Model year report

2000 Lincoln Navigator: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2000 Lincoln Navigator

On the 2000 Lincoln Navigator, the failure owners report most often is other wheel or tire problem, with 32 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 70,000 miles. Overall it scores 61 out of 100, high risk for a 2000.

High risk for a 2000 — 289th riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. 137 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

What owners report breaking

Owners have reported 31 named failure modes on the 2000 Lincoln Navigator, and the three most-reported carry 38% of everything filed.

Other wheel or tire problem leads with 32 reports and about 0.2 per 1,000 vehicles.

Tire blowout or tread separation follows with 10 reports, median 50,000 miles.

Other electrical problem follows with 10 reports, median 65,000 miles. 5 of those reports mention a fire.

By system, the reports fall mostly into wheels (43), brakes (15) and electrical (14).

When these failures get reported

54 of the reports on the 2000 Lincoln Navigator came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 70,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 43% by 50,000 miles, 74% by 100,000 miles and 89% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 2 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 40,000 and 50,000 miles, which alone holds 28% of the dated reports.

6% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, so this is mostly a story about older, higher-mileage cars.

Median

Other wheel or tire problem

37k
Tire blowout or tread separation

50k
Other electrical problem

63k
Other powertrain problem

86k
Parking brake failure

38k
Other engine problem

145k
Air suspension failure

60k
Other suspension problem

54k
Other body or interior problem

90k
ABS module or sensor failure

63k
Cruise control failure

73k
Other speed control problem

75k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 31. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 70.3k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 2 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

Severity, and what it costs

Across the named modes, 18 mention a crash, 18 a fire and 11 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 6.12, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other wheel or tire problem at $200–$1,500, tire blowout or tread separation at $200–$1,500, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

12% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	32	5	—	37k	—	0.2	$200–$1,500	High
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	10	4	—	50k	—	0.1	$200–$1,500	Critical
Other electrical problem	electrical	10	5	—	63k	—	0.1	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Other powertrain problem	transmission	7	1	—	86k	—	0.0	$400–$4,500	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	6	3	—	38k	—	0.0	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Other engine problem	engine	6	3	—	145k	—	0.0	$300–$4,000	High
Air suspension failure	suspension	5	2	—	60k	—	0.0	$900–$4,500	High
Other suspension problem	suspension	5	3	—	54k	—	0.0	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Other body or interior problem	body	5	1	—	90k	—	0.0	$200–$2,000	Moderate
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	4	2	—	63k	—	0.0	$500–$2,400	High
Cruise control failure	adas	4	4	—	73k	—	0.0	$200–$1,400	High
Other speed control problem	adas	4	1	—	75k	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	Critical
Torque converter failure	transmission	3	0	—	—	—	0.0	$1,100–$3,200	High
Loss of braking	brakes	3	0	—	—	—	0.0	$400–$3,000	Critical
Rust or structural corrosion	body	3	3	—	45k	—	0.0	$500–$6,000	High
Wiper or washer failure	glass	3	0	—	—	—	0.0	$120–$800	Moderate
Audio or connectivity failure	infotainment	2	2	—	290k	—	0.0	$150–$900	Low
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	2	2	—	56k	—	0.0	$700–$2,600	High
Other steering problem	steering	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$350–$2,400	High
Other visibility problem	glass	2	1	—	98k	—	0.0	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Misfire or rough idle	engine	1	1	—	120k	—	0.0	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Alternator or charging system failure	electrical	1	1	—	169k	—	0.0	$450–$1,600	High
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	1	1	—	110k	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	1	1	—	37k	—	0.0	$700–$3,000	High
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	1	1	—	60k	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	High
Master cylinder or brake booster failure	brakes	1	1	—	190k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	Critical
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	1	1	—	29k	—	0.0	$600–$2,500	Critical
Wheel, stud or lug nut failure	wheels	1	1	—	45k	—	0.0	$150–$1,500	Critical
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	1	1	—	115k	—	0.0	$100–$900	Moderate
Other brake problem	brakes	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$300–$1,800	High
Unclassified problem	other	7	3	—	124k	—	0.0	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2000 Lincoln Navigator draws about 0.7 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 69th percentile of complaint rates among 2000 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 187,500 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2000 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Tire blowout or tread separation

