2021 Lincoln Navigator Fuel system Problems

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

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

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA ID

11695105

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

I am the owner of a 2021 Lincoln Navigator black label, currently subject to Safety Recall 25S75 concerning the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause engine stalling and increased crash risk. Ford’s recall filing and public reports make clear the hazard and that a remedy is still being developed. My vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation and loss of acceleration consistent with the recall since I purchased the car in 2021. While driving on the highway with my 10 year old daughter and her friend home from soccer on 495 last Monday 9/29, I tried to pass a car by switching to the left lane and stepped on the accelerator.  The car hesitated, and felt like it was going to cease altogether for a moment, however the accelerator did finally « catch » and I was able to pass the car.  I have had this same sensation while pressing my foot on the accelerator though at low speeds on backroads.  After the incident last Monday I had the car towed to the Lincoln dealer so they could assess the car.  I have been told that the oil was very low. The oil light or check engine light was never on, and it has gone on previously when I’ve been due for an oil change. I’ve been told that the tires also need to be rotated. The dealer who serviced the car said that the car is driving great now and is safe to drive and can be delivered to me or I can pick up. I called Lincoln corporate Friday 10/3/25 and a case was opened and called back on Monday and spoke with a representative who said that there was nothing she could do if the dealer is saying that the car is safe to drive.  I don’t feel safe driving the car with this open safety defect unrepaired. A loaner to use while the process for repurchase of the car would be appreciated, but is being denied while they continue the process of good faith eval /consideration of repurchase of the car.

NHTSA ID

11692154

Incident

Sep 29, 2025

Car stalls often. Was not able to go through intersection. Held up traffic. Another incident was I was almost rear ended when car lost power. This is dangerous and not just an inconvenience.

NHTSA ID

11686153

Incident

Sep 9, 2025