2017 Lincoln Navigator Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 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
- Brakes1023.8%
- Driver assistance614.3%
- Visibility511.9%
- Electrical49.5%
- Fuel system37.1%
- Airbags24.8%
- Body & structure24.8%
- Exterior lighting24.8%
- Suspension24.8%
- Other / unspecified12.4%
- Powertrain (other)12.4%
- Seat belts12.4%
- Steering12.4%
- Interior & seats12.4%
- Engine12.4%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has a severe brake fluid leak. There is a recall for the issue. I called the local Lincoln dealership Ford Mill Lincoln SC and they said there was nothing they could do. I explained to them that there was a safety recall. They refused to fix the vehicle under the recall. The car is very unsafe to drive and the manufacturer is not offering any assistance to fix the defect.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that there was an unknown fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank or distorted image. The contact stated that when the part for the recall repair became available, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, after the dealer inspected the rearview camera, no failure was found. The rearview camera was not replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the rearview camera would be replaced as necessary. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted while reversing. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (Visibility); and the remedy was available, and the vehicle was scheduled for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed that the contact that the recall remedy called for the dealer to disconnect the LED light wires. The contact expressed dissatisfaction with the recall remedy, stating that she believed simply disconnecting the LED light wires did not constitute a repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the recall remedy. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
the rearview camera does not always come on when the vehicle is put in reverse. It appears to be the same issue as the newer Lincoln navigators and other fords for which a recall was just issued. The recall number for Ford is 25S49. The recall needs to include the 2017 navigator as well. You can not see behind the vehicle when the camera malfunctions The vehicle has not been to the dealer for the issue yet when the camera does not work there is a error message
Driver side sideview mirror caught on fire twice. Once 30 min after the car wash with the engine running. Second time immediately after the car wash upon using a power seat button and turning engine off. Mirror replaced after second incident. Wires insulation melted inside of the mirror.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
problem is when you go to check the oil do you think you’re gonna find a low oil situation and what happens is the oil is actually overfilled however it’s not overfilled because you put too much oil in it. It’s overfilled because gasoline is leaking into the oil pan. So the oil is diluted and it actually doesn’t even seem like oil. It seems like dirty gas. That’s how much gas gets into it. Supposedly this is a known issue after searching it on the Internet, this is known, and it happens with this making my vehicle. The manufacturer should be responsible for fixing it. Supposedly the fix is either changing the fuel pump or fixing the valves or maybe a combination of both either way the consumer should not be stuck with this. This is a design error or defect. It says there’s also a problem with the gasket I feel I should not have to pay to get this fixed. This is a designed defect and they sold the car this way knowing afterwards that there’s an issue with it. My crank case is filled with gas when I pull the dipstick out. It drips like water. If you look at the full line on the dipstick it’s about 1 inch over the full line and the oil is virtually useless. The car also runs an idles rough and it’s constantly idling up and idling down and that’s probably because the gas is leaking into the engine. Please look into this and I appreciate anything you can do. This is definitely a Ford issue. They should be responsible there’s nothing I did to this particles this problem. I maintained my vehicles. I did everything I was supposed to do and this problem arose because it’s defect in the car quite frankly if I would’ve known it, there’s no way I would’ve bought it. I feel the public should know about this and I feel that they should be responsible to fix it. Thank you very much. I appreciate all your help in time. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The throttle body went bad while driving 55mph and 35mph. Over 5 times I could not accelerate while stepping on the gas peddle and it would stall out trying to get it to ford on the same road for 5 miles. I had to quickly stop and turn it back on with my flashers going less than 35mp on a 55mph road. This happened at first going around a corner you can not stop on due to no visual on the other side which would cause a wreck stopping there. The problem was confirmed by Coughlin of Heath Ford and they were the ones that fixed it. There was no warning of the throttle body going bad until it happened at that moment and repeated to happen as I tried to get it to ford on the same road it was happening on into town. The check engine light did come on but it it would go on and off during the situation until it finally stayed on after a few minutes. There is a photo of the report attached to this document.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF BY AN 18-WHEELER, WHICH FORCED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INTO THE LEFT LANE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT ON THE FREEWAY, WHICH IN TURN SET OFF A CHAIN REACTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, HOWEVER, THE COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SPINAL CORD AND HAND INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BUT WAS NOT TOWED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
THERE IS NO WEIGHT SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS NO NOTIFICATION THAT THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED. THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK UNLESS THE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. MY GRANDCHILDREN'S WEIGHT IS NOT REGISTERED AND THEREFORE THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF THEY ARE IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AND SEAT BELTED IN. I WAS TOLD BY LINCOLN NAVIGATOR DIVISION AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED AND REMARKED THAT I FELT THIS CONDITION OF 1L. NO NOTIFICATION THAT THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, 2. THAT IF THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THE AIRBAG DOES NOT WORK, 3. THAT IF MY GRANDSON IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH SEAT BELT FASTENED, THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY CAUSING HIM INJURY OR DEATH. THEY DID NOT SEEM TO CARE AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET BUT THIS VEHICLE AND ITS DESIGN IS UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver side sideview mirror caught on fire twice. Once 30 min after the car wash with the engine running. Second time immediately after the car wash upon using a power seat button and turning engine off. Mirror replaced after second incident. Wires insulation melted inside of the mirror.
