2003 Lincoln Navigator Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 11%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Lincoln Navigator, 11% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,600 miles. 3 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.
“While driving in a parking lot a car pulled out in front of my 2003 Navigator as I hit the brakes I felt my SUV drop from the front. The tire skidded and I hit the car that was pulling out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10427948, filed 2011-09, 76,000 miles“I was driving my 2003 Lincoln ford Navigator on july 3rd at approximately 3pm down us highway 52 near springfield south dakota on a flat stretch of dry road going approximately 55 miles per hour. For no apparent reason our airbags from the passenger and drivers side roof deployed with an explosion. In addition to almost wrecking the vehicle my son and niece and myself all received impact burns on our faces (not sure if it was from the explosion or the bags themselves) and hearing problems that have carried over to today (july 4th). …”
NHTSA complaint #10341384, filed 2010-07, 119,600 miles“On sunday june 27th 2010 at approx. 4:30 pm. My wife and 2 children were traveling to palm springs on the east bound 10 fwy in banning when, for no reason the side curtain airbags went off hitting myself and my 7 year old. I was able to remain in control of our 2003 Lincoln Navigator, and pull to the center median as I though maybe we were hit by something. As I looked around the Navigator, there was absolutely no sign of damage or being hit by any kind of debris. I had to cut the airbags away to see and get to a safer place to check on my crying children. …”
NHTSA complaint #10340968, filed 2010-07, 129,153 miles“I was driving into a parking lot when spontaneously both side airbags deployed causing me first degree burns and contusions on my forearm, face and chest. Also my daughter had contusions on forearm and head.”
NHTSA complaint #10427828, filed 2011-09“The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the driver side air bag deployed unexpectedly. The driver received minor injuries to the chest and side arms. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 124,890. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10418201, filed 2011-08, 124,890 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 2003 Lincoln Navigator
38 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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