RoadVitals

2010 Lincoln Navigator Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
16
Latest May 23, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Lincoln Navigator, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes523.8%
  • Electrical419.0%
  • Engine29.5%
  • Body & structure29.5%
  • Driver assistance29.5%
  • Exterior lighting29.5%
  • Powertrain (other)29.5%
  • Interior & seats14.8%
  • Visibility14.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Brake lines started leaking and spewing fluid everywhere leaving me with out brakes on the highway. I just put new rotors, and brake pads on and they suddenly start grinding again yet have full pads on them.

NHTSA ID 11662872 · filed May 23, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, WHICH MADE IT HARDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING FAILURE EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED SEVEN YEARS AGO. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES APPROXIMATELY EVERY 4,000 MILES. AUTONATION FORD FORT LAUDERDALE (1333 N FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 (954) 644-5015) STATED THAT THE ROTORS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE WITH FORD VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11052526 · filed Dec 5, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The headlights will suddenly shut off. I have to turn the dial to make them come back on. We have replaced every bulb in the headlight assembly with OEM recommended bulbs which are $75 a piece for the main headlight and this still happens. There is no cause we can find and I have read about other cases in my area. With the same year as my navigator. I almost recieved a ticket until I showed the officer my lights work that they just keep doing this. The electrical issues on this year is ridiculous and I guess someone needs to die for Ford to fix it.

NHTSA ID 11662874 · filed May 23, 2025

STALLED WHILE DRIVING. DOES NOT START. WHILE ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS ARE WORKING INCLUDING BATTERY. CAR HAS BEEN IN LINCOLN DEALER'S SHOP SINCE 12/30/2020. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE FO DETECT THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 11388695 · filed Jan 18, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Coolant leaking

NHTSA ID 11446390 · filed Jan 5, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE UNDER BODY OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE AUXILIARY SUPPLY TUBE WHICH LAYS ON TOP OF A STEEL BRACKET WAS LEAKING COOLANT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEEL BRACKET HAD RUBBED A HOLE ONTO THE AUXILIARY SUPPLY TUBE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AUXILIARY SUPPLY TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

NHTSA ID 10487415 · filed Dec 5, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE RUNNING BOARDS OF THE 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR MALFUNCTIONED AT 78000 MILES. THE AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARDS BEGAN RETRACTING AND LOWERING UP AND DOWN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (AT SPEEDS FROM TO 70 MPH) AND WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED WITH ENGINE OFF, MAKING LOUD GRINDING SOUNDS. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE RUNNING BOARD RETRACTED WHILE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BOARD, LOCKING MY FOOT IN BETWEEN THE RUNNING BOARD AND THE LOWER BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO FALL FORWARD ON THE PAVEMENT IN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS ON A SEMI-STEEP INCLINE. THE RUNNING BOARD LOWERED AND I PULLED MY FOOT FREE AND IT BEGAN TO LOWER AND RAISE MULTIPLE TIMES MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. I THEN HAD TO MANUALLY RAISE THE BOARD AND SHUT OFF THE AUTO FUNCTION OF THE RUNNING BOARDS TO KEEP THIS ISSUE FROM REOCCURRING. I NOTIFIED THIS INCIDENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY OPTION I HAD WAS TO REPLACE THE MOTORS. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHY THIS MAY HAVE OCCURRED NOR WAS I GIVEN ANY OPTIONS FOR MEDICAL CARE OR CONCERN DUE TO MY VEHICLE BEING 5 YEARS OLD AND NOT UNDER ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID 10808669 · filed Dec 6, 2015

CPSC#I1230613A. 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. CONSUMER STATED HER DAUGHTER STEPPED OUT THE TRUCK ONTO THE EXTENDED RUNNING BOARD AND IT CLOSED AND CRUSHED HER FEET/ANKLES BETWEEN THE RUNNING BOARD AND CAR FRAME. FORD SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ACCIDENT SO THEY TOLD HER TO KEEP THE CAR AND BRING IT BACK IF HAPPENS AGAIN. *LN

NHTSA ID 10455192 · filed Apr 11, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE RUNNING BOARDS OF THE 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR MALFUNCTIONED AT 78000 MILES. THE AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARDS BEGAN RETRACTING AND LOWERING UP AND DOWN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (AT SPEEDS FROM TO 70 MPH) AND WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED WITH ENGINE OFF, MAKING LOUD GRINDING SOUNDS. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE RUNNING BOARD RETRACTED WHILE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BOARD, LOCKING MY FOOT IN BETWEEN THE RUNNING BOARD AND THE LOWER BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO FALL FORWARD ON THE PAVEMENT IN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS ON A SEMI-STEEP INCLINE. THE RUNNING BOARD LOWERED AND I PULLED MY FOOT FREE AND IT BEGAN TO LOWER AND RAISE MULTIPLE TIMES MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. I THEN HAD TO MANUALLY RAISE THE BOARD AND SHUT OFF THE AUTO FUNCTION OF THE RUNNING BOARDS TO KEEP THIS ISSUE FROM REOCCURRING. I NOTIFIED THIS INCIDENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY OPTION I HAD WAS TO REPLACE THE MOTORS. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHY THIS MAY HAVE OCCURRED NOR WAS I GIVEN ANY OPTIONS FOR MEDICAL CARE OR CONCERN DUE TO MY VEHICLE BEING 5 YEARS OLD AND NOT UNDER ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID 10808669 · filed Dec 6, 2015

