2012 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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Common 2012 Lincoln Navigator problems
The 2012 Lincoln Navigator has a handful of transmission problems reported, but overall, it has few complaints compared to other model years. This issue is serious and requires prompt attention.
Another problem reported for the 2012 Navigator is related to the engine, with some owners experiencing issues with the engine stalling or not starting at all. This issue can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous, especially if it occurs while driving.
Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the electrical system, including problems with the power windows and locks. These issues can be frustrating and may require costly repairs.
Finally, some owners have reported problems with the suspension, including issues with the shocks and struts. These issues can affect the comfort and safety of the vehicle and may require costly repairs.
Overall, while the 2012 Lincoln Navigator has fewer complaints than other model years, it is not without its issues. Owners should be aware of the potential problems with the transmission, engine, electrical system, and suspension, and should address any issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
2012 Lincoln Navigator car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Navigator problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Lincoln Navigator vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Lincoln Navigator complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Lincoln Navigator.
2024-08-30
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- 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
2022-08-01
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-06
- VIN: 5LMJJ3J56CE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle randomly downshifts at speed causing sudden and jarring loss of speed. Vehicle will eventually and intermittently flash a service wrench error, speedometer stops working, and displays "000 Miles to Empty" message. Diagnosed at the dealer as a failing Molded Lead Frame. There was extended warranty coverage to 150,000 miles due to this being a know faulty part but my vehicle was over the mileage. I learned from the dealer servicing the vehicle that a software update--rather than replacement of the faulty part--under TSB 13-6-8 was performed by another dealership that I purchased the vehicle from. This "software update" was not disclosed to me nor did it show up on carfax or any service records for the vehicle. The software update merely masked the problem until the problem gets worse. Thankfully, I didn't experience violent downshifting at highway speeds that others have reported but have had the violent downshifting at 45mph and below, which still is a major safety issue. When I searched the VIN prior to purchasing the vehicle, no recalls were open because the software update closed it. I contacted Lincoln to report that violent downshifts occurred eventually even after the software update and the part should have been replaced in 2019. I was told by the Lincoln rep that there was nothing Lincoln would do because it was just a "Customer Satisfaction Program" rather than an all out recall and it was outside the extended coverage.
2021-04-02
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-28
- VIN: 5LMJJ2J53CE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2012 NAVIGATOR AUTOMATICALLY DOWN SHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TRIED TO START IT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. AFTER I SHUT THE CAT DOWN AGAIN I TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED NORMAL BUT IT WOULD NOT GO OUT OF 1ST GEAR. I DROVE HOME AND CALLED PORTSMOUTH FORD IN PORTSMOUTH NH TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE MALFUNCTION EVALUATED WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE ON 4/1/2021 TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE RESET ITSELF AND THE TRANSMISSION WORKED CORRECTLY. ONCE AT THE GARAGE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A MOLDED LEAD IN THE TRANSMISSION COVERED BY RECALL 19N01 (RECALL# 16V248000 POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND WOULD BE FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY. ONCE I GOT HOME I GOT A CALL FROM THE GARAGE THAT LINCOLN WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CODE. I CALLED LINCOLN MYSELF AND THEY TOLD ME IN SO MANY WORDS 'NO CODE NO FIX" I STATED TO THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WASN'T A CODE AND WHY DID THE VEHICLE RESET ITSELF AND THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE CALLED THE GARAGE IF THERE WASN'T A PROBLEM. I ALSO MENTIONED THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THINGS HAPPENED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION FOR THE REASON FOR THE CODE NOT SHOWING UP BUT THE TECHNICIAN FROM PORTSMOUTH FORD, WITH 35 YRS EXP., DOES THINK THE PROBLEM IS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THAT DOESN'T MATTER NO CODE NO FIX . IT IS CLEAR THAT FORD IS INTENTIONALLY LIMITING THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO MITIGATE THEIR LOSSES AT THE EXPENSE OF MY FAMILY'S SAFETY
2020-06-23
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-23
- VIN: 5LMJJ2H53CE
