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Lincoln · Known Issues

2021 Lincoln Navigator Problems: 2 Known Issues

2021 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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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Navigator Safety/Recalls1
  • Navigator Electrical1
  • Recalls26
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls26
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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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.

Find a nearby Lincoln dealer in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerified

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.

Find a nearby Lincoln repair shop in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerified
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

Lincoln Aviator31Lincoln Nautilus28Lincoln MKX10Lincoln MKZ10Lincoln Town Car9Lincoln Corsair6

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 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442, Power liftgate opens or cycles on its own (owner reports). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 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 2020-2021 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 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.

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

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