IN REVERSE. IN A PARKING LOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT BRAKE OR MOVE OUT OF REVERSE. HIT F250 TRUCK, REFRIGERATOR, JUMPED CURB AND AIRBORNE INTO DITCH WHICH STOPPED CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10564857 · filed Feb 18, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The headlights will suddenly shut off. I have to turn the dial to make them come back on. We have replaced every bulb in the headlight assembly with OEM recommended bulbs which are $75 a piece for the main headlight and this still happens. There is no cause we can find and I have read about other cases in my area. With the same year as my navigator. I almost recieved a ticket until I showed the officer my lights work that they just keep doing this. The electrical issues on this year is ridiculous and I guess someone needs to die for Ford to fix it.

NHTSA ID 11662874 · filed May 23, 2025

ONE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. CYCLING THE SWITCH IMMEDISTELY TURNS IT BACK ON

NHTSA ID 10936002 · filed Dec 17, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE 2010 SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION AT 73K MILES. IT IS NOT USED AS A DELIVERY TRUCK OR FOR DIRT ROADS. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS VEHICLE IS IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL FOR RECALL NUMBER 12V190000 RECALL DATE 05/03/2012 COMPONENT POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) READ MORE AT HTTPS://WWW.CARS.COM/RECALLS/LINCOLN-NAVIGATOR/#KJUVZSWOQGETUOI2.99 JUDI WAS DRIVING HOME FROM OKLAHOMA AT NIGHT,ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 AROUND 10:30 PM AND HER VEHICLE 'SEIZED UP' AND SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. SHE WAS DRIVING AT 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHEN ALL FOUR BRAKES LOCKED UP AS TO THROW THE VEHICLE INTO PARK GOING HIGHWAY SPEED DOWN INTERSTATE 35 AROUND 30 MILES NORTH OF DALLAS WHERE THEY HAVE MAJOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION. SHE HAD THE WHERE-WITH-ALL TO PUT ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS, BARELY KEEPING THE CAR ON THE ROAD FROM THE SKID IT WAS SENT INTO, AND BARELY AVOIDING BEING HIT BY OTHER ONCOMING VEHICLES TRAVELING AT 70-80MPH. ONCE THE BRAKES LET UP, SHE WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH AND HAD NO ACCELERATION WHEN SHE PRESSED ON THE GAS TO TRY AND GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE DIDN'T REV OR ACCELERATETHERE WERE NO SHOULDERS AND SHE COASTED FORWARD INTO A SMALL CONSTRUCTION AREA. THE ENGINE THEN COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE, AND FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLES BEHIND HER SWERVED TO AVOID HER.AFTER DIAGNOSTICS BY RANDALL REED FORD/LINCOLN DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE MECHATRONIC HAD FAILED. TO REPAIR THIS PART WOULD BE $2,200.00. THEY ALSO TOLD US IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS CORRUPTED DUE TO THIS FAILURE, WE WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER TRANSMISSION FOR $5,400.00 IN ADDITION TO THE MECHATRONIC PURCHASE. THE CARE CENTER SAID THEY WOULD PROVIDE $2K TOWARD A TRANSMISSION. FAILURE OCCURRED 2K MILES PAST THE 70 MILE WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID 10899511 · filed Aug 30, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN ENTERING BACK INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD GROUNDING NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A CREEK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS HAULED OUT OF THE CREEK BY A LARGE TRUCK AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10825131 · filed Feb 9, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HEATED/COOL SEAT MODULE BURNING, IGNITION COIL, 4X4 (4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) , WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE TRANSMISSION , ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , HEATED HEAT STOPPED WORKING , CHANGED ENTIRE 4X4 SYSTEM AND IT STILL GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE BY ITSELF

NHTSA ID 10886246 · filed Jul 20, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HEATED/COOL SEAT MODULE BURNING, IGNITION COIL, 4X4 (4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) , WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE TRANSMISSION , ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , HEATED HEAT STOPPED WORKING , CHANGED ENTIRE 4X4 SYSTEM AND IT STILL GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE BY ITSELF

NHTSA ID 10886246 · filed Jul 20, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .