POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2020 Lincoln Navigator
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 25V628000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and engine categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 193 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 4 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 5 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 7 |
| Jan 2024 | 4 | 11 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 12 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 13 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 14 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 15 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 16 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | 18 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | 20 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 21 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | 23 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 24 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 25 |
| May 2026 | 3 | 28 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 29 |
| Aug 2026 | 2 | 31 |
| Sep 2026 | 1 | 32 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)1851.4%
- Electrical411.4%
- Engine38.6%
- Seat belts38.6%
- Driver assistance25.7%
- Exterior lighting12.9%
- Interior & seats12.9%
- Tires & wheels12.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
13 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
ENGINE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact 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 contact stated that while driving toward a red light at 10 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park(P), causing the contact's chest to strike the steering wheel. The engine then shut off. The vehicle was restarted, and the Hill Assist, Pre-Collision, and another unknown warning light were briefly illuminated before turning off. Additionally, the transmission was slipping while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765889
- Incident
- Sep 21, 2026
- Mileage
- 103,000 mi
On August 20, 2026, I was driving my 2020 Lincoln Navigator and came to a complete stop at a traffic light. While I was sitting stationary at the light, with no collision, impact, sudden braking, or other event, I suddenly heard a very loud noise that sounded like a gunshot. At the same time, the driver-side seat belt violently tightened and pulled me back into the seat. The seat belt tightened with enough force to leave marks across my chest and stomach. I was able to get myself out of the seat belt, but afterward the seat belt remained extremely tight and locked in place and could no longer be used normally. My vehicle had previously been identified as being affected by a Lincoln/Ford recall involving the seat belt pretensioner. Several months ago, I received notification instructing me to bring the vehicle to a Lincoln dealership to have the recall addressed. I scheduled the repair and brought the vehicle to the dealership approximately two weeks later. At that time, I was informed that the recall had been paused and that the dealership could not perform the repair because Lincoln did not have an available remedy/replacement part. I continued driving the vehicle because Lincoln had not provided a repair or instructed me that the vehicle should not be driven. The seat belt pretensioner has now unexpectedly deployed while the vehicle was completely stationary and without any accident or impact. The Lincoln dealership has informed me that they expect it may take approximately one month to obtain the replacement part needed to repair the vehicle. I have also contacted Lincoln Customer Support, and a case has been opened regarding this incident. I am reporting this because this was a serious and frightening safety failure. The seat belt pretensioner deployed without a collision or other apparent reason and tightened with enough force to cause visible marks on my body. I am concerned that this defect could cause more serious injuries if it occurs to other drivers
- NHTSA ID
- 11758614
- Incident
- Aug 20, 2026
On August 20, 2026, while traveling about 45 MPH, I accelerated to merge onto a highway while passing a slow-moving semi, with traffic approaching from behind. The transmission unexpectedly disengaged and the vehicle completely lost propulsion. The gear indicator showed Neutral. The engine rapidly increased RPM/redlined but the vehicle would not accelerate. I pressed the Drive selector to re-engage the transmission. The vehicle lurched/slammed before Drive engaged and propulsion returned. This created a serious collision risk while merging into highway traffic. This is not an isolated incident. For approximately four years the vehicle has intermittently exhibited rough/abnormal shifting or slipping during acceleration, progressively worsening. During a previous loss-of-propulsion incident on a two-lane highway, the failure occurred while passing a semi with oncoming traffic, creating a risk of a head-on collision. We repeatedly discussed the transmission problem with dealership personnel. Because it was intermittent, the dealer said diagnosis required leaving our primary family vehicle for several weeks, without a loaner. The selling dealer, about six hours away, later offered to retrieve the vehicle and provide a loaner, but canceled because no loaner was available. The defect was therefore never successfully diagnosed or repaired. After the August 20 incident, dealer-provided connected-vehicle diagnostics recorded a Powertrain System Fault and TCM codes P27B5 (Transmission Gear Ratio Control Performance), P2796 and P07E6. The vehicle is parked and available for inspection because I consider it unsafe to drive. It is also subject to open NHTSA Recall 26V402/Ford 26S48 involving the transmission/parking system; no remedy is currently available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11758346
- Incident
- Aug 20, 2026
The contact owns 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, occupied with his wife in the vehicle, he heard a loud explosion noise coming from inside the vehicle, and as his wife leaning forward the seat belt deployed on his front passenger side of the vehicle causing his wife to sustain whiplash and brushing to her chest. A dealer or An Independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for dignanoses. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure mileage was 124,000. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:25V197000(SEATBELTS) However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 55, 884.
