2019 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 2019 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)2023.3%
- Seat belts1820.9%
- Engine1214.0%
- Electrical1011.6%
- Driver assistance78.1%
- Visibility44.7%
- Steering33.5%
- Airbags22.3%
- Body & structure22.3%
- Interior & seats22.3%
- Suspension22.3%
- Exterior lighting11.2%
- Brakes11.2%
- Tires & wheels11.2%
- Other / unspecified11.2%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. Additionally, while slowing down and driving under 40 MPH, the transmission experienced a rough downshift, causing the passengers inside the vehicle to lunge forward from their seats. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who flushed the transmission, but the failure persisted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
On Saturday, June 13th, 2026, while merging on to the I-10 freeway heading east, completly without warning, my transmission dropped completely out of gear cancelling acceleration and acted like I had put the transmission in neutral (I had NOT). This caused my vehicle to slow down abruptly with a large vehicle bearing down on me in my lane at freeway speeds (55+). The other vehicle was able to avoid me (just barely) so no accident occurred. I moved towards the side of the road but before I could bring my vehicle to a stop the transmission re-engaged with a violent "BANG" and I was able to accelerate once again. This is not the first time this has happened (transmission dropping out of gear). I have had the vehicle checked out by mechanics at a local Lincoln dealer who could not duplicate the occurrence. Until recently, I was not aware this problem was not unique to just my vehicle. I had thought it was a conflict with my speed control but at the time of this incident the speed control was not engaged. Apparently, this issue has been experienced by many 2019 Lincoln Navigator owners. It would appear a safety recall is in order so as to prevent an injury /deadly accident which could have easily happened to me and my family in this incident.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side seat belt retractor pretensioner deployed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V197000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
I was driving my car about 30 miles an hour when my driver’s side seat belt suddenly locked down on me painfully. Also when that happened it sounded like a gunshot went off and it smelled like smoke. I did not hit anything or apply my brakes suddenly to cause the seat belt to engage.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Purchased a 2019 Lincoln navigator in 2024 used at a dealership in Orange Park Florida. The vehicle was taken to the same dealership for an oil change, which is a Volkswagen dealership. I started to hear a loud shaking noise after starting it up. I took it to O’Reilly‘s auto parts and had to put on a machine and I also took it to Paul, Clark Ford and Yulee Florida. I was told by both that it was the cam phaser. The vehicle was also leaking coolant, and now the engine has completely blown in the vehicle. It has been sitting at a Lincoln dealership for three weeks with a blown engine due to the cam phaser Echt that was never addressed or corrected by Ford. The vehicle is just sitting. It’s now a boat anchor.
About 5 weeks ago, our Navigator's transmission had a mild slip, like it was accidentally put in neutral. Since there was no visible warning sign, check engine light, or clear indicator of transmission issues, we thought it may just be a fluke. Within weeks, the transmission slipping escalated from mild to extreme, causing major safety concerns. When in drive, it would struggle to accelerate, get stuck in the wrong gear, then overcompensate, violently jerking into the correct gear 20+ seconds after it should have. A few times, we narrowly avoided getting rear-ended or rear-ending others. Lincoln service confirmed the 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2019 Navigator is problematic and will likely need a full rebuild, yet there is no transmission recall. They also stated their service department was backed up 4-5 weeks due to transmission repairs. Over the last 2 weeks, we've had a full vehicle diagnostic and repair. The mechanic replaced both leaky transmission coolant lines and completely rebuilt the transmission. He confirmed the check engine light never activated and diagnostic trouble codes never generated. That is an extreme safety problem. According to Lincoln, with leaks and transmission slipping, DTCs should be generated, and check engine lights should come on, but it didn't happen in either case. Please investigate both the transmission failures and the trouble code generation!
