2015 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 2015 Lincoln Navigator problems
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:
- Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the 2015 Navigator's six-speed automatic transmission, including rough shifting, slipping, and difficulty shifting into higher gears. These issues can impact the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency and may require expensive repairs.
- Suspension Problems: The Navigator's independent rear suspension, which is designed to improve ride quality and handling, has been reported to have issues with the adaptive dampers. These problems can result in a rough ride and reduced handling capabilities, particularly when carrying a full load of passengers or pulling a trailer.
- Brake Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the Navigator's brakes, including long stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. These issues can impact the vehicle's safety and may require costly repairs.
- Fuel System Issues: The Navigator's fuel system has been reported to have issues with fuel pressure, which can result in reduced performance and fuel efficiency. These issues may require expensive repairs and can impact the vehicle's overall reliability.
It's important to note that these issues are based on complaints from owners and may not be representative of all 2015 Lincoln Navigator models. Additionally, some of these issues may have been addressed through recalls or warranty repairs. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
2015 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
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Lincoln Navigator vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2015 Lincoln Navigator complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Lincoln Navigator.
2024-07-20
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- 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.
2023-12-04
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-09
- VIN: 5LMJJ3HT5FE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Our 2015 Lincoln Navigator suddenly down shifts when driving which is 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 yet in the Navigator. They do not want to damage reputation to there Lincoln/Navigator line. Long Lewis Ford Dealership in Muscle Shoals, AL, has inspected it and verified that the "molded lead frame" is defective and must be replaced in order for the vehicle to be road worthy. They are telling us to replace it along with other internal components that are defective. Please help protect the public by forcing them to issue a recall immediately for the models that have transmissions with such defects just as they have done for this transmission in other models.
2023-09-06
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT3FE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owned a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that when started, the air conditioning system became inoperable. The contact observed smoke coming through the air vents. The vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the contact observed fire coming from under the glove box. The Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss. The contact was unsure where the vehicle was taken to. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.
2023-07-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT3FE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact also stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen displayed a distorted image or a blank screen intermittently. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
2023-03-19
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-14
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT6FE
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: One Wiper stopped working in a rain storm
2022-10-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-26
- VIN: 5LMJJ2HT7FE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that whenever the AC was turned on it would then shut off immediately after. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
2022-10-10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-24
- VIN: 5lmjj2ht7fe
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There are some major transmission issues with my vehicle. The gears do not change properly causing the SUV to stall on the highway while I was driving 65 MPH. I took it to the Mark Ficken Ford Lincoln dealership for repair. They stated that the torque converter needed repair along with the 3rd gear and 5th gear clutch had issues. The thumping/grinding sound I've been hearing since I purchased the car from Mark Ficken. The dealership should cover the cost of these repairs. The vehicle has 110,000 miles on it. I purchased it pre-owned from the dealership.
2022-04-06
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-02
- VIN: 5LMJJ3JT5FE
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: When in park, vehicle fails to stay parked in some instances. For example, SUV has rolled forward (while in park): when parking on an incline or while unloading items from trunk, resting against bumper caused it to roll ahead and hit closed garage door in the garage, or when leaning on the SUV body outside vehicle it can disengage from park and start moving while shifter stays in P position. Emergency break stops movement. We started noticing the issue Jan 2022 and took it to Lincoln for service on 02/25/22 to investigate (after multiple accounts, same concern). They found no recognizable problem, stating vehicle might not have been in park to begin with. No parts were removed; only a visual & functional assessment. Paid an inspection bill with no resolution to safety concern. However, it re-occurred on 4/2/22. Because the concern is intermittent and cannot be replicated on demand it’s harder to predict when SUV will move. Using the emergency parking break as a safety back-up for now. Vehicle is available for further inspection. To date, no major damage caused. Yet, forgetting the manual break could result in a terrible situation at any time. All instances of rolling away have occurred after driver exited the vehicle. Level parking surfaces are not always available. Probably unrelated to the safety issue, there are strange electric bugs. Radio will turn on randomly while driving; tailgate will open on its own when SUV is parked. However, no warning messages have displayed for any of the safety or electrical issues described.
