The Lemon Index
200320052nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: electrical
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
25 owner complaints, first 3 years 13 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2004 Cadillac Escalade 512004 Volvo XC90 1382004 BMW X5
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2004 Lincoln Navigator
- Engine stalling8 complaintsmostly at 12,000–92,000 miles (20,000–148,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Lincoln Navigator (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 14 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Lincoln sent dealers 99 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Runs rough/lacks power/misfire - loss of compression”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Lincoln's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 25 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 26K miles (1K to 42K km) on the car (14 of all 25 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had been at the dealer for two months for a catalytic converter replacement, however the parts were not available. Updated 12/18/06.
2004 Lincoln Navigator owner · NHTSA complaint 10174552
More owner reports
2004 ford Navigator caught on fire while parked in the carport.
NHTSA complaint 10119136
Computer and electrical with air suspension system.
NHTSA complaint 10062189
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 99 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Runs rough/lacks power/misfire - loss of compression
- Rear axle halfshaft seal leak
- Engine vibration between 1100-1330 rpm
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Lincoln Navigator recall, all years · All Lincoln recalls
Government investigations
- ClosedSpark plug ejection from cylinder head2005–2006
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side — · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $5,800 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 5.4L 8-cyl.
Every Lincoln Navigator year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lincoln-navigator/?y=2004" title="Lincoln Navigator reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/lincoln-navigator/2004/">Lemon Index</a> (2004 Lincoln Navigator reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2004 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew somewhat fewer complaints than the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 81; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2004 Lincoln Navigator problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (20%), engine (16%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Lincoln Navigator have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Lincoln Navigator get?
13 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2004 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2004 Lincoln Navigator cost in fuel a year?
About $5,800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Lincoln Navigator have?
5.4L 8-cyl.
Is there a better Lincoln Navigator year than the 2004?
Not nearby: the 2004 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Lincoln Navigator years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works