RoadVitals

2012 Lincoln Navigator

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
12
Latest Aug 30, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Apr 27, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 12 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), suspension and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 58 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Powertrain (other)541.7%
  • Suspension216.7%
  • Driver assistance18.3%
  • Electrical18.3%
  • Brakes18.3%
  • Seat belts18.3%
  • Tires & wheels18.3%

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Apr 27, 2016
153,581 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 16S19View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

May 3, 2012
10,500 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
The remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 12C23View on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Feb 2, 2012
569 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 12C22View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ17010ClosedRecall Query

Unexpected Transmission Downshift

Opened Dec 25, 2017
Closed Oct 22, 2019

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Led to recall 19V075000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 30, 2024

Belts dislodged on all tires. Tires have 70% tread left. My mechanic said it is manufacturing defect of Tires. SUV started shaking badly on highway

NHTSA ID
11611789
Incident
Jul 19, 2024
Filed Aug 1, 2022

Vehicle randomly downshifts at speed causing sudden and jarring loss of speed. Vehicle will eventually and intermittently flash a service wrench error, speedometer stops working, and displays "000 Miles to Empty" message. Diagnosed at the dealer as a failing Molded Lead Frame. There was extended warranty coverage to 150,000 miles due to this being a know faulty part but my vehicle was over the mileage. I learned from the dealer servicing the vehicle that a software update--rather than replacement of the faulty part--under TSB 13-6-8 was performed by another dealership that I purchased the vehicle from. This "software update" was not disclosed to me nor did it show up on carfax or any service records for the vehicle. The software update merely masked the problem until the problem gets worse. Thankfully, I didn't experience violent downshifting at highway speeds that others have reported but have had the violent downshifting at 45mph and below, which still is a major safety issue. When I searched the VIN prior to purchasing the vehicle, no recalls were open because the software update closed it. I contacted Lincoln to report that violent downshifts occurred eventually even after the software update and the part should have been replaced in 2019. I was told by the Lincoln rep that there was nothing Lincoln would do because it was just a "Customer Satisfaction Program" rather than an all out recall and it was outside the extended coverage.

NHTSA ID
11476847
Incident
Jun 6, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 2, 2021

GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2012 NAVIGATOR AUTOMATICALLY DOWN SHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TRIED TO START IT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. AFTER I SHUT THE CAT DOWN AGAIN I TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED NORMAL BUT IT WOULD NOT GO OUT OF 1ST GEAR. I DROVE HOME AND CALLED PORTSMOUTH FORD IN PORTSMOUTH NH TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE MALFUNCTION EVALUATED WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE ON 4/1/2021 TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE RESET ITSELF AND THE TRANSMISSION WORKED CORRECTLY. ONCE AT THE GARAGE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A MOLDED LEAD IN THE TRANSMISSION COVERED BY RECALL 19N01 (RECALL# 16V248000 POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND WOULD BE FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY. ONCE I GOT HOME I GOT A CALL FROM THE GARAGE THAT LINCOLN WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CODE. I CALLED LINCOLN MYSELF AND THEY TOLD ME IN SO MANY WORDS 'NO CODE NO FIX" I STATED TO THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WASN'T A CODE AND WHY DID THE VEHICLE RESET ITSELF AND THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE CALLED THE GARAGE IF THERE WASN'T A PROBLEM. I ALSO MENTIONED THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THINGS HAPPENED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION FOR THE REASON FOR THE CODE NOT SHOWING UP BUT THE TECHNICIAN FROM PORTSMOUTH FORD, WITH 35 YRS EXP., DOES THINK THE PROBLEM IS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THAT DOESN'T MATTER NO CODE NO FIX . IT IS CLEAR THAT FORD IS INTENTIONALLY LIMITING THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO MITIGATE THEIR LOSSES AT THE EXPENSE OF MY FAMILY'S SAFETY

NHTSA ID
11406138
Incident
Mar 28, 2021
Mileage
6 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 23, 2020

