Lincoln Navigator problems
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln Motor Company brand of Ford Motor Company since the 1998 model year. Sold primarily in North America, the Navigator is the Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Expedition. It is the heaviest production Lincoln ever built, and is also the Lincoln with the greatest cargo capacity and the first non-limousine Lincoln to offer seating for more than six people.
Lincoln Navigator production was sourced from 1997 to 2009 at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. Since 2009, production has also been sourced from the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky.
Background
At the end of the 1980s, in the United States, sport-utility vehicles gradually began to transition from dedicated off-road vehicles towards dedicated family vehicles, similar to station wagons. In 1991, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ) ended its almost unchanged 28-year production run. The vehicle had gained a famous reputation for its high content, featuring the same content as a luxury sedan. A smaller, unibody Grand Cherokee (ZJ) was induced during 1992 that offered new luxury equipment and class-exclusive features. General Motors introduced the Oldsmobile Bravada in 1990 and Ford later introduced the Mercury Mountaineer in 1996, convincing several other manufacturers to introduce mid-size luxury SUVs. As full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition are highly profitable vehicles, the Lincoln Navigator was positioned by Ford as a full-sized, luxury SUV.
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Lincoln Navigator model years
Common Lincoln Navigator problems
The Lincoln Navigator, a large luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV), has been produced in four generations since its inception in 1998. While the newest Navigators have limited information available, the first three generations have been analyzed for their reliability based on owner reports, official manufacturer recalls, and technical service bulletins (TSBs).
First-generation Lincoln Navigator (1998-2002)
- 1998: Little published information is available for the debut model year, but it is generally recommended to avoid the first model year of an all-new model.
- 1999: Data reveals many reported engine problems, similar to the 1998 Ford Expedition, which shares its platform with the Navigator. Tread carefully if considering a Navigator from this year due to the high number of TSBs.
- 2000: Complaints drop slightly, but there is an increase in reported electric issues. Be sure to have any Navigators from this year checked by a mechanic for this and other problems.
- 2001: Owner-reported issues decline somewhat, but complaints still come in about the engine and electrical system. Ensure the recall for a possible engine fire has been addressed before considering a 2001 Navigator.
- 2002: Models from this year show a significant drop in owner complaints, making it a suitable choice if you're looking for an older Navigator.
Second-generation Lincoln Navigator (2003-2006)
- 2003: This model year sees an uptick in complaints, with engine and electrical issues being common. However, problems with the suspension are the most mentioned trouble due to the newness of the 2003 Navigator.
- 2004: Suspension problems continue, but complaints about other systems decline. The 2004 model year is worth considering following a thorough mechanical inspection.
- 2005: Complaints about the Navigator drop significantly for 2005, making this model year a worthy choice to add to your shopping list.
- 2006: This model year has the most overall complaints and is rated the worst model year, with air suspension issues being the most reported problem.
Common problems across all Lincoln Navigator generations include premature rusting, coolant leaks, and issues with the air suspension.
In summary, the Lincoln Navigator has had various issues throughout its generations, with the first and second generations having the most complaints. The 2004 model year is the worst rated, with engine problems being the most common issue. It is essential to be aware of these common problems and have any potential purchases inspected by a mechanic before making a decision.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lincoln Navigator years
We have researched Lincoln problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lincoln Navigator cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Lincoln Navigator model years:
- Lincoln Navigator 1998
- Lincoln Navigator 1999
- Lincoln Navigator 2000
- Lincoln Navigator 2003
- Lincoln Navigator 2001
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lincoln Navigator model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lincoln Navigator years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lincoln Navigator car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lincoln Navigator , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lincoln Navigator vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Navigator model years
A total of 85 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Navigator model years
There were a total of 95 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Navigator model years
There were a total of 117 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Navigator model years
There were a total of 18 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1220 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lincoln Navigator . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Lincoln Navigator 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: 5LMJJ3TT7KE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My vehicle fits all criteria for CSP 21B10 and CSP 21N03. The vehicle has 75714 miles whereas 21N03 covers up to 79,999 on this vehicle. The cold start rattle is very bad and drivability due to cam phaser issues has caused the vehicle to be not drivable, at least not safely… this vehicle meets all criteria for the recall, and the issue (confirmed by dealer - at dealership now) is the cam phasers and this recall 21N03 is the repair and they are very surprised our VIN is not listed, citing all of these vehicles require cam phaser replacement to be operable. As this is a known issue with 2018-2020 navigators with the 3.5 this should be covered by the recall.
Lincoln Navigator 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 5LMJJ2HT6HE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Driving down freeway and vehicle suddenly downshifted and the wrench light came on along with the airbag light, the blind spot detection sensors indicated not working, and more. Had to stop car and restart. Happened several times. Found out it is a problem with the 6R80 Transmission lead frame which has a recall with Ford F-150s but not on Lincoln.
Lincoln Navigator 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT0JE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: The side mirrors, which are power adjusted, either will not properly adjust to the same setting when they first fold out when you start the car, or they will start moving when you start driving. This happens nearly every time the car is started. I have talked to fellow Ford F-150 owners who have the same problem. This causes a serious safety concern, especially when they start adjusting as you start driving because then you cannot safely see any obstacles beside the car and the warning light if someone is beside you does not work effectively. If I start my car and go to back out of a parking spot or driveway and the mirror start adjusting so suddenly I'm looking at the pavement instead of what is beside me, you can see why that would pose a safety concern to myself and anybody who may be passing by.
Lincoln Navigator 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 5LMJJ2LT9ME
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: [XXX] Wednesday we were traveling from Charlotte NC headed westbound on [XXX], a 6 or 8 lane highway, speed limit 70+ mph, when our 2021 Lincoln Navigator suddenly lurched and the engine completely failed. There weren't any warnings by the vehicle prior to the incident. There were two of us in the vehicle at the time, and we suddenly found ourselves in a situation of extreme risk. It was 4 - 5 pm during rush hour traffic. The driver was able to maintain composure and our tires continued rotating long enough to coast and cross over 3 fast moving lanes to get us slightly off the side of the highway. It was a very frightening and unsafe situation, not only during but after the engine failure, as we were on a very busy, noisy highway not knowing where we were or what to do. We live in Ohio and our plans were scheduled only for 8/25/24 (leave Ohio)-8/29/24 (return to Ohio). Our Lincoln was towed the night of the engine failure to Classic Ford Lincoln in Shelby NC, and it's been there for 7 days. The tow driver could not start the engine. He had difficulty (20 minutes trying) getting it into neutral so he could put it on the flatbed. The total engine failure problem isn't yet diagnosed. Classic is the only one to examine it. We had to extend our NC hotel stay for two days waiting for the vehicle to be repaired. On 8/31 we couldn't wait any longer and had to rent a vehicle from Enterprise to return home; leaving our Navigator in NC. Lincoln Roadside Assistance has been very difficult and inattentive to our dire circumstances. We're now faced with a situation of not having our vehicle, not having a diagnosis, and concerns about whether the vehicle will be dependable when/if it's returned to us. We have to travel often and fear Lincoln could leave us in bad circumstances again even if they can find the current problem and repair it. It seems to be something extraordinary or uncommon or a diagnosis would have happened by now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lincoln Navigator 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 5LMJJ3J52CE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Belts dislodged on all tires. Tires have 70% tread left. My mechanic said it is manufacturing defect of Tires. SUV started shaking badly on highway
Lincoln Navigator 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 5LMFU27547L
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rocker arms, finding that the engine lacked adequate compression, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Lincoln Navigator 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 5LMFU27RX3L
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rocker arms, and that the engine lacked adequate compression in cylinders #2 and #3, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Lincoln Navigator 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 5LMJJ2LT0JE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a clunking noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering rack was replaced the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Lincoln Navigator 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 5LMJJ2LT6KE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE SECOND ROW SEATBELT RETRACTOR PRETENSIONERS DEPLOY AND MY KIDS CAN’T LOOSEN THE SEATBELT TO PUT IT ON. WE HAVE TO THEN PUT OUT KIDS IN THE THIRD ROW OR MESS WITH IT FOR 10 minutes TO GET IT TO RELEASE.
Lincoln Navigator 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 5LMJJ2LT6KE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SECOND ROW WINDOW IS NOW GOING DOWN ALL BY ITSELF AND HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 5 DAYS. I CANT ROLL IT UP UNTIL I TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON.
Lincoln Navigator 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-08
- VIN: 5LMJJ2TT5KE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: the engine rattles and knocks with cold start. in reviewing online, this is a very common problem. The dealership told me their service lot is full of navigators needing to have CAM? replaced. The internet confirms mechanics frustrated with spending their entire day replacing the same parts. This issue is listed on your site, but it is not a recalled item. I would suggest auditing how many of these repairs Lincoln is actually doing. I was initially told the repair cost should range between $1,000-$2,500, but after my vehicle waiting over a month in their service lot, they told me the repair cost would be $4,500. To have an issue this common on a car that cost over $100k, seems like they should take more ownership.
Lincoln Navigator 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-28
- VIN: 5LMJJ2TG6PE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: We buy used 2023 Lincoln Navigator with only 2937 miles and the running boards opens and close by it self and the most dangerous that the car doesn’t start whenever it wants I have 3 times already it just doesn’t start so I don’t know what to do
Lincoln Navigator 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-23
- VIN: 5LMJJ3LT0JE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Vehicle experienced failed auto-start on road, resulting in vehicle inmobility from stop in traffic, causing safety hardzard to passengers other vehicles on the road. The cause is worn VCT unit, as described in TSB 23-2143. The issue is safety critical and should not be merely addressed with an already expired customer safety program, it should be a safety recall.
Lincoln Navigator 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-20
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT6FE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 2015 Lincoln Navigator suddenly down shifts when driving. I was on the highway driving 65 MPH when I had to pull off onto the edge of the highway at night in CHICAGO. This is very scary and a significant safety issue. Ford knows of the defects with the transmission in this model. They have issued recalls for the same transmission in other models, just not the Navigator yet. This needs a recall immediately for the models that have transmissions with the same defects just as other Ford models such as the F150.
Lincoln Navigator 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-14
- VIN: 5LMJJ3LT4LE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My car has an unknown electrical issue that causes the car battery to completely drain and the car unable to turn on. It first started in August 2023 and after months of time at the dealership, Lincoln has never determined the cause or been able to fix it and it continues to happen. This is unsafe because it leaves me and my family stranded with no operable car.
Latest 5 recalls Lincoln Navigator
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 75 recalls for different components of the Lincoln Navigator.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lincoln Navigator 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-09
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
- Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
- Model: Lincoln Navigator 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-09
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
- Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
- Model: Lincoln Navigator 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-09
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
- Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
- Model: Lincoln Navigator 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-25
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
- Model: Lincoln Navigator 2018
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-25
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
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