RoadVitals

2013 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.
14
Latest Aug 11, 2026
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.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 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

  • Powertrain (other)631.6%
  • Electrical315.8%
  • Engine210.5%
  • Body & structure210.5%
  • Driver assistance210.5%
  • Visibility15.3%
  • Brakes15.3%
  • Seat belts15.3%
  • Airbags15.3%

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

Each component in detail

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

Powertrain (other)

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 29, 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 · filed Jun 25, 2025

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 25, 2025

WHILE DRIVING ON ACCESS ROAD ABOUT 45 MPH THE CAR JOLTED VERY HARD CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL COMPLETELY. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO AND IT SEEMED LIKED THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR THEN IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER AND ALL AROUND CAR AND TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT SEEMED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THEN DID SAME THING. I TURNED CAR OFF AND CALLED TOW GUY TO TAKE IT HOME.

NHTSA ID 11361431 · filed Sep 27, 2020

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

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 · filed May 11, 2026

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 · filed Jan 2, 2026

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

HEAD ON COLLISION ON DRIVERS SIDE OF FRONT OF NAVIGATOR; HOWEVER, ONLY THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, ONLY I WAS DRIVING, BUT MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT SEEM ODD TO ME...UPDATED 10/15/15 *BF

NHTSA ID 10764635 · filed Sep 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER'S FOOT BECAME TRAPPED IN THE RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5500.

NHTSA ID 10585260 · filed Apr 28, 2014

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

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 · filed Jun 25, 2025

WHILE DRIVING ON ACCESS ROAD ABOUT 45 MPH THE CAR JOLTED VERY HARD CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL COMPLETELY. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO AND IT SEEMED LIKED THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR THEN IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER AND ALL AROUND CAR AND TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT SEEMED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THEN DID SAME THING. I TURNED CAR OFF AND CALLED TOW GUY TO TAKE IT HOME.

NHTSA ID 11361431 · filed Sep 27, 2020

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

I HAVE A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR THAT HAS SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT'S RAIN SENSING WIPERS. THEY WILL STOP COMPLETELY DURING A RAIN OR RAIN/SNOW STORM. OTHER TIMES THEY WON'T COME ON BY THEMSELVES. THEY INSTEAD HAVE TO BE TURNED ON MANUALLY. THEY HAVE COME ON AND STAYED ON FOR AT LEAST TWO MINUTES WHEN THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO RAIN OR MOISTURE IN THE AIR. I AM SURE YOU WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT THIS CAN PROVE TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE ALSO HAVE DOCUMENTATION ON THE DEALER'S WORK ORDERS SHOWING THE TIMES WE HAD BROUGHT OUR VEHICLE IN FOR THE PROBLEMS. WE HAVE PICTURES PROVING OUR PROBLEM BUT THESE PICTURES HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY IGNORED BY BOTH THE LINCOLN REPS THEMSELVES AND THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE FROM NEW LAST MAY' WILLIAMS AUTO GROUP IN SAYRE, PA. FROM THEIR TESTS THE WIPERS 'WORK AS THEY WERE DESIGNED TO'. I AM GOING THROUGH THE PA LEMON LAW NOW BUT I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF THERE HAD BEEN OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS, FORD OR LINCOLN, THAT HAVE REPORTED THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEM. WHAT MAKES THIS VERY TROUBLESOME IS BOTH THE COMPANY'S AND THE WILLIAMS GROUP IGNORING OUR PROOF -- THE PICTURES. PREVIOUSLY WE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR TAILGATE OPENING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, OUTSIDE MIRRORS MOVING ON THEIR OWN, DRIVERS SEAT ADJUSTING ON ITS OWN AND THE KEY LOCK NOT OPERATING AS IT SHOULD. EVEN THOUGH NONE OF THESE WERE ABLE TO BE RECONSTRUCTED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THERE WERE 3 INSTANCES WHERE THESE WERE WITNESSED BY THE DEALER'S SERVICE EMPLOYEES. SO THEY DID GO AHEAD AND REPLACE MANY OF THE MODULES BUT HAVE DONE NOTHING WITH THE WIPERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10605893 · filed Jun 25, 2014

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

Brakes

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 11, 2026

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

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE WARNING INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35.

NHTSA ID 10899206 · filed Aug 29, 2016

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

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HEAD ON COLLISION ON DRIVERS SIDE OF FRONT OF NAVIGATOR; HOWEVER, ONLY THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, ONLY I WAS DRIVING, BUT MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT SEEM ODD TO ME...UPDATED 10/15/15 *BF

NHTSA ID 10764635 · filed Sep 17, 2015

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 .