2002 Lincoln Navigator Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 22%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,746miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Lincoln Navigator, 22% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,746 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I won a 2002 Lincoln Navigator on an ebay auction and paid $19,000 for the vehicle via direct wire transfer through my bank. The Lincoln Navigator advertisement represented the vehicle as like new in every way , our mechanics have inspected this truck and found everything to be in excellent working condition & options: driver & passenger airbags . The vehicle is in poor condition. The airbags were deployed and not replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091302, filed 2004-09, 34,219 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side rear passenger's air bag deployed independently without warning. Also, the contact mentioned that there was an explosion underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10639044, filed 2014-09, 160,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While driving 2 MPH in reverse, the driver's side air bag deployed. There were no warning indicators or crash. The driver sustained a bruised arm, but was able to drive to the dealer. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of deployment. No repairs were made. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 89,746.”
NHTSA complaint #10219938, filed 2008-03, 89,746 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated the air bag deployed immediately after the vehicle was turned on. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that either something was placed under the seat or the seat cover was worn excessively. The air bag deployed from under the seat. The contacts left arm was severely injured. The manufacturer stated the air bags are not covered by the warranty. The air bags were not replaced. The VIN was rejected from the system. The failure and current mileage was 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10412104, filed 2011-07, 180,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While driving 45 MPH, the contact proceeded through a traffic light and crashed into another vehicle. The rear of the vehicle was lifted from the ground. The contact sustained injuries to the face, shoulders, lower back, chest, and neck. Neither of the air bags deployed in the vehicle. The contact was thrown into the steering wheel so hard that the seat belt snapped from the impact. The driver of the other vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, but was able to be revived. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The VIN was unknown. …”
NHTSA complaint #10245702, filed 2008-10, 82,500 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2019 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 9% |
| 2016 | 1 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 7% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 10% |
| 2005 | 6 | 13% |
| 2004 | 13 | 15% |
| 2003 | 14 | 11% |
| 2002 | 7 | 22% |
| 2001 | 4 | 5% |
| 2000 | 9 | 8% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Lincoln Navigator
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Lincoln Navigator
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology