Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
21
Latest Mar 17, 2026
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
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
2
Reports on file since Nov 20, 2016
What this page shows
Our database holds 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaints, most recent first
Showing 1–21 of 21
Electrical
Filed Mar 17, 2026
Unknown. When vehicle is running there is a strong smell of burnt wires coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. It gets worse after running for awhile. Smell is stronger when the air is on. Reading other recalls it sounds similar to recalls on similar vehicles blower motors.
NHTSA ID
11725007
Incident
Mar 15, 2026
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 21, 2026
Second row passenger side captains chair seat latch that secures it to the floor is defective. Metal teeth somehow are worn off prevent the seat from latching to the floor. Huge safety issue for this as it’s mostly kids sitting in the back that may not even notice or say anything. Makes me nervous how many people in navigator and expeditions are riding around with defective seats. Called the dealership to get a replacement part and was told it would need a new seat frame. $3400 for a seat frame is beyond outrageous. I can find used seats, still not cheap, but my concern is this will be the same issue.
NHTSA ID
11712337
Incident
Dec 15, 2025
Steering
Filed Apr 25, 2025
Telescoping button on steering column does not work. The steering wheel is in a low position making it difficult to enter and exit vehicle.
NHTSA ID
11656786
Incident
Apr 25, 2025
Filed Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (Visibility). The contact became aware that the remedy the manufacturer has for the recall repair was to cut the LED wire and disable it permanently. The contact does not agree with the remedy and wants the recall part repaired.
NHTSA ID
11656776
Incident
Mar 22, 2025
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall repair was performed; however, shortly after the repair the climate control blower motor remained activated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the speed controller was responsible for the failure because the blower motor was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA ID
11646838
Incident
Feb 26, 2025
Mileage
150,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2025
The ecoboost engine is skipping time.
NHTSA ID
11641109
Incident
Feb 6, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 20, 2024
MY 2015 Lincoln Navigator suddenly down shifts when driving. I was on the highway driving 65 MPH when I had to pull off onto the edge of the highway at night in CHICAGO. This is very scary and a significant safety issue. Ford knows of the defects with the transmission in this model. They have issued recalls for the same transmission in other models, just not the Navigator yet. This needs a recall immediately for the models that have transmissions with the same defects just as other Ford models such as the F150.
NHTSA ID
11603530
Incident
Jul 19, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 4, 2023
Our 2015 Lincoln Navigator suddenly down shifts when driving which is a significant safety issue. Ford knows of the defects with the transmission in this model. They have issued recalls for the same transmission in other models, just not yet in the Navigator. They do not want to damage reputation to there Lincoln/Navigator line. Long Lewis Ford Dealership in Muscle Shoals, AL, has inspected it and verified that the "molded lead frame" is defective and must be replaced in order for the vehicle to be road worthy. They are telling us to replace it along with other internal components that are defective. Please help protect the public by forcing them to issue a recall immediately for the models that have transmissions with such defects just as they have done for this transmission in other models.
NHTSA ID
11558395
Incident
Nov 9, 2023
Engine
Filed Sep 6, 2023
Fire reported
The contact owned a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that when started, the air conditioning system became inoperable. The contact observed smoke coming through the air vents. The vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the contact observed fire coming from under the glove box. The Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss. The contact was unsure where the vehicle was taken to. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.
NHTSA ID
11542957
Incident
Aug 20, 2023
Mileage
59,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact also stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen displayed a distorted image or a blank screen intermittently. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ID
11533485
Incident
Aug 1, 2022
Visibility
Filed Mar 19, 2023
One Wiper stopped working in a rain storm
NHTSA ID
11512693
Incident
Mar 14, 2023
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Oct 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that whenever the AC was turned on it would then shut off immediately after. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ID
11489927
Incident
Aug 26, 2022
Mileage
78,000 mi
Filed Oct 10, 2022
There are some major transmission issues with my vehicle. The gears do not change properly causing the SUV to stall on the highway while I was driving 65 MPH. I took it to the Mark Ficken Ford Lincoln dealership for repair. They stated that the torque converter needed repair along with the 3rd gear and 5th gear clutch had issues. The thumping/grinding sound I've been hearing since I purchased the car from Mark Ficken. The dealership should cover the cost of these repairs. The vehicle has 110,000 miles on it. I purchased it pre-owned from the dealership.
