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Lincoln · Known Issues

2020 Lincoln Navigator Problems: 6 Known Issues

2020 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026

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Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator has 6 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123 and Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Navigator Transmission1
  • Navigator Safety/Recalls1
  • Navigator Electrical2
  • Navigator Exterior1
  • Navigator Engine1
  • Recalls26
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Electrical2
  • Exterior1
  • Engine1
  • Recalls26
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

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On the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, 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 with the 10R80 10-speed automatic and the harsh or delayed shifting described in Ford bulletin 23-2123. Not every shudder or shift complaint is covered.

How to Fix

Have a Lincoln technician follow the bulletin's code-dependent path: transmission-strategy programming and adaptation where specified, or main-control valve-body overhaul and adaptation when indicated. Relearning can temporarily change shift feel. Warranty eligibility must be checked; this is not a recall or guaranteed free repair.

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On the 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 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, covered by recall 25V442 (Ford 25S72). Affected VINs are not sequential, so the build date alone does not confirm inclusion.

How to Fix

Ask a Lincoln dealer to check VIN eligibility and completion in OASIS. Affected vehicles receive an APIM SYNC software update at no charge. This campaign does not prescribe camera-hardware replacement.

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On the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, 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 message every time the vehicle starts. Ford says these may be due to the SYNC software. Applies to: 2020 Lincoln Navigator equipped with SYNC 3 and at least one of the infotainment concerns listed in Ford bulletin 20-2363. Not every screen or connectivity complaint is covered. A rearview image that goes blank or stays on the screen should also be checked against recall 25V442.

How to Fix

Ask a Lincoln dealer to apply bulletin 20-2363, which updates the SYNC (APIM) software using Ford's SYNC 3 universal update drive. Ford notes that some modules replaced for these concerns only needed the software update, so the module should not be replaced until the current software is confirmed. Warranty coverage depends on the vehicle's coverage status. This is not a recall.

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On the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 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 was set, or when a trailer wiring harness was connected. Owners also say dealers sometimes could not make it happen in the shop. Applies to: Owner reports from fourth-generation Lincoln Navigators with a power liftgate, including 2018, 2019 and 2024 models. No report specific to 2020 was found and no manufacturer document confirms a cause or fix for 2020 models, so these are reports, not a confirmed defect for every vehicle.

How to Fix

First rule out an accidental key-fob press, for example a fob carried in a pocket or bag. If the liftgate still opens on its own, have a technician check the liftgate latch, switches, wiring and control software and confirm the cause. Owners describe different repairs with mixed results: a latch replacement with reprogramming, a dealer software update, and in one case replacing the liftgate assembly. Until it is fixed, park where an open liftgate won't hit anything, such as a low garage ceiling.

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On the 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator, 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 with power-deployable running boards, when the running-board setting has changed to Off after a low-voltage event and code U3003:16 is stored in the running-board module. Earlier Navigator generations are not covered.

How to Fix

Have the charging concern checked and corrected before restoring the running-board mode under the applicable service and owner's instructions. Do not replace running-board motors based only on this message.

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On the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, 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 vehicles built at Kentucky Truck from March 16, 2017 through December 21, 2019 that met the program's requirements, including the 21B10 software update by December 31, 2021. Program coverage ended January 1, 2023. Other engine noises and later builds need their own diagnosis.

How to Fix

Have Lincoln diagnose the actual noise and review VIN/service history. The historical program specified all four phasers when qualifying noise persisted after the 21B10 PCM update, with entry requirements and mileage proration. Its stated coverage ended January 1, 2023; this page does not promise current free repairs.

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NHTSA Recalls26 recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Campaign #19V07600011/02/2019

SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.

Campaign #19V77300028/10/2019

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

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Other Lincoln Models

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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 2020 Lincoln Navigator has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123, Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442, SYNC 3 frozen or blank screen — bulletin 20-2363. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 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.

What is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123?

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.

What is the 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442?

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.

What is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator SYNC 3 frozen or blank screen — bulletin 20-2363?

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.

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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #23V42000009/06/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Campaign #23V59800025/08/2023

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Campaign #24V09900009/02/2024

+ 21 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator Power running boards disabled after low voltage — SSM 50154?

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.

What is the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator Power liftgate opens or cycles on its own (owner reports)?

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.

What is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator Cam-phaser rattle or knocking — historical program 21N03?

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.