2006 Lincoln Navigator Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2006 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Lincoln Navigator has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure ($700-$2,400 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $400 to $2,400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

On the 2003-2017 Lincoln Navigator all, 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 message "Check Air Suspension." Eventually the compressor burns out from constant duty.

This issue also affects: Lincoln Continental, Opel Zafira, Saturn Ion

Common Symptoms

rear sag
air suspension warning
compressor running constantly
uneven ride height

How to Fix

Replace air bags as a pair (Arnott or Strutmasters aftermarket ~$400-$700 per side; OEM Motorcraft ~$800-$1,200 per side installed). Replace the dryer with the compressor or it will quickly fail again. Some owners convert to coil springs (Strutmasters kit ~$700) — eliminates the leveling feature but is permanent.

Typical repair cost:$700 - $2,400

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On the 2005-2008 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L 3V Triton V8, 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 electrode in the socket. Common at 60,000-100,000 miles when the first plug change is attempted.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

snapped spark plug during service
misfire after attempted plug change
rough idle

How to Fix

Soak each plug 24 hours in penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Seafoam Deep Creep) and remove only when engine is warm. Use the Lisle 65600 / OTC 6918 broken-plug extraction kit if breakage occurs (~$80). Replace with the redesigned one-piece Motorcraft SP-546 / NGK plugs. Ford settled a class-action covering reasonable extraction costs at dealer.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,500

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln Navigator problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006-2006 Lincoln Navigator has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure, Navigator 5.4L 3V Triton Spark Plug Breakage on Removal. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?

The 2006-2006 Lincoln Navigator has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure. 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.

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Navigator problems?

Repair costs for known Lincoln Navigator issues range from $400 to $2,400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure, typically costs $700-$2,400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2017 Lincoln Navigator Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure?

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.

What is the 2005-2008 Lincoln Navigator Navigator 5.4L 3V Triton Spark Plug Breakage on Removal?

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.

2006 Lincoln Navigator Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2003-2017 Lincoln Navigator: Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2005-2008 Lincoln Navigator: Navigator 5.4L 3V Triton Spark Plug Breakage on Removal#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Lincoln Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln Navigator problems?

Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Navigator problems?

What is the 2003-2017 Lincoln Navigator Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure?

What is the 2005-2008 Lincoln Navigator Navigator 5.4L 3V Triton Spark Plug Breakage on Removal?