Lincoln

Navigator (2002)

2002 · Full-Size SUV ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.6)
32 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
5 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
View all 6 generations of the Lincoln Navigator → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
2/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

5.4-V8-Gas

5.4L 8-cyl / 300 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.6)
24 complaints 24.0 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Lincoln Navigator Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (3.7)
8 complaints 8.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
3
engine
2
fuel system
1
electrical
1
interior
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (3 complaints)
Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lincoln Navigator regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (9 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (6 complaints)
cooling critical
Electrical System Issues (5 complaints)
electrical critical

Recalls (4)

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E064000Jul 16, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E056000Jun 12, 2006serious
Fuel System

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.

05V388000Jul 8, 2005serious
Vehicle Speed Control

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator problems?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator has accumulated 32 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Cooling System, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lincoln Navigator engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.4L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 32 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator have?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator has 32 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lincoln Navigator?

Before buying a used Lincoln Navigator, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Cooling System, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Navigator?

The 2002 Lincoln Navigator received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 2 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 32 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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