Major rust problems that effect the safety of driving the vehicle. Vehicle will not pass PA State Inspection. Hood latch rusted. possibility of hood opening. Rust holes in rocker panels. FRAME cross supports. No enough space to explain. Please see attached PDF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recall number 25S08 for side mirror lighting, the disconnect remedy is unacceptable. These side lights provide safety measures for exiting and entering the vehicle. As older adults seeing the fold out step in the dark is necessary. If these lights are disconnected due to the recommended remedy from Ford then there is a fall hazard for owners who don't see well at night. The steps could be missed resulting in a fall. WE request the lights be replaced or repaired NOT disconnected. Recall documents mailed from FORD/Lincoln to my address March and June 2025
F THE TURN SIGNAL CONTROL ARM IS MOVED PARTIALLY IN ANY DIRECTION, AND IMMEDIATELY MOVED INTO THE FULLY OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THE TURN SIGNALS WILL BE DISABLED. IF THE OPERATOR ADJUSTS THE HIGH BEAMS, OR SIMPLY MAKES A MISTAKE WHEN TRYING TO SIGNAL, (BY SELECTING THE WRONG DIRECTION FIRST) THE TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT OPERATE EVEN THOUGH THE CONTROL ARM IS IN THE FULLY LOCKED POSITION. LINCOLN SERVICE STATES THAT WHEN THEY CONNECT THE VEHICE TO THE COMPUTER, IT SHOWS THAT THE BLINKERS ARE ACTIVE, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE VISUALLY NOT BLINKING. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THE ISSUE EXISITS ON ALL VEHICLES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR END NOISES
Major rust problems that effect the safety of driving the vehicle. Vehicle will not pass PA State Inspection. Hood latch rusted. possibility of hood opening. Rust holes in rocker panels. FRAME cross supports. No enough space to explain. Please see attached PDF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Major rust problems that effect the safety of driving the vehicle. Vehicle will not pass PA State Inspection. Hood latch rusted. possibility of hood opening. Rust holes in rocker panels. FRAME cross supports. No enough space to explain. Please see attached PDF.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving down freeway and vehicle suddenly downshifted and the wrench light came on along with the airbag light, the blind spot detection sensors indicated not working, and more. Had to stop car and restart. Happened several times. Found out it is a problem with the 6R80 Transmission lead frame which has a recall with Ford F-150s but not on Lincoln.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS NO WEIGHT SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS NO NOTIFICATION THAT THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED. THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK UNLESS THE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. MY GRANDCHILDREN'S WEIGHT IS NOT REGISTERED AND THEREFORE THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF THEY ARE IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AND SEAT BELTED IN. I WAS TOLD BY LINCOLN NAVIGATOR DIVISION AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED AND REMARKED THAT I FELT THIS CONDITION OF 1L. NO NOTIFICATION THAT THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, 2. THAT IF THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THE AIRBAG DOES NOT WORK, 3. THAT IF MY GRANDSON IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH SEAT BELT FASTENED, THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY CAUSING HIM INJURY OR DEATH. THEY DID NOT SEEM TO CARE AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET BUT THIS VEHICLE AND ITS DESIGN IS UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, both the "Hill Start" and "Service AdvanceTrac" warning messages appeared on the instrument panel. The steering wheel had become stiff as a result of the failure and the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle home. The contact initially assumed the failure was related to battery; however, after replacing the vehicle's battery, the failure persisted. The contact then called the dealer who informed him the failure was likely related to the steering rack. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS NO WEIGHT SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS NO NOTIFICATION THAT THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED. THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK UNLESS THE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. MY GRANDCHILDREN'S WEIGHT IS NOT REGISTERED AND THEREFORE THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF THEY ARE IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AND SEAT BELTED IN. I WAS TOLD BY LINCOLN NAVIGATOR DIVISION AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED AND REMARKED THAT I FELT THIS CONDITION OF 1L. NO NOTIFICATION THAT THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, 2. THAT IF THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THE AIRBAG DOES NOT WORK, 3. THAT IF MY GRANDSON IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH SEAT BELT FASTENED, THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY CAUSING HIM INJURY OR DEATH. THEY DID NOT SEEM TO CARE AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET BUT THIS VEHICLE AND ITS DESIGN IS UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
problem is when you go to check the oil do you think you’re gonna find a low oil situation and what happens is the oil is actually overfilled however it’s not overfilled because you put too much oil in it. It’s overfilled because gasoline is leaking into the oil pan. So the oil is diluted and it actually doesn’t even seem like oil. It seems like dirty gas. That’s how much gas gets into it. Supposedly this is a known issue after searching it on the Internet, this is known, and it happens with this making my vehicle. The manufacturer should be responsible for fixing it. Supposedly the fix is either changing the fuel pump or fixing the valves or maybe a combination of both either way the consumer should not be stuck with this. This is a design error or defect. It says there’s also a problem with the gasket I feel I should not have to pay to get this fixed. This is a designed defect and they sold the car this way knowing afterwards that there’s an issue with it. My crank case is filled with gas when I pull the dipstick out. It drips like water. If you look at the full line on the dipstick it’s about 1 inch over the full line and the oil is virtually useless. The car also runs an idles rough and it’s constantly idling up and idling down and that’s probably because the gas is leaking into the engine. Please look into this and I appreciate anything you can do. This is definitely a Ford issue. They should be responsible there’s nothing I did to this particles this problem. I maintained my vehicles. I did everything I was supposed to do and this problem arose because it’s defect in the car quite frankly if I would’ve known it, there’s no way I would’ve bought it. I feel the public should know about this and I feel that they should be responsible to fix it. Thank you very much. I appreciate all your help in time. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .