Navigator (3rd)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
5.4-V8-Gas
5.4L 8-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.5-V6-FlexFuel
3.5L 6-cyl / 370 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Lincoln Navigator Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
GTDI
3.5L 6-cyl Turbo / 310 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lincoln Navigator, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator
On a used 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (47), the electrical system (44) and the transmission and drivetrain (33). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 47 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (13)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.
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.
Show 8 older recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
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.
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.
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.
FORD IS RECALLING 1,357 MY 2009 EXPEDITION AND NAVIGATOR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY BE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED. THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKE STOPLAMP ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN SITUATIONS OF VERY MILD BRAKE APPLICATION, THE BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
FORD IS RECALLING 158 MY 2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) AND THE LIMO BUILDERS PACKAGE FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, Z"TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS INCREASED FROM 35 PSI TO 40 PSI WITHOUT A COMMENSURATE UPDATE TO THE TPMS CALIBRATIONS.
FORD IS RECALLING 123,632 MY 2007-2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES. THE DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING ON ALL SIDE DOORS MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL CUSTOMER USAGE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THE HANDLE MAY BE LOOSE CAUSING A RATTLE OR NOISE AND THE HANDLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO PROVIDE A DELAYED RESISTANCE WHEN ACTUATING THE HANDLE PRIOR TO OPENING THE DOOR.
FORD IS RECALLING 57,199 MY 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350, AND MY 2007 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L ENGINES. THE FUEL RAIL CROSS-OVER HOSE MAY CONTAIN WEAK AREAS. AS A RESULT, THE HOSE MAY CRACK, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL ODOR AND/OR FUEL LEAK.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator complaints?
Owners have filed 230 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the electrical system and the transmission.
Is the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 230 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator have?
NHTSA has 230 owner complaints on file for the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA lists 13 recalls covering some 2007-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lincoln Navigator?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Navigator?
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 230 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.