RoadVitals

2015 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.
21
Latest Mar 17, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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 2015 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

  • Electrical725.0%
  • Powertrain (other)517.9%
  • Engine414.3%
  • Visibility414.3%
  • Fuel system27.1%
  • Airbags13.6%
  • Interior & seats13.6%
  • Driver assistance13.6%
  • Seat belts13.6%
  • Steering13.6%
  • Brakes13.6%

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

Electrical

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 17, 2026

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 · filed Mar 6, 2025

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 20, 2024

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 · filed Dec 4, 2023

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The ecoboost engine is skipping time.

NHTSA ID 11641109 · filed Feb 6, 2025

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 · filed Sep 6, 2023

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 6, 2025

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 · filed Jul 20, 2023

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

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 27, 2021

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 · filed Nov 20, 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

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 · filed Sep 25, 2021

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

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 · filed Jan 21, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 20, 2023

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

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 · filed Apr 10, 2018

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

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 25, 2025

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

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 · filed Apr 6, 2022

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 .