2013 Lincoln Navigator

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.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related braking system issue with my 2013 Lincoln Navigator (VIN: [XXX]), which has fewer than 90,000 miles. The vehicle's brake control module, which is associated with critical safety functions including the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction/stability control system, required replacement. After a nationwide backorder and obtaining the replacement part through Gullo Ford in Conroe, Texas, an independent repair facility attempted replacement of the module on three separate occasions. The facility was unable to successfully program the replacement module and ultimately advised me to take the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership. The vehicle was delivered to Gullo Ford on July 6, 2026, and remained there until July 20, 2026. Gullo Ford replaced the module for a fourth time but was also unable to successfully program the replacement module. The Gullo Ford repair invoice specifically states that they were "unable to complete programming due to Ford software issues with IDS" and that "Ford is aware of the issue and is working on a fix." I subsequently contacted Ford Motor Company and opened Customer Care Case [XXX]. At this time, I have not been provided with a repair solution or a definitive timeframe for when Ford will be able to correct the software/programming problem. The affected module is associated with the vehicle's anti-lock braking and traction/stability control safety systems. An authorized Ford dealership has been unable to restore these systems to proper operation because Ford's own diagnostic/programming software reportedly cannot complete the required programming. The vehicle was dropped off again on 8/10/2026 to Gullo Ford as it is unsafe to drive and no resolution has been provided. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11756151

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED WHILE DRIVING. SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR UPON ACCELERATION. CLUSTER SHOWED WRENCH AND ENGINE LIGHT. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF THEN RESTARTED AND THE CLUSTER CLEARED AND OPERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. A WEEK LATER, THE SAME INCIDENT. SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM THAT EXPIRED IN THE 2023 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF THAT WINDOW.

NHTSA ID

11747126

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

While operating my 2013 Lincoln Navigator under normal driving conditions, a spark plug ejected from the cylinder head, causing immediate and catastrophic engine failure. The engine lost power and began producing severe mechanical noise, creating a potential safety hazard due to sudden loss of propulsion. Inspection by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Ford dealership confirmed that the spark plug ejection allowed debris to enter the combustion chamber, destroying internal engine components. The vehicle was properly maintained and this failure occurred without warning. This issue appears consistent with known problems involving the Ford 5.4L Triton engine design. Ford Motor Company has refused to escalate or investigate the failure despite documentation. Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center P.O. Box 6248 Dearborn, MI 48126 Re: Goodwill Assistance Request & Notice of Latent Defect Vehicle: 2013 Lincoln Navigator – 5.4L Triton V8 VIN: [XXX] Case Number: To Whom It May Concern, I am the original purchaser and continuous owner of a 2013 Lincoln Navigator equipped with the 5.4L Triton engine. For more than three decades I have exclusively owned Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including multiple Lincoln Navigators, Ford Expeditions, and Ford trucks — all purchased new. I also still own a 1991 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT Convertible acquired new in 1992 and a 1999 Ford pickup currently exceeding 350,000 miles. My history reflects long-standing brand loyalty and confidence in Ford durability. This Navigator has been properly maintained throughout its life. Oil changes were performed approximately every 3,000 miles by both independent mechanics and authorized service facilities. The vehicle currently has approximately 140,000 miles and remains in exceptional cosmetic and interior condition. The vehicle has never been used for towing or severe duty. While operating under normal driving conditions, the check engine light illuminated and the engine imme INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID

11737011

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

While driving at approximately 65-70 mph on a major interstate, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure without warning. This caused an immediate loss of power and power steering/braking assist, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control in high speed traffic. This sudden stall endangered my life and the lives of nearby motorists. A certified mechanic inspected the engine internals (via borescope) and identified that a valve seat had dropped in the #4 cylinder, causing it to impact and destroy the piston. This 'dropped valve seat' failure is a known defect in Ford/Lincoln 5.4L engines. It occurred despite my meticulous maintenance history and constitutes a latent manufacturing defect that creates an unreasonable safety risk on public highways.

NHTSA ID

11708469

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

My truck on a few occasions suddenly down shift hard and on its own without warning, it could very much have cause an accident and could have been deadly at highway speeds, at the same time the speedometer would go to 0 and quit working, as well as multiple warning messages would pop up on message display. IE out of fuel, air system failure, orange wrench, Etc. Then after some time everything would go back to normal operation until it randomly did it again. This is a major safety issue for drivers and passengers as well as other vehicles around. At the dealer they gave me a print out from 2019 that states it was a safty recall 19S07 but the dealership said it was only a technical bullet not a safty recall and dealers not responsible for the cost but will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated calibration -Requires using IDS software release 113.06A or newer (internet connection needed) -No replacement parts needed—this is a software fix But in truth, this dose not fix the problem. Online research show that in most cases the dealership has to remove main control and replace LEAD FRAME. (Located internally in the transmission) like they did on my SUV as well. The cost is over $1,500 and Ford and Lincoln are down playing the danger and by making customers pay out of pocket since it is not an official safety recall from the nhtsa. This out of pocket cost may lead to people not repairing the faulty system. This could have and could be causing accidents or maybe even deaths..This is crazy not to be a full safty recall... Sudden downshift at highway speeds could be extremely dangerous for everyone. Ford/Lincoln should be held responsible for the faulty part and repair for safty purposes.

NHTSA ID

11669073

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

As per Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs 19B05 and 19N01 down shift and molded lead frame. My truck was brought into the dealership to verify the problem. Codes revealed that the molded lead frame and output sped sensor went bad. My 2013 Navigator has 62,000 miles. It was determined that my vehicle was 60 something days over the time limit for the repair and I would have to pay the $1500 to cover the repair! Now I see Ford is issuing a recall! I had the vehicle at the dealer waiting for weeks to get the part. I took the vehicle back as the service advisor told me they did not know when the parts would arrive. I was driving the vehicle several days after picking it up and the rear wheels locked up doing 45 mph. The vehicle behind me hit the back right of my vehicle causing $1900 worth of damage!

NHTSA ID

11596356

Incident

May 20, 2024

I have had this issue happen 3 times the last couple of months.this last time I was driving in traffic and all of a sudden, the motor started humming like it was in neutral. In just a second or two I thought maybe I hit the gear shift, but I had not. I pulled over and turned the car off. waited a couple of minutes, then started it again. As I pulled onto a busy street, I pushed the gas to go and it happened again. this time i am in traffic where I cannot pull over, pressed the gas again hoping it would go as traffic was coming behind me. The car then jumped and started to act like it was getting to much gas. so i let off the gas again, it then was rolling and i barely pressed on the gas and it seemed to be normal. I drove it to my mechanic and he kept it for a week drove everywhere, no problem. i pick it up and it did the same thing sounding like it was in neutral, then was ok.

NHTSA ID

11570071

Incident

Jan 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the rear wheels seized and the vehicle made a screeching sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with wheel speed sensor failure. The contact was informed that the wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the defect and directed the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11454837

Incident

Feb 25, 2022

Mileage

140,000 mi

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

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.

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.

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.

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.

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.