2001 Ford Navigator recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES…
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2001 NAVIGATOR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V396000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2001 Ford Navigator owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (2), Airbags (1), Electrical system (1), Body / structure (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
02/21/2012 · Airbags · crash
MY HUSBAND WERE INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH. THE 2001 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR SPUN AROUND AND ROLLED OVER AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS SHOCKED WHEN ADVISED OF THIS. *TR
07/30/2008 · Vehicle Speed Control · fire
TRUCK WAS PARKED NOT RUNNING WHEN IT JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE IN GARAGE. ALLEN FIRE DEPT CAME AND PUT OUT FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STORAGE FACILITY, DAMAGE TO TOWNHOME, FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED. TRUCK WAS NOT PD FOR, SO LIENHOLDER WENT AND SUED ME. WANT DAMAGES AND MENTAL ANGUISH PAID FOR BY FORD. *TR
01/17/2007 · Electrical system
UNWANTED ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY WHEN THE CAR IS UNATTENDED. EVERY TIME IT RAINS I HAVE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FOR DAYS. STARTER KICKS IN AUTOMATICALLY, BLOWER STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS OFF. HEADLIGHTS JUST TURNING ON WITH THE SWITCH OFF AND THE KEYS OUT. *NM
05/23/2005 · Vehicle Speed Control
DT: CONSUMER STATES: TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND IT HAS BEEN FIXED. WAS BACKING OUT OF GARAGE A SUDDENLY VEHICLE SURGED AND LEAPED BACKWARDS. REPAIR SHOP SAID IT WAS IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND GASKET. NO LIGHTS CAME ON. *AK
03/12/2001 · Body / structure
WHILE DRIVING NOTICED OUTSIDE AIR ENTERING THROUGH DOORS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, REPLACED DOOR SEALS . PLEASE PROVIDE FURHTER INFORMATION.*AK