2021-09-25
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-19
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5LMJJ3JT0FE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: In a 55mph frontal crash the airbags failed to inflate to protect the driver. Severe damage to the front of the vehicle.
2021-07-27
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-25
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT4FE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: While driving the Lincoln navigator with only 96,000 miles, it chugged and rapidly reduced power, forcing me off the road. It happened 3 times in 2 days while I was on vacation at the Wisconsin dells. The Dealer said it was "throttle actuator failure" after the test was run. I replaced throttle body and gasket at the dealer for $425.10 on 07/27/2021. This should be part of a recall!! We could have been killed from the sudden loss of power, and all the traffic behind me that had to suddenly stop. It was very, very, scary. It came out of nowhere, with no fore warning. I had no idea what to do.
2020-06-26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-26
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT0FE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER ON MY 2015 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR WOULD JUST STOP WORKING. WE TOOK IT TO THE FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED FREON. $300 LATER, I WAS BACK ON THE ROAD. BUT A FEW HOURS LATER, THE BLOWER STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK AND AFTER INVESTIGATION FOUND A "SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE SSM47797" A POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AT THE BLOWER MOTOR SPEED CONTROL. FIRESTONE SAID THE CONNECTION HAD "BURNED UP" AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER MY CERTIFIED USED CAR WARRANTY - BUT WHEN I CALLED WOODHOUSE LINCOLN MERCURY, THEY SAID IT WAS "JUST A SSM" AND IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. IN ADDITION, THEY COULD NOT EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT IT UNTIL "NEXT WEEK SOMETIME". I TOLD THE PERSON ON THE PHONE THAT I NEEDED TO GO TO KANSAS CITY FOR THE WEEKEND, BUT HE DID NOT CARE. FIRESTONE IS FIXING IT, BUT IT IS $530. MY QUESTION IS, IF SOMETHING IS ABLE TO BURN UP UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR - AND THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS ABOUT IT, SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL NOTICE SENT TO ALL LINCOLN OWNERS? *TR
2019-08-04
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-17
- VIN: 5LMJJ3HT9FE
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: A FEW MONTHS AGO, AROUND 65,000 MILES, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED A LOSS OF POWER AS I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE. AT THAT SAME TIME, THE CHECK ENGINE ICON STARTED FLASHING. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE ICON STOPPED FLASHING. EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL AND I DIDN'T EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. THIS WOULD OCCASIONALLY HAPPEN WHENEVER I'D TRY TO OVERTAKE ANOTHER CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. THESE DAYS AT 78,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY RUNS ROUGH.
2018-05-25
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-10
- VIN: 5LMJJ2HT1FE
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THERE WERE 3 CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND REPAIR. A FEW DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AGAIN, WHILE DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY ROAD. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT WAS RETURNED TO DEALER, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. THIS HAPPENED ON MAY 10TH, AND MAY 22ND, 2018. ALSO SIDE MONITOR STOPPED WORKING.
2018-04-10
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-18
- VIN: 5LMJJ2JT7FE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME NOT RESENT ON MY 2015 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER. WHILE TRAVELING MY FRONT PASSENGER FORGOT TO FASTEN THEIR SEATBELT AND NO WARNING WAS EVER GIVEN.
2016-11-20
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5LMJJ3HT3FE
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE SURGED CAUSING VEHICLE TO PROPEL FORWARD HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND LESS DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK THAT I HIT. I WAS IN A CARPOOL LINE AT MY CHILD'S SCHOOL WHERE IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR PEDESTRIANS TO WALK IN FRONT OF VEHICLES SITTING IN LINE. IF THIS HAD BEEN THE CASE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH.
2015 Lincoln Navigator recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2015 Lincoln Navigator.
2022-08-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
- Consequence: Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.
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