RoadVitals

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 22V346000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
33
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
12
Latest Jun 24, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
2

Overview

Our database contains 33 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 146 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine820.0%
  • Powertrain (other)615.0%
  • Driver assistance410.0%
  • Visibility410.0%
  • Electrical37.5%
  • Steering37.5%
  • Exterior lighting12.5%

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

12 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.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Jun 24, 2026
741,195 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
The risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S48View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

May 27, 2026
419,967 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
The risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S34View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Mar 31, 2026
422,613 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
The risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S24View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 24, 2026

My husband secured our infant into the car seat and attached the seat to the base installed in the car. He then drove our child. When he removed the car seat it was discovered the right side of the seat (when facing) was not clicked in and could be lifted up. When he removed the seat he noticed the clip on the inside of the shell, that connects to the base, was completely missing meaning he had been driving our child only partially secured. When we turned the car seat to take a picture the retractable clip on the outside of the same portion fell out. We just got this car seat in XXX (new) and have only used it since our son was born at XXX. He is [XXX] old and well below the weight limits. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11766805
Incident
Sep 18, 2026
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 29, 2026

I am reporting a serious intermittent transmission and loss-of-propulsion problem with my 2021 Lincoln Navigator, VIN 5LMJJ3LT6MEL05416. While driving, including at highway speeds, the transmission will unpredictably behave as though it has shifted into Neutral even though the vehicle remains in Drive. When I press the accelerator, the engine responds, but the vehicle temporarily has little or no propulsion. The transmission may then suddenly re-engage and slam or bang forcefully back into gear. This can also happen under very light throttle. I may gently press the accelerator expecting normal acceleration, but instead the vehicle acts as though it is in Neutral before suddenly engaging again. The condition is intermittent and cannot be reliably reproduced on demand, which makes it especially dangerous and unpredictable. I am concerned about losing propulsion while merging, passing, entering traffic, or attempting to accelerate away from another vehicle at highway speeds. The vehicle has previously had transmission adaptive learning/reset procedures performed, but the problem continues. I am aware that Ford/Lincoln has issued technical service information addressing momentary neutral-out, delayed engagement, harsh engagement, and other 10R80 transmission concerns on this generation of Navigator. I am also aware of Ford recall 26S48 / NHTSA recall 26V402 involving certain 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigators. I am not claiming that the recall is definitively the cause of my specific condition, but I believe this intermittent loss of propulsion presents a serious safety concern that should be investigated. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this loss-of-propulsion / neutral-out condition because the vehicle can unexpectedly fail to accelerate and then violently re-engage the transmission while in motion.

NHTSA ID
11760540
Incident
Aug 27, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Aug 2, 2026
Crash reported

My screen intermittently goes black, I have had it repaired/ updated once prior and it still does this..as a result I backed into a mailbox. It was very dark and I couldn’t see out of my windows.

NHTSA ID
11754317
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2026

I purchased this 2021 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label used on March 22, 2024 with approximately 42,726mi. Beginning around Sept. 2025 (approximately 70,000-75,000 miles), the vehicle developed intermittent transmission failures that have progressively worsened. This is our primary family vehicle and routinely transports our three young children. The transmission hesitates, slips, skips gears, bangs into gear, and frequently delays engagement before suddenly surging forward. Engine RPM increases without corresponding acceleration. Occupants are abruptly thrown forward and backward during normal driving. Several times each month, a yellow wrench/powertrain warning appears instructing the driver to see the owner’s manual. When this occurs, the vehicle loses normal acceleration and throttle response becomes significantly delayed. The defect is intermittent and unpredictable. The condition creates dangerous situations when merging, entering intersections, accelerating from traffic lights, and in stop-and-go traffic. On one occasion, after stopping on an incline, the vehicle would not accelerate and effectively became disabled in traffic. We activated our hazard flashers while vehicles drove around us. The hesitation followed by sudden engagement also creates a rear-end collision risk. I first brought the vehicle to an independent repair shop, but the concern was dismissed. On 6/22/2026, Herb Chambers Lincoln of Norwood road tested the vehicle, confirmed the complaint, and documented that the “transmission is skipping and banging into gears” and recommended complete transmission replacement. The estimated repair cost was approximately $12,560. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive due to repeated loss of propulsion, delayed acceleration, violent shifting, and dealer-confirmed transmission failure. I respectfully request NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader safety defect affecting Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

NHTSA ID
11749445
Incident
Sep 21, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 stated that vehicle failed to accelerate as needed due to a lack of fuel going to the engine. The contact stated that that the engine seized with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 70,300.

NHTSA ID
11747916
Incident
Mar 25, 2025
Mileage
70,300 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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.

NHTSA ID
11747606
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Jun 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the recall was initiated for more than a year; however, the part to do the recall repair was still unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11747413
Incident
Jun 30, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 13, 2026

THE REAR LIGHT BAR DEVELOPS LEAKS AND CAN MAKE THE REAR LIGHING GO OUT. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND STATES IT'S NO LONGER A COVERED ITEM.

NHTSA ID
11724076
Incident
Nov 25, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 55100

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

SSM 55037

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

SSM 55028

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2021-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an "Updating SYNC" message on the vehicle center display screen after an over the air (OTA) update. The message can be cleared from the center display screen and SYNC can be used normally, but it will re-appear at every subsequent ignition cycle. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a software update solution for this condition to be delivered OTA expected in late Q3 2026. Software will update automatically if vehicle connectivity is enabled in the vehicles settings. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information.

26E04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update

SSM 54719

POWER TRAIN

For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. When referred to a specific clutch (A-F) test by a pinpoint test in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing, the Clutch Assembly tests have been updated with a hyperlink to the new Transmission Line Pressure Test - Pressure Vacuum Transducer (PVT) Is Available procedure in WSM, Section 307-01 > General Procedures. This procedure provides instructions to perform the FDRS Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test when applicable. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification

SSM 54589

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.

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

Lincoln Navigator by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
2026020—
2025126052.0
2024167063.2
2023780—
20222114066.1
2021Viewing3312060.7
20203213067.8
20198110173.8
20185212167.1
2017315063.5
2016254055.0
2015214059.6
2014170037.6
2013140157.8
2012123144.1
2011901—
2010160044.3
2009101044.3
2008302155.4
2007452048.5
2006603051.5
2005480038.0
2004860142.5
20031271149.6
2002324264.5
2001816465.6
20001097263.9
19991327363.3
19981926465.6
1997023—
1996000—
1995000—
1994000—
1993000—
1992000—
1991000—

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.