MotorDeets

2001 Lincoln Navigator: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Lincoln Navigator: 3 recalls, 81 owner complaints and up to 12 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
81owner complaints
6mention a crash
12best combined mpg
2001 Lincoln Navigator
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V227001 · 2001 · 1,400,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle May not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 Mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan…

Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the restraint system May not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began July 25, 2001.

Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #01V258000 · 2001 · 1,083,000 vehicles

What's wrong: A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from…

Why it matters: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began August 20, 2001.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V388000 · 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.

Why it matters: A fire at the switch could occur.

The fix: By letter dated September 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to…

3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Tires23
Electrical16
Speed control / throttle12
Suspension9
Transmission & drivetrain7
Fuel system5
Brakes (hydraulic)4
Airbags4

What owners describe

The 2001 Lincoln Navigator has 81 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 31 Navigator model years for complaints (1.9× the average Navigator year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (109 complaints, 4 recalls), 2002 (32 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive111512Premium
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive101512Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Lincoln Navigator.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2001 Lincoln Navigator manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2001 Lincoln Navigator manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2001 Lincoln Navigator manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 Lincoln Navigator manual

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FAQ

Does the 2001 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Lincoln Navigator, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2001 Lincoln Navigator problems?

Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (23), electrical (16), speed control / throttle (12).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Lincoln Navigator get?

EPA ratings run up to 12 mpg combined (5.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 Lincoln Navigator repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Navigator years

1997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027