1998-2025 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998-2025 Lincoln Navigator has 15 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are 5.4L 3V Triton Two-Piece Spark Plug Breaks on Removal ($200-$1,200 repair), Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure ($700-$2,400 repair), Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch ($1,800-$6,000 repair), Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37) ($0-$850 repair), Air Ride Suspension Compressor Burnout from Air Bag Leaks ($400-$2,200 repair), Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123 and Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The passenger side air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear lightbar may have cracks in the outer lens or weld track that allow moisture to accumulate, which can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998-2025 Lincoln Navigator has 15 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 5.4L 3V Triton Two-Piece Spark Plug Breaks on Removal, Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure, Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1998-2025 Lincoln Navigator has 15 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 7 issues are rated critical: 5.4L 3V Triton Two-Piece Spark Plug Breaks on Removal and Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure and Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch and Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37) and Air Ride Suspension Compressor Burnout from Air Bag Leaks and Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123 and Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Lincoln Navigator issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 5.4L 3V Triton Two-Piece Spark Plug Breaks on Removal, typically costs $200-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Lincoln Navigator. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1998-2025 Lincoln Navigator with 15 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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Factory Motorcraft PZT-2FE two-piece platinum plugs in the 5.4L 3V Triton seize in the head from carbon buildup around the ground-electrode shield. Attempting normal removal cracks the plug, leaving the lower shell stuck in the cylinder head and requiring specialized extractor ki… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: high.
2003-2017 Navigators with the optional/standard rear air suspension (and the 2003+ Expedition with the same system) develop air-bag leaks at the bag-to-piston seal as the bag rubber ages and cracks. Symptoms: rear of vehicle sagging overnight, compressor running constantly, error… Repairs typically run $700-$2,400. Severity: high.
The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 in 2015+ Navigator (and shared F-150, Expedition, Edge ST) suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Symptoms include a rattling noise on cold start, particularly on the passenger-side bank, plus P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019 c… Repairs typically run $1,800-$6,000. Severity: high.
Consider clarifying: the failing seal is at the rear of the master cylinder (where it mates to the booster), allowing fluid from the front brake circuit to migrate past the seal into the vacuum booster body. Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 covers replacement at no cost. Repairs typically run $0-$850. Severity: high.
The air suspension's rubber air springs develop pinhole leaks at the upper crimp ring after 8-12 years. 4WD models use a 4-corner system; 2WD models use rear-only. The OEM Continental/AMK compressor (mounted with integrated dryer) runs continuously trying to maintain ride height,… Repairs typically run $400-$2,200. Severity: high.
On a qualifying Navigator, transmission adaptation may not accommodate hardware break-in, contributing to harsh engagement or shifting, or delayed shifts. This bulletin does not diagnose every shudder as a failed CDF drum or torque converter. Applies to: 2020 Lincoln Navigator wi… Severity: high.
A SYNC software error can cause a blank rearview image in reverse or leave the image displayed after reversing ends, increasing crash risk. Applies to: Certain 2020–2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles built October 14, 2019 through December 12, 2021 with SYNC 3.2 R10 RC1 software, co… Severity: high.
On some 2020 Navigators with SYNC 3, Ford's bulletin describes a frozen or unresponsive touchscreen, a blank or frozen screen, infotainment apps that don't work, Apple CarPlay not launching or showing a black screen, poor or no AppLink, voice prompts that skip, and a Wi-Fi messag… Severity: medium.
The 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 in 2005-2008 Navigator (and shared F-150/Expedition) uses a two-piece spark plug (Motorcraft SP-515/SP-546) that frequently snaps off in the cylinder head during removal. The lower portion stays welded into the head by carbon, leaving the upper electrod… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Ford is recalling 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator SUVs under NHTSA campaign 26V165000 because the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may reset unexpectedly, and repeatedly. When it does, the Navigator loses its rearview camera image along with advanced driver assistance features that d… Severity: medium.
Second- and third-generation Navigators with the 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 use a unique two-piece spark plug whose long electrode shell extends below the threads. Carbon deposits cake into the gap over high mileage, gripping the plug so tightly that the shell breaks off during remov… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.
A low-voltage event can leave the running-board setting Off instead of Auto, with U3003:16 in the running-board module. The charging warning may or may not be illuminated. This condition does not establish motor corrosion or broken linkage. Applies to: 2018–2020 Lincoln Navigator… Severity: medium.
Owners of fourth-generation (2018 and later) Navigators describe the power liftgate opening, or opening and closing, without anyone pressing a button. Some found it open after parking, or after a remote start. Others say it happened when a door was opened or shut, when the alarm… Severity: medium.
Second- and third-generation Navigators commonly suffer failed HVAC blend door actuators. The small electric motor that positions the temperature/mode doors strips its internal gears, producing a repetitive clicking or 'whir-click' noise from behind the dash or rear panel and cau… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
The program describes phaser noise after an extended shutdown or warm-idle knocking. Ford states that this described noise does not affect safety, performance or emissions; it is not evidence of impending timing-system failure. Applies to: 2020 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost veh… Severity: low.