I experienced a continental tire tread separation while driving on the freeway at about 65 MPH today. The tire tread caused considerable damage to the side fender/bumper and side step panel after the tread separation. The car is a 2000 lincoln navigator id # [xxx] which I just purchased on july 6, 2003. The tire was a continental SUV p265/70r17 113s that appears to be the replacement tire for a continental tire recall in august 2002 (NHTSA campaign id number: 02t012000) dealing with the contitrac aw and grabber aw tires size p275/60r17 for use as original equipment on certain 2000-2001 by two-wheel-drive ford expedition and two-wheel-drive lincoln navigator sport utility vehicles. The spare tire that was then put on the car looks to be the original equipment spare tire. It is a continental aw tire, p275/60r17 100s that appears to be the tire that was covered under the recall. I would like know how to correctly identify the spare tire I am now riding on as to whether it is the tire that was recalled and if so as to how I can get it replaced. Also, as to who is going to pay for the damages that the tire has caused and as to how I…

49,970 miles NHTSA complaint 430242 filed 2003-09-14

I experienced a continental tire tread separation while driving on the freeway at about 65 MPH today. The tire tread caused considerable damage to the side fender/bumper and side step panel after the tread separation. The car is a 2000 lincoln navigator id # [xxx] which I just purchased on july 6, 2003. The tire was a continental SUV p265/70r17 113s that appears to be the replacement tire for a continental tire recall in august 2002 (NHTSA campaign id number: 02t012000) dealing with the contitrac aw and grabber aw tires size p275/60r17 for use as original equipment on certain 2000-2001 by two-wheel-drive ford expedition and two-wheel-drive lincoln navigator sport utility vehicles. The spare tire that was then put on the car looks to be the original equipment spare tire. It is a continental aw tire, p275/60r17 100s that appears to be the tire that was covered under the recall. I would like know how to correctly identify the spare tire I am now riding on as to whether it is the tire that was recalled and if so as to how I can get it replaced. Also, as to who is going to pay for the damages that the tire has caused and as to how I…

49,970 miles NHTSA complaint 430243 filed 2003-09-14

Recalls on the 2000 model year

NHTSA has issued 7 recall campaigns covering the 2000 Lincoln Navigator, affecting an estimated 479,511 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover exterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline and vehicle speed control. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

16,270 vehicles 2009-04-07

Defect: 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.
Consequence: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

06E064000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4,029 vehicles 2006-07-17

Defect: 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.
Consequence: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

06E056000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

58,640 vehicles 2006-06-13

Defect: 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.
Consequence: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876.

05V388000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4,500,000 vehicles 2005-09-07

Defect: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Consequence: A fire at the switch could occur.
Remedy: 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 reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible…

05V017000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

738,490 vehicles 2005-01-27

Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Consequence: This condition could lead to a fire. Fires have occurred while the vehicles were parked with the ignition 'off.'
Remedy: As an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available (early april 2005), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch free of charge. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05v388 and 06v286)

01V258000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

1,083,000 vehicles 2001-08-08

Defect: Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. 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 returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the…
Consequence: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

00V073000

TRAILER HITCHES

565,800 vehicles 2000-03-07

Defect: Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.
Consequence: The trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2000 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2000 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Better and worse years of the same car

High risk for a 2000 — 289th riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.

Across the 25 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 59 and 2019 worst at 74, with 2000 itself at 61.

No other year of this model scores meaningfully better than 2000, so if this generation is what you want, the year is not the lever.

Within the 1997–2002 generation specifically, 2002 is the strongest year at 59 and 2001 the weakest at 64.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 1997-2002 generation, 2002 Lincoln Navigator scores best at 59 and 2001 Lincoln Navigator worst at 64.

Where these figures stop being useful

137 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 137 reports, 54 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 39% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Lincoln Navigator?

The most-reported failures are other wheel or tire problem (32 reports, median 35,000 miles), tire blowout or tread separation (10 reports, median 50,000 miles) and other electrical problem (10 reports, median 65,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

Is the 2000 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

It scores 61 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 289th riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2000 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Lincoln Navigator is best?

Within the 1997–2002 generation, 2002 scores best at 59 out of 100 and 2001 worst at 64. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 20 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed