top condition for a long time and get the most mileage out of your SUV.