MY 2012 NAVIGATOR STARTED TO ACT WEIRD THE WRENCH SIGNAL APPEARED,MY SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING,THE RPM WENT VERY HIGH,NO POWER ON MY SUV,MAYBE 5MPH THE MOST,AND THE INFORMATION SCREEN SHOWS NO GAS,WHILE I HAVE 1/2 TANK,CHECKED AMD RECALLS AND SHOWS NOTHING,BUT A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE IS A TBS RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION MODELS,HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU THANKS. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330384
Incident
Jun 23, 2020
Mileage
103,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 4, 2018

BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER NO GOOD. BRAKE FLUID COSTENTLY DISAPPEARING, NO LEAKS UNDER TRUCK BUT ONCE EMPTY OR CLOSE TO LOW LINE HAVE TO PRESS BREAKS TO THE FLOOR JUST TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN TO STOP... BOTH IN CITY AND HIGHWAY, IN MOTION AND WHILE PARKED

NHTSA ID
11099583
Incident
May 1, 2018
Filed Feb 21, 2018

SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR I HAVE FEELING NAUSEOUS, TIRED, HEADACHES, AND ON SOME OCCASIONS DIZZINESS ALWAYS WHEN I'M IN CAR AND THE CAR IS ON. ALSO MY DAUGHTER ALWAYS THROWS UP WHEN SHE IS IN CAR LONGER THAN 15 MINS

NHTSA ID
11074163
Incident
May 1, 2015
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 9, 2018

RECALL# 16V248000 POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MY 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR WAS TAKEN TO CHAMPION FORD IN KATY, TX FOR SERVICE DUE TO INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHERE WE EXPERIENCED A DOWNSHIFT AT SPEED, SPEEDOMETER FAILURE, ODOMETER AND MPG ERROR AND TIRE PRESSURE WARNING. THE SYMPTOMS CORRECT UPON RESTART. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR FAILURE THAT WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF LEAD FRAME UNIT AT A COST OF $1,366. I ASKED TO HAVE THE REPLACEMENT COMPLETED UNDER RECALL 16V248000 BECAUSE THE REPAIR INVOLVES THE SAME SYMPTOMS, REPAIR PROCEDURE, AND IS THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, AND TRANSMISSION OUTLINED IN THE RECALL BUT WAS DECLINED BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL BECAUSE THE BUILD DATE DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE RECALL DATES. FORD NEEDS TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF RECALL 16V248000 TO INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THAT TRANSMISSION AS MY VEHICLE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE PROBLEM IS EFFECTING VEHICLES OUTSIDE THEIR SPECIFIED BUILD DATES. IT IS CLEAR THAT FORD IS INTENTIONALLY LIMITING THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO MITIGATE THEIR LOSSES AT THE EXPENSE OF MY FAMILY'S SAFETY.

NHTSA ID
11061421
Incident
Jan 8, 2018
Mileage
114,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 18, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROBERT HUDSON FORD LINCOLN MERCURY (2316 1ST AVE SE, MOULTRIE, GA 31788, (229) 985-6603) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM NEEDED RECALIBARATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SOFTWARE UPDATE FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO THE DRIVE GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AGAIN FOR BOTH FAILURES. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INTERIOR LIGHTING, AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-13124389. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11023956
Incident
Aug 22, 2017
Mileage
30,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25H05 S1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

25H05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to evaluate the software currently installed on one or more electronic modules in the affected vehicles.

SSM 53040

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

TSB 24-2188

WHEELS

This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Navigator by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010
2026020
2025116051.9
2024157061.9
2023680
20222014065.8
20213112060.8
20202913066.1
20197210170.1
20185012166.9
2017305061.8
2016254056.7
2015214059.6
2014170043.3
2013140157.8
2012Viewing123144.1
2011901
2010160044.3
2009101044.3
2008302155.4
2007452048.5
2006603051.5
2005480038.0
2004860142.5
20031271149.6
2002324264.5
2001816465.6
20001097263.9
19991327363.3
19981926465.6
1997023
1996000
1995000
1994000
1993000
1992000
1991000

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.