2004 Lincoln Navigator

The 2004 Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. Engine options included a 5.4L 2V SOHC Triton V8 producing 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. The Navigator offers ample passenger and cargo space, making it ideal for families. Common praises include its luxurious features and smooth ride. Criticisms often revolve around its large size, fuel economy, and some reliability issues that come with age.

Engine

5.4L 2V SOHC Triton V8

• Spark Plug Thread Damage/Ejection
  • Description/Symptoms: This engine is notorious for spark plugs seizing in the cylinder head, often resulting in damaged threads or the spark plug ejecting from the head. Symptoms include a ticking noise, misfires, and loss of power. This is more common on early production 2V heads.
  • Solution: Repairing the damaged threads using a thread repair kit (e.g., Time-Sert) is the most common solution. In severe cases, cylinder head replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the severity and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Cracking/Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold is prone to cracking, especially around the coolant crossover passages. This leads to coolant leaks, which can cause overheating and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold with an updated design.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4R70W 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can result in shuddering, slipping, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. It is often recommended to flush the transmission and replace the filter during this repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty shift solenoids can cause erratic shifting, failure to shift, or harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system is prone to leaks in the air springs (bags), compressor failure, and height sensor malfunctions. Symptoms include the vehicle sitting low, a constantly running air compressor, or uneven ride height.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air springs, compressor, or height sensors. Some owners convert to a traditional coil spring suspension to avoid recurring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ per air spring/compressor; $1,000 - $3,000+ for coil spring conversion.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ride Height Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Incorrect vehicle ride height, usually very low, caused by ride height sensors sending incorrect data to the suspension module.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty ride height sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The blend door actuators control the flow of hot and cold air in the HVAC system. Failure of these actuators can cause issues such as only hot air, only cold air, or inconsistent temperatures.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster can experience issues such as dimming, flickering, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Running Board Motor Failure (Power Running Boards)
  • Description/Symptoms: If equipped with power running boards, the motors that deploy and retract them can fail, leaving the running boards stuck in one position.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty running board motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per running board.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs have been known to fail in multiple ways, with many owners reporting issues with water leaks or the sunroof refusing to open or close.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Lincoln Navigator, while a luxurious and spacious SUV, has several common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine issues like spark plug thread damage and intake manifold leaks can be costly to repair. The air suspension system is also a common source of problems and expense. Electrical issues, such as blend door actuator failures, can affect comfort. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to potentially major repairs, and the cost can vary widely depending on the specific problem and repair method. While the Navigator offers a comfortable and feature-rich driving experience, buyers should factor in the potential maintenance costs associated with these common problems.