2003 Ford Navigator problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (2) · Suspension:front (1) · Steering:linkages:arm:idler And Attachment (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Navigator model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (14)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure 2023-04-04 · SSM 51536 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for 2000-2024 ford and lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. it is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (vin) from a different vehicle. most modules on these affe
Power Train 2022-06-21 · TSB 22-2219 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2003-2020 expedition/navigator and 2006-2020 f-150 (non-raptor) vehicles equipped with 4wd may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. this may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (iwe). to correct this condition, follow the service procedure
Seat Belts:front:webbing 2004-02-01 · 17557 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
safety belt difficult to pull out due to web stop button used for vehicle assembly. *mj
Equipment:electrical 2003-08-01 · 17057 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
erratic operation of retractable running boards. *tt
Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 2003-08-01 · 17030 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicles with a silver valve stem tire pressure monitor system (tpms) may exhibit a warning light/message on. *tt
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2003-02-01 · 16642 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
brake shudder/vibration. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 14 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2007-09-23 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 64,000 mi“03 navigator began "stuttering" when driving, felt like a transmission slipping. i took it to the dealer and they said three of the eight cylinders were not at full compression. he advised new heads were needed. cost: $7000. several service bulletins have been issued on the problem, independent (former ford tech) mechanic looked at the problem.…”
2007-01-26 · Steering:linkages:arm:idler And Attachment · 74,000 mi“tl* - the contact owns a 2001 lincoln navigator. on 3 different occasions the spark plugs exploded, and she has had to replace the spark plugs and coils. the contact stated that when the spark plugs exploded they sent sends the fragments from the spark plugs into the engine. each time this happened the number 3 and number 4 sparks werethe on…”
2006-11-09 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 59,000 mi“2003 ford expedition xlt with 5.4 liter triton v8 engine with 59,000 miles. the vehicle is well maintained and not abused. the #3 spark plug was blown out of the aluminum cylinder head during driving at approximately 5 mph. this event was preceded by a tapping noise which occurred over the preceding two weeks. the noise was similar to a noisy v…”
2005-03-28 · Suspension:front · 18,475 mi“on february 25, 2005, i took my 2003 lincoln navigator to the service department for a major front air suspension problem; the front half of my car was so low to the ground while the back half was set high. the ride was very bumpy, rough,and unwieldy . the dealerships service personnel determined the vehicle's air suspension compressor was inoperab…”
2003-01-08 · Air Bags:frontal · 5,000 mi“consumer states that vehicle's front passenger side airbags sensor stays on. dealer notified. please provide additional information. ts…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.