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2002 Lincoln Navigator

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2002 Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. It was available with two engine options: a 5.4L SOHC 2V V8 producing 230 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.4L DOHC 32V V8 producing 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the Navigator for its towing capacity, comfortable seating, and luxurious features. Common complaints include relatively poor fuel economy and some reliability issues stemming from the age of the vehicle and the complexity of its systems.

Engine

5.4L SOHC 2V V8

  • Spark Plug Blowout
    • Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can eject from the cylinder head due to shallow threads in the aluminum head. This often results in a loud popping noise, engine misfire, and potential damage to the surrounding components.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head, or install spark plug thread inserts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of damage and repair method.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake Manifold Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold can crack, leading to vacuum leaks, rough idling, and poor engine performance.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.4L DOHC 32V V8

  • Spark Plug Blowout
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2V engine, the 4V engine can also experience spark plug blowout due to shallow threads in the aluminum head. This often results in a loud popping noise, engine misfire, and potential damage to the surrounding components.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head, or install spark plug thread inserts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of damage and repair method.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cam Phaser Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: While less common on the 2002 model year compared to later versions of the 5.4L 3V engine, cam phaser issues can occur. Symptoms include a rattling noise at startup, rough idle, and reduced engine performance.
    • Solution: Replace the cam phasers, timing chains, and related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4R70W 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engine Options)

  • Slipping and Hard Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, particularly between 2nd and 3rd gear, and harsh or delayed shifting are common complaints.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Sometimes a valve body replacement can resolve some issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1800 - $3500+ for rebuild/replacement, $500 - $1000 for valve body replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can cause shuddering, stalling, and poor acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system is prone to failure due to leaks in the air springs, compressor failure, or issues with the ride height sensors. This can result in a sagging suspension, a rough ride, or the inability to adjust ride height.
    • Solution: Replace the air springs, compressor, or ride height sensors. A common workaround is to convert to a traditional coil spring suspension.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the component needing replacement. Conversion to coil springs can range from $800 - $1500+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Worn ball joints can cause clunking noises, wandering steering, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster can experience intermittent failures, including non-functional gauges, flickering lights, or complete loss of display.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate.
    • Solution: Replace the window motor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Running Board Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The power running boards can fail to extend or retract properly due to motor failure or corrosion.
    • Solution: Replace the running board motor or the entire running board assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Liftgate Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear liftgate can become difficult to open or close due to worn hinges or struts.
    • Solution: Replace the liftgate struts or hinges.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Climate Control Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may blow hot or cold air intermittently, or the blend door actuator may fail, preventing temperature adjustments.
    • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator or repair the climate control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may not open or close or may only move intermittently.
    • Solution: Replace sunroof motor or other broken parts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Lincoln Navigator, while offering a luxurious and spacious experience, is prone to certain reliability issues due to its age and complex systems. Engine issues, particularly spark plug blowout and intake manifold cracking, are common and can be moderately expensive to repair. Transmission problems, especially slipping and hard shifting, can also occur and often require significant investment. The air suspension system is another area of concern, with potential failures leading to costly repairs. Electrical and interior issues are also present, but tend to be less severe in terms of cost. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in the cost of potential repairs when considering a 2002 Lincoln Navigator.

Lincoln, Navigator
Lincoln Navigator 2002
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