NHTSA ID
11488644
Incident
Sep 24, 2022
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 6, 2022
When in park, vehicle fails to stay parked in some instances. For example, SUV has rolled forward (while in park): when parking on an incline or while unloading items from trunk, resting against bumper caused it to roll ahead and hit closed garage door in the garage, or when leaning on the SUV body outside vehicle it can disengage from park and start moving while shifter stays in P position. Emergency break stops movement. We started noticing the issue Jan 2022 and took it to Lincoln for service on 02/25/22 to investigate (after multiple accounts, same concern). They found no recognizable problem, stating vehicle might not have been in park to begin with. No parts were removed; only a visual & functional assessment. Paid an inspection bill with no resolution to safety concern. However, it re-occurred on 4/2/22. Because the concern is intermittent and cannot be replicated on demand it’s harder to predict when SUV will move. Using the emergency parking break as a safety back-up for now. Vehicle is available for further inspection. To date, no major damage caused. Yet, forgetting the manual break could result in a terrible situation at any time. All instances of rolling away have occurred after driver exited the vehicle. Level parking surfaces are not always available. Probably unrelated to the safety issue, there are strange electric bugs. Radio will turn on randomly while driving; tailgate will open on its own when SUV is parked. However, no warning messages have displayed for any of the safety or electrical issues described.
NHTSA ID
11459788
Incident
Apr 2, 2022
Airbags
Filed Sep 25, 2021
Crash reported3 injuries reported
In a 55mph frontal crash the airbags failed to inflate to protect the driver. Severe damage to the front of the vehicle.
NHTSA ID
11434319
Incident
Sep 19, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Jul 27, 2021
While driving the Lincoln navigator with only 96,000 miles, it chugged and rapidly reduced power, forcing me off the road. It happened 3 times in 2 days while I was on vacation at the Wisconsin dells. The Dealer said it was "throttle actuator failure" after the test was run. I replaced throttle body and gasket at the dealer for $425.10 on 07/27/2021. This should be part of a recall!! We could have been killed from the sudden loss of power, and all the traffic behind me that had to suddenly stop. It was very, very, scary. It came out of nowhere, with no fore warning. I had no idea what to do.
NHTSA ID
11426735
Incident
Jul 25, 2021
Electrical
Filed Jun 26, 2020
OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER ON MY 2015 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR WOULD JUST STOP WORKING. WE TOOK IT TO THE FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED FREON. $300 LATER, I WAS BACK ON THE ROAD. BUT A FEW HOURS LATER, THE BLOWER STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK AND AFTER INVESTIGATION FOUND A "SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE SSM47797" A POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AT THE BLOWER MOTOR SPEED CONTROL. FIRESTONE SAID THE CONNECTION HAD "BURNED UP" AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER MY CERTIFIED USED CAR WARRANTY - BUT WHEN I CALLED WOODHOUSE LINCOLN MERCURY, THEY SAID IT WAS "JUST A SSM" AND IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. IN ADDITION, THEY COULD NOT EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT IT UNTIL "NEXT WEEK SOMETIME". I TOLD THE PERSON ON THE PHONE THAT I NEEDED TO GO TO KANSAS CITY FOR THE WEEKEND, BUT HE DID NOT CARE. FIRESTONE IS FIXING IT, BUT IT IS $530. MY QUESTION IS, IF SOMETHING IS ABLE TO BURN UP UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR - AND THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS ABOUT IT, SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL NOTICE SENT TO ALL LINCOLN OWNERS? *TR
NHTSA ID
11331046
Incident
Jun 26, 2020
Mileage
85,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2019
A FEW MONTHS AGO, AROUND 65,000 MILES, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED A LOSS OF POWER AS I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE. AT THAT SAME TIME, THE CHECK ENGINE ICON STARTED FLASHING. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE ICON STOPPED FLASHING. EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL AND I DIDN'T EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. THIS WOULD OCCASIONALLY HAPPEN WHENEVER I'D TRY TO OVERTAKE ANOTHER CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. THESE DAYS AT 78,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY RUNS ROUGH.
NHTSA ID
11241585
Incident
Apr 17, 2019
Mileage
65,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 25, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THERE WERE 3 CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND REPAIR. A FEW DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AGAIN, WHILE DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY ROAD. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT WAS RETURNED TO DEALER, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. THIS HAPPENED ON MAY 10TH, AND MAY 22ND, 2018. ALSO SIDE MONITOR STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA ID
11097877
Incident
May 10, 2018
Mileage
68,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Apr 10, 2018
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME NOT RESENT ON MY 2015 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER. WHILE TRAVELING MY FRONT PASSENGER FORGOT TO FASTEN THEIR SEATBELT AND NO WARNING WAS EVER GIVEN.
NHTSA ID
11084310
Incident
Mar 18, 2018
Mileage
24,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 20, 2016
Crash reported
ENGINE SURGED CAUSING VEHICLE TO PROPEL FORWARD HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND LESS DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK THAT I HIT. I WAS IN A CARPOOL LINE AT MY CHILD'S SCHOOL WHERE IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR PEDESTRIANS TO WALK IN FRONT OF VEHICLES SITTING IN LINE. IF THIS HAD BEEN THE CASE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH.
NHTSA ID
10927110
Incident
Nov 2, 2016
Mileage
10,000 mi
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.