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2003 Lincoln Navigator suspension problems

38 complaints (30% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 76,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
38
of this car's complaints
30%
typical mileage
76,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Rear
    5
  • Front
    4
  • Front: springs: air suspension: springs/bags
    1
  • Front: springs: air suspension system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Lincoln Navigator suspension problems in other years

1998200020052024

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Lincoln Navigator owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Airbags, Suspension · 55,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln navigator. The contact stated that the air bag warning lamp illuminated. Also, a "check the suspension" message illuminated indicating that the rear shocks failed to work. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who indicated that the passenger side running board switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an authorized dealer several times; however, the technician was not able to replicate and diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Nov 12, 2014 · Driver assistance, Steering · 45,000 miles · FL

This is the fifth (5th) time in 6 years I have brought my car in for repair of the air suspension (compressor, ride height) , all but one of those times was to the ford lincoln dealership. It is clear that ford is aware of the problem as there are 10 service bulletins on the 2003 air suspension alone, as well as hundreds of complaints on the internet (see complaints on edmunds, even fords website and several car forums. These are of the lincoln navigator only, not its equivalent ford expedition, which also has hosts of complaints.) many of the complaints state, much like my experience, that the dealer cannot even figure out the problem. It is impossible to describe to you the danger involved when the suspension fails, especially at highway speeds. The car bounces violently and becomes totally uncontrollable.

Filed Nov 11, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · GA

My roof-mounted dvd player has never worked but still makes noises when car is crunk up or switched off, my battery all of a sudden went dead (car would not crank), headlights have shorts in them...after replacing $100 bulbs, I found out if I turn the lights off and back on, the bulb will come back on, check park assist light and alarms come on every time the vehicle is put in reverse, and my suspension will not let the vehicle up when the weather is cold.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · CA

I bought my used 2003 lincoln navigator in 2008. A year later, air suspension failure happened several times. Both in city and on highway - various speeds - but the scariest and most dangerous was when it happened on the highways. Caused vehicle to lose all suspension and drop extremely low. The navi bounced dangerously and violently even at very reduced speeds. It also caused the navi to scrape the ground on a few occasions. Had it repaired three times @ $500+ and was finally told that I needed to replace all four @ appx $2000+!! I was also told that this is a known problem with navi's. In order to save my time, money and sanity, I opted for spring-suspensions at a third of the cost and have not had any problems with those in over 4 years! I highly recommend the spring-suspensions and stop the insanity.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Suspension · 102,812 miles · DE

Total air suspension failure.

Filed Sep 24, 2013 · Suspension · 65,319 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln navigator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a loud roaring noise was heard from the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact inspected under the hood and detected that the noise was coming from the air lift compressor. The noise could also be heard when the vehicle was stationary. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 65,319.

Filed Oct 29, 2012 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · NC

My air suspension went out the first time in march of 2008, it just quit working. I then paid $500 to get it replaced. Then again in 2011 it went out 2 different time, in which this time I had the compressor rebuilt. And again it went out of may of 2012. This time I have not had it replaced, I only drive the SUV when I have to. There are so many problems with the air suspensions on the 2003 lincoln navigator that ford should make the part good.

Filed Oct 9, 2012 · Airbags, Suspension · 189,000 miles · SC

The right side front airbag ride suspension bag exploded while driving.

Filed Dec 19, 2011 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln navigator. The contact stated the air suspension system disengaged and the vehicle began to shake violently whenever he drove over a bump in the road. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact noticed that the suspension system was disengaged while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer at least ten times to be repaired. The failure continued to occur. The contact also stated that the failure occurred more frequently during cold weather. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2011 · Suspension · KY

This is a common problem that needs to be fixed it's all over the internet. The suspension system on these are always messed up please fix this.

Questions about the 2003 Lincoln Navigator suspension

Does the 2003 Lincoln Navigator have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Lincoln Navigator, 30% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Lincoln Navigator suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 76,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Lincoln Navigator suspension?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Lincoln Navigator have bad suspension?

The Lincoln Navigator model years with the most suspension complaints are 2003 (38 complaints), 1998 (25 complaints) and 2004 (24 complaints).

Other 2003 Lincoln Navigator problems

Electrical 22Body 18Airbags 14Engine 14Transmission 13Visibility 13Acceleration 7Brakes 7Lights 3Steering 3Tires 3Driver assistance 2Locks 2Seats 2Wheels 2Seat belts 1

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