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 2012 NAVIGATOR STARTED TO ACT WEIRD THE WRENCH SIGNAL APPEARED,MY SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING,THE RPM WENT VERY HIGH,NO POWER ON MY SUV,MAYBE 5MPH THE MOST,AND THE INFORMATION SCREEN SHOWS NO GAS,WHILE I HAVE 1/2 TANK,CHECKED AMD RECALLS AND SHOWS NOTHING,BUT A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE IS A TBS RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION MODELS,HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU THANKS. *TR
2018-06-04
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-01
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER NO GOOD. BRAKE FLUID COSTENTLY DISAPPEARING, NO LEAKS UNDER TRUCK BUT ONCE EMPTY OR CLOSE TO LOW LINE HAVE TO PRESS BREAKS TO THE FLOOR JUST TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN TO STOP... BOTH IN CITY AND HIGHWAY, IN MOTION AND WHILE PARKED
2018-02-21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-01
- VIN: 5LMJJ3J55CE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR I HAVE FEELING NAUSEOUS, TIRED, HEADACHES, AND ON SOME OCCASIONS DIZZINESS ALWAYS WHEN I'M IN CAR AND THE CAR IS ON. ALSO MY DAUGHTER ALWAYS THROWS UP WHEN SHE IS IN CAR LONGER THAN 15 MINS
2018-01-09
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-08
- VIN: 5LMJJ3H51CE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RECALL# 16V248000 POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MY 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR WAS TAKEN TO CHAMPION FORD IN KATY, TX FOR SERVICE DUE TO INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHERE WE EXPERIENCED A DOWNSHIFT AT SPEED, SPEEDOMETER FAILURE, ODOMETER AND MPG ERROR AND TIRE PRESSURE WARNING. THE SYMPTOMS CORRECT UPON RESTART. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR FAILURE THAT WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF LEAD FRAME UNIT AT A COST OF $1,366. I ASKED TO HAVE THE REPLACEMENT COMPLETED UNDER RECALL 16V248000 BECAUSE THE REPAIR INVOLVES THE SAME SYMPTOMS, REPAIR PROCEDURE, AND IS THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, AND TRANSMISSION OUTLINED IN THE RECALL BUT WAS DECLINED BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL BECAUSE THE BUILD DATE DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE RECALL DATES. FORD NEEDS TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF RECALL 16V248000 TO INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THAT TRANSMISSION AS MY VEHICLE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE PROBLEM IS EFFECTING VEHICLES OUTSIDE THEIR SPECIFIED BUILD DATES. IT IS CLEAR THAT FORD IS INTENTIONALLY LIMITING THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO MITIGATE THEIR LOSSES AT THE EXPENSE OF MY FAMILY'S SAFETY.
2017-09-18
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-22
- VIN: 5LMJJ3H5XCE
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROBERT HUDSON FORD LINCOLN MERCURY (2316 1ST AVE SE, MOULTRIE, GA 31788, (229) 985-6603) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM NEEDED RECALIBARATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SOFTWARE UPDATE FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO THE DRIVE GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AGAIN FOR BOTH FAILURES. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INTERIOR LIGHTING, AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-13124389. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
2017-09-08
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-30
- VIN: 5LMJJ2J59CE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE REAR SUSPENSION ISSUED A WARNING TO CHECK REAR SUSPENSION. THE CAR BOTTOMED OUT MULTIPLE TIMES, COMING TO BARELY A FEW INCHES FROM THE REAR TIRES. I TOOK THIS TO THE DEALER IN 2015, WHILE IT WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, NOT SURE OF WHAT WAS FOUND AT THAT TIME, HAVE REQUESTED A REPAIR TICKET FROM THE DEALER. NOW AUG/SEPT 2017 HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND THEY PUT IT ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, MACHINE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DEALER SAID THE CAR HAD A CODE STORES IN IT SHOWING A LEFT READ LEVELER PROBLEM, WHICH THEY REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM STILL IS NOT FIXED. CURRENTLY IT IS SITTING AT THE DEALER'S SHOP. THE VEHICLE DOES THIS WHEN SETTING STILL AND ALSO WHEN IN MOTION. I CONSIDER THIS VERY DANGEROUS.
2016-06-24
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-01
- VIN: 5LMJJ2J56CE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2016-05-18
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-18
- VIN: 5LMJJ3J52CE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE ROW CENTER SEAT BELT INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,569.
2014-03-11
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-09
- VIN: 5LMJJ3J53CE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE CAR BOTTOMED OUT MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER EVEN THE SMALLEST OF BUMPS. TIRES AND THE STRUCTURE AROUND TIRE WHEEL WHEEL MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DUE TO THE BOTTOMING OUT. DEALER REPLACED PUMP FOR $1,267.53, BUT WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE OR INSPECT FOR RESIDUAL DAMAGE. CLAIMED OUT OF WARRANTY ISSUE AND ALSO THIS DAMAGE IS OUT OF SCOPE OF WARRANTY.
2012 Lincoln Navigator recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2012 Lincoln Navigator.
2016-04-27
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Consequence: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
2012-05-03
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
- Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
2012-02-02
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
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