This page covers 3 recalls, 12 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator centers on the powertrain, with transmission behavior drawing the most reports. Owners describe the transmission unexpectedly downshifting at highway speeds, in some cases dropping into first gear, which causes a sudden and jarring loss of speed. Related electrical symptoms show up alongside these events, the speedometer going dead, a service wrench warning illuminating, and the fuel range display reading zero. One dealer diagnosis pointed to a failing molded lead frame as the underlying cause. A smaller number of reports involve suspension and tire concerns, including tires developing belt separation despite significant remaining tread, leading to noticeable shaking at highway speeds. One report mentions brake fluid loss paired with a soft pedal requiring heavy pressure to slow the vehicle, though that appears in a single complaint rather than a recurring pattern.
12
Total Complaints
By System
The 2012 Lincoln Navigator has 3 recalls, the most serious being an automatic transmission that can unexpectedly drop into first gear at any speed, causing the vehicle to decelerate sharply and the rear tires to slide or lock up.
The remaining two recalls both involve the second-row right-hand seat's head restraint, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue. The welds connecting the headrest guide sleeve and support brackets to the seat back frame can be inadequate, meaning the headrest may collapse or detach in a rear-end crash rather than supporting the occupant's head and neck. This leaves a passenger in that seat with reduced protection at the moment they need it most.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear at any speed, which can cause loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software at no cost to fix the transmission downshift issue.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The welds on the head restraint support brackets for the second row right-hand seat may be inadequate, preventing the head restraint from providing proper support in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head restraints as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The second row right-hand seat headrest guide may have weak welds. During a rear-end crash, the headrest could fail to stay in place, risking injury to the occupant.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the seat back frame and replace it if the welds are inadequate.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