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Around mid XXX got into my vehicle I started it up my navigation screen was black and no music would play did not know why it was not working anymore so when I got home I reached out to Ford by email was texting back and forth they had me perform some steps said would bring the system back up that did not work so he wanted me to take it to dealer I did not because they want to charge around $200.00 to look at your vehicle I called Ford by phone as well as Lincoln inquired about recalls on 4-13-26 they also tried to troubleshoot the problem still nothing I spoke with Sandra, Tylor I even asked to speak with upper management about my issue Tylor said he would submit request but went on to say he do not think they would call me back and I also spoke with Dan from Lincoln Apps department they all directed me to the dealer no one offered to waive the for them to look at my vehicle to see what’s wrong and why the system just stopped working like that so have never had a vehicle where the radio just stopped working never happened and my navigation screen is black screen my husband did go and talk with a Ford dealer last week about my vehicle he did not have the vehicle with him put the person did say it what he was stating it seems that it may be a modular it it would run over $2,000 to fix it I’m not sure if my vehicle is involved in this recall 26C27 or 26V372 I feel I should not have to pay for the dealer to inspect my vehicle to see if it’s something wrong on their end thanks for the help in this matter [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 81,183. The contact was informed by the warranty company, and based on a Carfax Report, the mileage was 97,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased this car used. The local lot did not disclose this well-documented history with the Navigator's transmission. I had recall work done a few months ago at an authorized Ford dealership. No warning. The vehicle stalls and pauses during acceleration (the engine does not die). This transmission issue is both dangerous and alarming, as I am unable to complete a pass. The car coasts in neutral (with traffic approaching/oncoming) during attempts to pass other vehicles.
After the recall on the backup camera the image processing unit (IPMB) has gone bad and the car does not display any camera information views (back up, front, 360 degree). I believe this is also related to the back up camera recall and should be addressed.
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
while driving in raid the wipers slowed drastically, like it wasn't connected well to the motor, then ultimately stopped. This made it difficult to see while driving and we can no longer drive in the rain until we can get it repaired. Dealer was unwilling to come remotely to inspect and repair.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact later discovered that there was a hole in the rear sunroof. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
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
Yesterday while driving on I-65 my car all of a sudden seemed to by hydroplaning even thought no water on the water and steering was super unstable and not able to control the vehicle. I had to pull off the side and drive with flashers all the way while driving at a slow speed. The interior lights also kept coming on by themselves.
complete loss of steering control while driving , after a turn or without a turn. It feels like the steering wheel completely disconnected from the wheel control.
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 2019 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEATBELT PR TENSIONER FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING TO HER CHEST FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE 2 CHILDREN RECEIVED SMALL BRUISING TO THE FACE AND LEFT SHOULDER FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE OTHER VEHICLE INJURIES WERE UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACTED. THE OCCUPANT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO APPLE FORD (8800 STANFORD BLVD, COLUMBIA, MD 21045 (410) 290-1100) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS STILL PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.
RESTRAINTS INDICATOR LAMP WARNING LIGHT ON EVERY TIME PASSENGER GETS IN AND BUCKLED UP. WHILE IN MOTION IT WILL TURN ON! DEALER COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT.
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
I had my windshield replaced with an OEM Lincoln glass at the dealership. Upon receiving the vehicle i noticed that when driving at night all lights are duplicated. The duplicated light eventutally merges with the actual light as you approach in distance. Multiple headlights on a highway are very disorienting and distracting making it hard to focus on driving. I have had the glass replaced a total of 4 times. All with the same problem. I was told there was defective glass that had been made however I have yet to get a piece of glass that is optically reasonable to drive at night. Wanted to report as I'm sure others have a similar problem.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact later discovered that there was a hole in the rear sunroof. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
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
I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago and have had nothing but electrical issues since. The front Lincoln emblem and the rear driverside brake lights do not work. Also, the heated driver seat stopped working. I have read the lighting issue is common.
The rear trunk latch disconnects from the car during any instance and projects the trunk open in a rapid manner. This issue occurred 3 times. The first time the vehicle was pulling into my garage and the trunk opened without prompting. The trunk smashed against the top of the garage and the facade of my home. Lincoln reviewed the electrical system and determined the event occurred without my involvement and replaced the latch. They did not call it a recall issue but did agree that they have seen it occur more than a few times. Subsequently, the issue occurred again. I was pulling into an indoor garage at a mall, and the trunk opened voluntarily once again. This time no damage occurred as I pulled to the side and remedied the situation. The third occurrence happened a few days ago as I dropped my 10 year old off at home. The trunk once again voluntarily opened. Each time i could've been driving at a faster speed and each time these incidences occurred I had parts of my family in the vehicle. There were never any warning lamps and the manufacturer has gone silent with what the issue is. I am concerned that this can occur at a higher rate of speed with all of my children in the car.
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
Well, the problem is with the transmission. The transmission will lurch, and it also will go into neutral while you are driving down the road, the other thing with the suspension I had repaired. But it said the drive modes were disabled and kept on throwing. Check engine lights. Not to mention, I had to have the cam. Phasers fixed last year, that was another $5000 repair.
