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Lincoln NavigatorModel year report

2000 Lincoln Navigator Problems

Complaints
109filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
75,000miles, 41 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
13 mpgcombined, 5.4L 8-cyl RWD · 11 city / 16 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Lincoln Navigator (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Complaints on this model year are dominated by the original Continental tires, with owners describing tread separation and blowouts, many at highway speed and some at fairly low mileage. A second cluster covers electrical faults and engine-compartment fires reported while parked, and owners also describe transmission harshness, air suspension and brake problems at higher mileage.

  1. Tires

    Tire tread separation and blowouts (original Continental

    • 40 complaints (37%)
    • median 44,500 mi at 4.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2010

    Owners describe tread separating from the tire, belts breaking through the tread, bulges, and blowouts, often on the highway; several say the separated tread damaged the fender, bumper or side step. Some complaints note the dealer replaced tires or pointed to a Continental replacement program, and a few mention difficulty getting reimbursed or tires prorated. Others report persistent vibration that dealers attributed to uneven tire wear or balancing. Mostly reported on the original-equipment tires between roughly 16,000 and 60,000 miles, often at highway speeds.

    What to check: Check the age and DOT date code of every tire and look for bulges, cracked sidewalls or uneven tread; ask whether any original tires are still fitted and whether they were replaced under the tire recall program.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The continental tires vibrated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who told the consumer that the steel tire belt came apart. The consumer was also told that the tires were recalled but he consumer was not eligible fro the recall because it expired 2 days before the vehicle was taken to the dealer.”

    NHTSA complaint #10021520, filed 2003-05, 20,000 miles

    “While driving at highway speed, the front driver's side tire blew out. As a result, the front end was severely damaged. The dealership indicated that the tires were purchased new. They were manufactured in 1997 and dry rotted.”

    NHTSA complaint #10044804, filed 2003-12, 49,000 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Engine-compartment fires, some while parked

    • 18 complaints (17%)
    • median 98,000 mi at 8.9 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2017

    Complaints describe smoke or flames coming from under the hood or the grille area, in several cases hours after the vehicle was parked and unattended, and in others while idling. A few owners link the fires to wiring, the cruise control switch, or accessories that kept running with the ignition off, such as the heater blower, radio or air conditioning. Some vehicles were totaled; in several cases the cause was not determined. Spread across the mileage range, from about 40,000 to 170,000 miles, frequently with the vehicle parked.

    Recall 05V388000Recall 05V017000

    What to check: Ask whether the speed-control deactivation switch recalls (05V017000 / 05V388000) were completed and check for signs of scorching or melted wiring near the switch and fuse box; water leaks past the windshield onto the fuse box are also worth checking.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Drove car today and it had been sitting parked for 5 hours . Neighbors called my cell to tell me the truck was on fire and the fire department had been called to try to put it out . The fire department had to chainsaw the hood and they were finally able to put it out without the fire destroying the passenger compartment. The truck however had burned for about 15 minutes in the engine compartment . This truck had self started its own fire being left alone in the driveway for 5 hours .”

    NHTSA complaint #10535903, filed 2013-08, 145,000 miles

    “Lincoln Navigator 2000 burst into flames last night in our driveway and burnt our other car a land rover and 8 suitcases worth of personal effects of clothes and jewelry. Bicyclist awoke the family who were sleeping at 5am to warn them to evacuate the house. Fire fighters took 3 hours to put out the fire.”

    NHTSA complaint #10245496, filed 2008-10
  3. Suspension

    Rear air suspension sags or runs constantly

    • 12 complaints (11%)
    • median 76,390 mi at 4.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2014

    Owners report the air suspension dropping or deflating, sometimes with no warning light, and the compressor running or the vehicle riding up and down while driving. One owner was quoted a large sum by the dealer to restore the system. Others describe vibration and shaking at highway speed that persisted after suspension and tire work. Mostly reported between about 54,000 and 124,000 miles.

    What to check: Let the vehicle sit overnight and check that it sits level, listen for the compressor cycling repeatedly, and ask whether the air springs or compressor have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 2000 Lincoln Navigator's air suspension system gave out without warning and without the suspension system light ever coming on. The system failed after the car was sitting with the AC on for about 25 minutes. There was no other activity associated with the car before the failure.”

    NHTSA complaint #10023641, filed 2003-06, 76,390 miles

    “When vehicle's speed reached 68 MPH there was severe vibration. Dealership indicated that tires were not wearing evenly, and made an adjustment. When the tire adjustment was completed vibration started between 34-38 MPH.”

    NHTSA complaint #10044475, filed 2003-10, 40,000 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission jumps, surges or fails

    • 8 complaints (7%)
    • median 115,000 mi at 17.3 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 2000–2017

    Owners describe the transmission jumping and surging unexpectedly at speed, sometimes feeling as though the vehicle will stall, and in some cases a factory-sealed automatic transmission failing outright. Several say the dealer inspected it repeatedly without finding the cause. Related complaints mention driveline or rear-axle noise. Reported from around 60,000 to 115,000 miles in the sample.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test drive at steady and varying speeds to feel for harsh or delayed shifts, and ask for transmission service records and whether the PCM has been reprogrammed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving vehicle's transmission jumps and surges erratically without warning. Consumer feels as if vehicle is going to stall. Problem has been occurring for about 1 year. Dealer has checked several times and unable to determine cause of problem. Ts”

    NHTSA complaint #10002247, filed 2003-01

    “Vibration was coming from front end of vehicle. Dealer was contacted, and technician replaced engine twice/ fuel injection /engine coil sparks plugs / flywheel and torque converter. Vehicle still has problems. Please provide further information.”

