Summary
The Lincoln Navigator has 46 recalls spanning 1997 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being a 2026 model year driver's seat that can unexpectedly reverse position at low speeds due to a software fault in the obstacle detection system, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
On the most recent models, 2025 Navigators have a rear lightbar with cracks in the lens or weld track that allow moisture to collect and cause the reverse lights to fail or flicker. The 2022-2025 model years share a software problem that can drop the rearview camera image and disable driver assistance features including pre-collision assist and lane keeping. The 2022 model also has a separate software issue causing the side marker and daytime running lights to fail, a front brake line that can contact the air cleaner outlet pipe and develop a fluid leak leading to reduced braking, and on one specific vehicle, a misrouted trailer brake controller wiring that causes the brake lights to activate without pedal input.
The 2021 model year has side-impact door sensors that may have been damaged during assembly, preventing side airbags from deploying properly in a crash. On 2020 models, a short circuit in the battery junction box can start an engine fire while driving or while the vehicle is parked. The 2019 model has rear suspension toe link fasteners that may not be properly secured to the frame; if a link separates, handling can change suddenly. The 2018 model year carries several issues: a high-pressure fuel pump with welds that can fracture and leak fuel or oil near an ignition source, seatbelt pretensioners that can deploy without a crash or lock the belt so it cannot retract or extend, and a rearview camera that can fail to display when reversing. Second-row power windows on 2018 models can stop mid-travel without reversing when they contact an obstruction.
The 2017 model has brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster on 3.5L EcoBoost-equipped vehicles, reducing front braking and increasing pedal travel. The 2016 model has the same brake master cylinder-to-booster leak on the same engine. The 2015-2017 model years have LED logo lamps in the exterior mirrors that can short circuit and cause a fire, and a front blower motor behind the glove box that can fail and ignite materials inside the cabin. The 2017-2018 transmission in 10-speed automatic-equipped vehicles may be missing a roll pin that keeps Park engaged, allowing the vehicle to roll away after the driver exits.
Going further back, 2012 models have second-row head restraint support brackets with inadequate welds that can allow the headrest to fail in a rear-end crash. The 2009 model has a brake stop lamp switch that may be incorrectly adjusted, delaying or preventing illumination of the brake lights when the pedal is pressed. The 2008 model year has door handles on all side doors whose internal spring housings can crack, leaving the handle unable to fully close and potentially allowing the latch to open in a side-impact crash. The 2007 model has a fuel rail crossover hose on 5.4L engines that can crack and leak fuel. The 2006 model has a transmission parking pawl guide plate that may not allow Park to engage, and driver's-side tires that may have sustained production damage leading to eventual tread separation.
On earlier production, the 1999 model year has two separate issues: a retainer clip holding the master cylinder pushrod