2019 Lincoln Navigator Dealership delivery 9.14.22 Husband & Daughter drove around the neighborhood. Check engine light comes on suv is overheating. Husband immediately pulls into our driveway fluid is leaking out all over. Plus smoking. This was maybe two hours after it was in our possession. 9.15.22 Ford of Dalton has it towed to their dealership. 9.15.22 Suv was back in our possession. 9.21. Heard a ticking sound from the front of the suv. 9.26.22 Dropped off Suv at Ford of Hixson. 10.1.22 picked up a rental. 10.7.22 picked up suv 12.7.22 Contacted Ford Of Dalton. Hearing the same noise, plus a new clunking sound and movement below my feet on the driver side.They replaced axle, barrings. No warning other than the sound. 12.12. 22 Suv in Ford of Dalton possession. 1.12.23 Suv back in our possession. 1.13.23 hearing a sound when turning left. No warning 1.13.23 drove off a mountain where we live to take my daughter to her basketball game. Approximately 7:10 p.m my daughter and I heard a loud sound. The suv pulled us left into oncoming traffic! My suv steering wheel lost control started smoking and smelt like burning rubber!! This was the most terrifying experience in my life!! We are so lucky to be alive! If this happened anywhere else the outcome could have been very different. Luckily we were just leaving her basketball game and we’re on a side street.This suv was supposed to be our primary vehicle. It is extremely unreliable and unsafe to drive. After last nights horrible experience there is no way we will take this vehicle back. It’s very unsafe to drive. ** no warnings!
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
I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago and have had nothing but electrical issues since. The front Lincoln emblem and the rear driverside brake lights do not work. Also, the heated driver seat stopped working. I have read the lighting issue is common.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEATBELT IS NOT RECOILING PROPERLY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT, NEW ONE IS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. SAT IN OTHER BLACK LABEL NAVIGATORS AND THEY ALSO HAD THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE BRAKES ARE MAKING AN ODD NOISE (IT MAKES THE SAME TYPE OF SOUND YOU HEAR WHEN GETTING UP FROM A LEATHER COUCH) WINDOW WASHERS HAVE FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE MULTIPLE VIDEO'S OF THAT DRIVER SEATS ARE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE (ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE), DEALERSHIP HAD TO FIX IT TWICE NOW. KEEP IN MIND THIS VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW, THEIR TOP OF THE LINE MODEL AND HAD LESS THEN 10K MILES WHEN THESE ISSUES STARTED. I WOULD BE MORE THAN WILLING TO MEET WITH SOMEONE IN PERSON TO SHOW THEM ALL THE ISSUES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
3 tires developed sidewall 'tears' . All were on the right side of the car , 2 had less than 25000 miles and one had less than 500 miles (it was a replacement that I bought from the Ford dealer). Two exploded at low speed. Tire size 285/45R 22 114H
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
2019 Lincoln Navigator Dealership delivery 9.14.22 Husband & Daughter drove around the neighborhood. Check engine light comes on suv is overheating. Husband immediately pulls into our driveway fluid is leaking out all over. Plus smoking. This was maybe two hours after it was in our possession. 9.15.22 Ford of Dalton has it towed to their dealership. 9.15.22 Suv was back in our possession. 9.21. Heard a ticking sound from the front of the suv. 9.26.22 Dropped off Suv at Ford of Hixson. 10.1.22 picked up a rental. 10.7.22 picked up suv 12.7.22 Contacted Ford Of Dalton. Hearing the same noise, plus a new clunking sound and movement below my feet on the driver side.They replaced axle, barrings. No warning other than the sound. 12.12. 22 Suv in Ford of Dalton possession. 1.12.23 Suv back in our possession. 1.13.23 hearing a sound when turning left. No warning 1.13.23 drove off a mountain where we live to take my daughter to her basketball game. Approximately 7:10 p.m my daughter and I heard a loud sound. The suv pulled us left into oncoming traffic! My suv steering wheel lost control started smoking and smelt like burning rubber!! This was the most terrifying experience in my life!! We are so lucky to be alive! If this happened anywhere else the outcome could have been very different. Luckily we were just leaving her basketball game and we’re on a side street.This suv was supposed to be our primary vehicle. It is extremely unreliable and unsafe to drive. After last nights horrible experience there is no way we will take this vehicle back. It’s very unsafe to drive. ** no warnings!
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 .