- NHTSA ID
- 11751851
- Incident
- Jul 18, 2026
- Mileage
- 55,884 mi
CDF Drum Failure is a known issue to Ford. They have issued a technical service bulletin (TSB 22-2428) to replace poorly designed components that have since been redesigned. The failure mode can cause violent gear shifts (from gear 10 to gear 1) at high speeds, which is a significant safety concern. While driving on the highway, the transmission would not shift between gears and the car lurched. Check engine light came on and I exited the highway immediately. I took my vehicle to be looked at, and they diagnosed the problem as CDF Drum failure. Ford needs to take responsibility for their problematic design in these vehicles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11739013
- Incident
- May 15, 2026
Both front headlight and rear headlight seals are faulty resulting in a water leak, causing headlight and taillights to become inoperable at 60k miles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11737024
- Incident
- Apr 3, 2026
2020 Lincoln Navigator, 10R80 transmission. Following two full transmission replacements, torque converter replacement, valve body replacement, and transmission pump repair, vehicle continues to exhibit hesitation under acceleration, harsh and delayed shifting, loss of power, shaking beginning at approximately 28-30 mph felt through the floorboard, and abnormal fuel consumption. Independent tire shop ruled out tires as cause. Safety Recall O1 for PCM reprogramming remains incomplete on this VIN despite multiple service visits. Vehicle has been at dealership since early-March with no confirmed repair date or Ford engineer visit scheduled
- NHTSA ID
- 11735680
- Incident
- Oct 1, 2025
On [XXX] at or about [XXX]., I was traveling on the highway while going up hill to pass a slow moving vehicle, in the passing lane, suddenly lost total acceleration in which a wrench light appeared as if the transmission disengaged. I was able to coast to the into the driving lane, to get to the shoulder of the road in which the transmission engaged back at about 10mph. I was able to continue slowly, to my destination but at lower speeds the vehicle was shaking and shifting hard. I had just purchased this vehicle, used, only having same for about a month. I had to have the vehicle towed back to the place where I purchase same, due to transmission failure on 04/25/26. To A Better Way Wholesale Auto, 49 Raytkwich Road, Naugatuck CT 06770 I waiting for a service report in what needs to be repaired or replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11733809
- Incident
- Apr 24, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
SEATS
For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cover. Refer to PTS Home > Technical Assistance > Technical Support Videos > Section 501- Body and Paint > Seat J-Clips. For claiming, use causal parts from list below and labor operations 63100A and 63100A5. Causal Parts for claiming: Bronco/Bronco Sport/Escape/Explorer/Expedition/Navigator: 7862900 or 7862901 F-150/F-Super Duty: 1562900 or 1562901 Ranger/Maverick: 6062900 or 6062901
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS
Some 2018-2024 Expedition and 2018-2027 Navigator vehicles equipped with a rear seat entertainment system/Lincoln Play may experience various system concerns. Rear seat entertainment systems are not on a controller area network (CAN) and are not supported by the Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS). Certain system concerns may be resolved through software updates which will automatically download once each individual monitor is connected to Wi-Fi. Diagnostic support for rear seat entertainment systems is provided by VOXX electronics. If necessary, contact the VOXX Customer Service Department at 1-866-869-7888. If possible, record the device serial number by selecting the gear/Setup icon > Settings > Device and Software > About. If the unit will not power up, the serial number is on a label on the back of the monitor. It is helpful to know the date the issue occurred, how long the monitors were on prior to the issue, what app/input/media was being used, and if the system software was recently updated prior to the concern starting. For claiming, refer to the Warranty and Policy manual for
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through The Ford App Lincoln App, incorrect location global positioning system GPS reported through The Ford App Lincoln App, problems with remote commands being performed through The Ford App Lincoln App and or incorrect data information reported on The Ford App Lincoln App. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code DTC B156D 89 in the TCU. This may be due to the accessory protocol interface module APIM software. To correct the condition, update the APIM software.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2020-2022-Corsair, 2021-2023 Nautilus, 2020-2024 Navigator/Aviator, and 2021-2024 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with phone-as-a-key may exhibit various phone-as-a-key concerns with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) U200D:15, U200E:15, U200F:15, B1589:31/49 through B1598:31/49, B1A56:31/49, B1D55:31/49, and/or B15A5:56 stored in the remote function actuator (RFA) module. If any of these DTCs are detected during diagnostics, clear the DTCs, reprogram the RFA to the latest software level and start a new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) session. Verify that DTCs are no longer present. If only the B1589:31/49 through B1598:31/49, B1A56:31/49, B1D55:31/49, and/or B15A5:56 DTCs return in the RFA after a self-test, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics in Section 419-01. Repair as necessary outside of this article. For claiming, use causal part 14G617 and labor operations 12651D and 12651D4.
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a broken floor console armrest latch.
Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly Reimbursement
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 52.0 |
| 2024 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 63.2 |
| 2023 | 7 | 8 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 21 | 14 | 0 | 66.1 |
| 2021 | 33 | 12 | 0 | 60.7 |
| 2020Viewing | 32 | 13 | 0 | 67.8 |
| 2019 | 81 | 10 | 1 | 73.8 |
| 2018 | 52 | 12 | 1 | 67.1 |
| 2017 | 31 | 5 | 0 | 63.5 |
| 2016 | 25 | 4 | 0 | 55.0 |
| 2015 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 59.6 |
| 2014 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 37.6 |
| 2013 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 57.8 |
| 2012 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 44.1 |
| 2011 | 9 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2010 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 44.3 |
| 2009 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 44.3 |
| 2008 | 30 | 2 | 1 | 55.4 |
| 2007 | 45 | 2 | 0 | 48.5 |
| 2006 | 60 | 3 | 0 | 51.5 |
| 2005 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 38.0 |
| 2004 | 86 | 0 | 1 | 42.5 |
| 2003 | 127 | 1 | 1 | 49.6 |
| 2002 | 32 | 4 | 2 | 64.5 |
| 2001 | 81 | 6 | 4 | 65.6 |
| 2000 | 109 | 7 | 2 | 63.9 |
| 1999 | 132 | 7 | 3 | 63.3 |
| 1998 | 192 | 6 | 4 | 65.6 |
| 1997 | 0 | 2 | 3 | — |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1993 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1992 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.