80 recalls across 22 model years
The Lincoln Navigator has 80 recalls spanning 1997 through the 2027 model year, with the most serious recent issue being a defective passenger-side airbag on 2025 models that can deploy with excessive force in a crash, raising the risk of injury to the front passenger.
The current and near-current generation carries a substantial recall load. On 2026 models, the driver seat obstacle detection software can malfunction at low speeds and cause the powered seat to reverse unexpectedly while driving, affecting the driver's reach to the pedals and wheel. Also on 2026 and extending through the 2027 model year, a software error can cause trailer lights or brakes to stop functioning, reducing trailer visibility and extending stopping distances when towing. The 2025 model year has two brake-related concerns: the electronic brake booster module can malfunction while driving or when driver assistance features are active, removing power brake assist, and the rear lightbar can crack and allow moisture inside, causing reverse lights to flicker or go dark. On 2024 models, a misaligned engine oil plug can cause a rapid oil leak that leads to an engine stall while driving. The 2023 model has a front axle pinion that can fracture, potentially locking the front wheels. The 2022–2024 models share a brake line routing defect where the front brake lines contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe, wear through, and leak fluid, reducing stopping power. A software error on 2022–2025 models can cause the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features to drop out. The 2022 model year alone has several additional electrical issues: the headlight control module software can disable the daytime running lights and side marker lamps, a rearview camera software fault can cause the image to freeze or vanish when reversing, and trailer brake control software can cause loss of trailer braking on tow-equipped vehicles.
The 2021–2022 model years share a low-pressure fuel pump that can fail and stall the engine. On 2021 models, side impact pressure sensors in the front doors can be damaged during assembly, preventing the side airbags from deploying in a crash. Engine compartment fires are a concern spanning the 2020 and 2021 model years, where a short circuit in the electrical system can ignite even with the ignition off. The 2020–2022 model years have a seatbelt pretensioner that can inadvertently lock, preventing the belt from retracting or extending and reducing its ability to restrain an occupant in a crash. On 2020 models, a second-row headrest bracket may not be sufficiently welded, allowing the headrest to fail in a crash. The 2019 model has rear suspension toe link fasteners that can work loose and detach from the frame, causing a sudden change in handling. On 2018 models, the 10-speed automatic transmission may lack a roll pin securing the park mechanism, allowing the vehicle to roll away even with the shifter in Park. The 2016–2018 models have brake master cylinder leaks that allow fluid to escape from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster, reducing front braking and increasing pedal travel.
Going further back, the 2015–2017 model years have LED logo lamps in the exterior mirrors that can short circuit and start a fire, including when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The front blower motor on 2015–2017 models can fail and cause an interior fire. The 2012 model has a second-row right-side headrest with insufficient welds that
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Latest: May 2026
Top 8 of 17 categories across LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
| Component | Recalls | Share | Critical | High | Medium | Low | Informational |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 13 | 16% | 4 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Lighting | 8 | 10% | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 10% | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 8 | 10% | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 6 | 8% | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 6% | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 5% | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 5% | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 24 | 30% | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
Component categories are grouped from raw recall data and may not match manufacturer terminology exactly.