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 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder, 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure, 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder and 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure and 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder and 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle (CSP 21N03) and Backup Camera Blanks Out or Lingers on the Display — Recall 25S72 (NHTSA 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Navigator problems?
Repair costs for known Lincoln Navigator issues range from $0 to $8,700, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder, typically costs $300-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2018-2023 Lincoln Navigator 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder?
The 10-speed 10R80 automatic in 2018+ Navigators is widely reported to shift harshly, clunk, jerk, hesitate, or shudder between gears. Causes include a sticking torque converter clutch (TCC) regulator valve causing TCC shudder, valve body issues, CDF drum/bushing failure, and con… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure?
Fourth-generation Navigators with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 commonly develop a loud rattle or diesel-like clacking from the front of the engine, most noticeable for 2-5 seconds on cold startup. The internal locking pin inside the variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers fails… Repairs typically run $2,800-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder?
The 10R80 transmission paired with the 3.5L EcoBoost suffers axial movement of the CDF clutch drum sleeve, causing internal hydraulic leaks. Owners report harsh 1-2 and 2-3 engagements, clunking on coast-down, shudder at 20-32 mph cruise, and unexpected hard downshifts. Subject o… Repairs typically run $600-$8,700. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle (CSP 21N03)?
Internal locking pins in the 3.5L EcoBoost variable cam timing phasers wear out, producing a loud rattle/clack at cold startup and a knocking idle once warm. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 (and PCM reflash 21B10) replacing all four VCT units, but coverage expired… Repairs typically run $2,800-$5,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator Backup Camera Blanks Out or Lingers on the Display — Recall 25S72 (NHTSA 25V442)?
The 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Navigator is included in Ford's rearview camera software recall 25S72, filed with NHTSA as campaign 25V442000. A software error in the Navigator's rearview camera system can produce either of two faults: the camera image comes up blank when the driver se… Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator SYNC 3 / SYNC 4 Infotainment Freezing, Black Screen, and Touch Unresponsiveness?
The SYNC 3 (2018-2020) and SYNC 4 (2021+) head unit in the 4th-generation Navigator freezes, reboots mid-drive, displays a black screen with spinning loader, loses touch response, drops Bluetooth pairing, or fails to show the backup camera. Issue is typically an APIM (Accessory P… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2024 Lincoln Navigator Deployable Power Running Board Motor Failure & Linkage Corrosion?
The Dorman-supplied power running board motors and pivot/swivel brackets on 2007-2014 (3rd-gen) and 2015-2017 (3rd-gen refresh) Navigators corrode and seize from road salt and water exposure, especially in northern states. Boards stop deploying, hang in mid-position, or cycle rep… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator Power Liftgate Opens / Operates on Its Own?
Fourth-gen Navigator owners frequently report the hands-free power liftgate opening or cycling by itself, sometimes while parked or triggered by opening a driver door or even nearby beeping sounds. The root cause is typically a faulty liftgate release switch, hands-free kick sens… Repairs typically run $200-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2020 Lincoln Navigator Deployable Power Running Boards Stick / Fail to Retract?
Navigators equipped with deployable (power) running boards commonly have boards that stick in the deployed or retracted position, deploy on only one side, or retract and then immediately redeploy. Failures stem from corroded/seized motors (original Dorman-type units on 2007-2014… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: low.