    NHTSA complaint #10021845, filed 2003-05
  5. Brakes

    Brake pedal goes to the floor or braking is weak

    • 8 complaints (7%)
    • median 82,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2009

    Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor or braking becoming very difficult, sometimes leading to a collision, and dealers being unable to resolve it after attempted repairs. One report ties a fire after brake work to a brake booster failure. Reported from around 82,000 to 190,000 miles in the sample.

    What to check: With the engine running, hold firm pressure on the pedal and check it does not sink; have the booster, lines and fluid condition inspected before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased a 2000 Lincoln Navigator from laurel-ford dealer in mississippi on august 21, 2003. After asking the dealership if all necessary maintenances were done on vehicle my family and I left for new york. I still had the original mfr warranties and I purchased an extended warranty plan. While traveling on the interstate on august 25th the brake lights came on and suddenly the left rear tire exploded. My family and I feared for our lives. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10065696, filed 2004-04, 44,500 miles

    “Brakes are not working properly, stopping distance has increased, and braking becomes very difficult at any time and speed. Contacted dealer, and dealer has tried to remedy the problem, but remedy did not work.”

    NHTSA complaint #8018683, filed 2002-09

Buying note. On this model year, tire age and condition and a completed cruise-control switch recall are the first things to verify, followed by a thorough test drive for transmission and brake behavior. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the air suspension, brakes and underhood wiring is worthwhile given the age of the vehicle.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 109 consumer complaints for the 2000 Lincoln Navigator. 41 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 17 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 16 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Other or unknown (2), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Fuel system (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Tires: “Oem continental at 255/75-r17 tire separation on 2000 Lincoln Navigator 4x4. Tire bulged on tread (not sidewall) and steel belts were broken showing through the tread. Vehicle had 36895 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10155814, filed 2006-04, 36,800 miles

Electrical system: “2000 Lincoln Navigator, radio flashes on and off with vehicle off, and windshield wipers are not working, after vehicle has been sitting off for a couple hours, there is a loud noise coming from under the hood on the passenger side under the windshield, open the vehicle door and A/C is blowing full blast and radio is flashing on and off again smells like something is burning and caused a minor fire. Looked up recall information and ford states that our vehicle is not listed under the recall# 01s24, although it shows our model year along with a majority of ford, Lincoln, and mercury vehicles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10234586, filed 2008-07, 98,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “I am the owner of a 2000 Navigator. I bought it from a private owner about a year and a half ago. When go to change gears, the vehicle sometimes won't go into gear or if I put it in park, it sometimes won't go. Then I tried to use my emergency brake when parking, which is what I had to resort to due to the vehicle not staying in gear, it also would not work. I went to get my vehicle safety inspection and of course it did not pass. So that prompted my online research as to how to fix the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10247818, filed 2008-11

Air bags: “While driving srs light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that this problem occurred on numerous occasions, and had not been resolved.”

NHTSA complaint #10081583, filed 2004-07, 37,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

37% of the 41 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,500 and 110,000 miles.

0%0–102%10–2534%25–5012%50–7522%75–10017%100–15012%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (41 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 75,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’0124’04’07’10’13’17
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Lincoln Navigator. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Navigator · sedan not rated4 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2000 Lincoln Navigator version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Navigator 2WD5.4L 8-cyl4-speed automatic111613$6,300
Navigator 4WD5.4L 8-cyl4-speed automatic111513$6,300

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2000 Lincoln Navigator → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 16 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 16 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lincoln Navigator

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2025132,5006517—Too new
20241612,3507—18—Too new
2023743,2008—19—Too new
20222157,00014—19—Rising
20213319,7001251882 · MoreRising
20203250,7421351950 · TypicalRising
20198570,0001051973 · MoreRising
20185257,5001251956 · TypicalRising
20173287,000551712 · FewerRising
20162579,50045181 · FewerRising
20152166,5004518—Rising
20141786,0000416—Falling
20131420,0000416—Not enough data
20121230,0003416—Not enough data
2011986,3000—16—Not enough data
20101677,0000—16—Stable
20091066,0571—16—Not enough data
20083060,0002—1417 · FewerStable
20074570,0002—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20066073,7503—13Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20054860,0000—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20048666,5000—13Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200312772,5000—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20023290,0001—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20018178,0003—12Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200010975,0004—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199913285,0605—13Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199819298,0605—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Lincoln Navigator model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

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

Complaints on this model year are dominated by the original Continental tires, with owners describing tread separation and blowouts, many at highway speed and some at fairly low mileage. The issues reported most often: Tire tread separation and blowouts (original Continental; Engine-compartment fires, some while parked; Rear air suspension sags or runs constantly.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Lincoln Navigator have?

NHTSA recorded 109 consumer complaints for the 2000 Lincoln Navigator as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2000 Lincoln Navigator is reported most often?

Tires is named most often, in 42 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 13.

Has the 2000 Lincoln Navigator been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2000 Lincoln Navigator get?

The EPA rates the 2000 Lincoln Navigator (Navigator 2WD, 5.4L 8-cyl) at 13 mpg combined, 11 city and 16 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $6,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Lincoln Navigator reported?

Among the 41 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 44,500 and 110,000 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.