Lincoln Navigator 2007–2017 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation · U326 (standard wheelbase); U418 (Navigator L)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026231 complaints, 145 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 200770kmedian
- 2008—too few
- 2009—too few
- 2010—too few
- 2011—too few
- 2012—too few
- 2013—too few
- 2014—too few
- 2015—too few
- 2016—too few
- 2017—too few
The 2007 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 45
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2007
- Fuel and propulsion system7 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit6 reports
- Body structure6 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 30
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2008
- Electrical system7 reports
- Brakes5 reports
- Body structure4 reports
Recall areas Tires — pressure monitoring and regulating systems · Latches/locks/linkages — doors
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 10
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2009
- Electrical system3 reports
- Engine and its cooling system2 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise2 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 16
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2010
- Electrical system4 reports
- Brakes4 reports
- Engine2 reports
The 2011 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 9
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2011
- Electrical system2 reports
- Transmission and driveline2 reports
- Brakes2 reports
The 2012 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 12
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2012
- Transmission and driveline5 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise3 reports
- Suspension2 reports
Recall areas Power train — automatic transmission · Exterior lighting — back up lights · Seats — mid/rear assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 14
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2013
- Transmission and driveline6 reports
- Electrical system3 reports
- Engine2 reports
The 2014 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 17
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2014
- Transmission and driveline7 reports
- Electrical system3 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise3 reports
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 21
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2015
- Electrical system7 reports
- Transmission and driveline5 reports
- Engine4 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — sensing system · Visibility — rearview mirrors/devices · Visibility — defroster/defogger/hvac system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 25
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2016
- Visibility equipment7 reports
- Reversing camera and sensors5 reports
- Brakes4 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — sensing system · Visibility — rearview mirrors/devices · Visibility — defroster/defogger/hvac system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 32
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2017
- Reversing camera and sensors5 reports
- Brakes5 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit5 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — sensing system · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components · Visibility — rearview mirrors/devices
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. 10 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2007–2017 Lincoln Navigator reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 70,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 137,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 145
- Recalls
- 13
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Electrical system18.2% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline14.7% of complaints · median 72,000 mi
- Brakes12.1% of complaints · median 70,000 mi
Documented problems
- Spark Plugs (5.4L 3-valve)2007–2008
- Variable Cam Timing / Timing Chain (5.4L 3-valve)2007–2014
- Air Suspension2007–2017
Owners filed 231 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007–2017 Lincoln Navigator; the electrical system leads with 18.2% of them, and half of the 145 that record an odometer reading came by 70,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 30,000 to 104,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2007–2017 Lincoln Navigator last?
On the 2007–2017 Lincoln Navigator, half of the 145 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 137,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
8 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 1 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Navigator reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Lincoln Navigator 2007–2017 · 145 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 27 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 1 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 3,000
- 25%
- 30,000
- Median
- 70,000
- 75%
- 104,000
- 90%
- 137,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 27 | 18.6% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 17 | 11.7% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 14 | 9.7% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 26 | 17.9% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 18 | 12.4% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 19 | 13.1% |
| 120,000–140,000 | 10 | 6.9% |
| 140,000–160,000 | 10 | 6.9% |
| 160,000–180,000 | 2 | 1.4% |
| 180,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.7% |
| 200,000+ | 1 | 0.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Navigator problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Lincoln Navigator 2007–2017
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes28 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 58,000–90,000
- Problems owners could not categorise27 reportsmedian 72,000middle half 54,000–113,000
- Transmission and driveline34 reportsmedian 72,000middle half 32,000–102,000
- Engine18 reportsmedian 76,000middle half 59,000–90,000
- Body structure17 reportsmedian 78,000middle half 27,000–122,000
- Electrical system42 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 57,000–102,000
- Visibility equipment19 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 13,000–122,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 42 | 18.2% | 80,000 | 57,000–102,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 34 | 14.7% | 72,000 | 32,000–102,000 |
| Brakes | 28 | 12.1% | 70,000 | 58,000–90,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 27 | 11.7% | 72,000 | 54,000–113,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 19 | 8.2% | 86,000 | 13,000–122,000 |
| Engine | 18 | 7.8% | 76,000 | 59,000–90,000 |
| Body structure | 17 | 7.4% | 78,000 | 27,000–122,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 16 | 6.9% | 40,000 | 10,000–72,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 14 | 6.1% | 102,000 | 54,000–110,000 |
| Reversing camera and sensors | 11 | 4.8% | — | — |
Known problems with the 2007–2017 Navigator
Spark Plugs (5.4L 3-valve) 2007–2008
Two-piece spark plugs seize and break off in the aluminum heads on removal; Ford returned to one-piece plugs around the 2008-2009 build change, so the problem is concentrated in the earlier years of this generation.
Variable Cam Timing / Timing Chain (5.4L 3-valve) 2007–2014
Cam phaser rattle, phaser lock-up and timing chain tensioner/guide wear on the 3-valve 5.4L, producing cold-start rattle and, if ignored, chain jump.
Air Suspension 2007–2017
Load-leveling air suspension continues to leak at the air springs and to overwork the compressor across this generation.
Before you buy a 2007–2017 Navigator: the 3-minute check
Generated from 145 mileage-tagged complaints, 13 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check spark plugs (5.4L 3-valve) on 2007–2008 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check variable cam timing / timing chain (5.4L 3-valve) on 2007–2014 cars.
- Check air suspension on 2007–2017 cars.
- Years differ here: from 9 to 45 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Navigator problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi40% below | At 90k mi64% below | At 120k mi83% below | At 150k mi94% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 57,000–102,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 32,000–102,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 58,000–90,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 54,000–113,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility equipment | 13,000–122,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 59,000–90,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 27,000–122,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Lincoln Navigator 2007–2017 · 145 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 40% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 83% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2007–2017 Lincoln Navigator recalls (13)
NHTSA records 13 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the reversing camera and sensors (2), the hydraulic brake circuit (2), visibility equipment (2) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2025 · 2015–2017 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles.…
What can happen. A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning…
Apr 2025 · 2015 · Back Over PreventionA blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted…
What can happen. A blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Apr 2025 · 2017 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
What can happen. A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were…
Feb 2025 · 2015–2017 · VisibilityAn electrical short circuit in the exterior mirror increases the risk of fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.
What can happen. An electrical short circuit in the exterior mirror increases the risk of fire.
The free fix. Dealers will disconnect the LED light wires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Aug 2022 · 2015–2017 · VisibilityFront blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
What can happen. Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of…
Mar 2022 · 2016–2017 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake…
What can happen. A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification…
Apr 2016 · 2012 · Power TrainAn unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to…
What can happen. An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer…
May 2012 · 2012 · Exterior LightingIf this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150, 2012 expedition and Lincoln Navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos. 102, "Transmission shift lever…
What can happen. If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse “r” position and the vehicle’s transmission does go in reverse, the “r” may…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer…
Feb 2012 · 2012 · SeatsIn the event of a crash, the seat head restraint may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles, manufactured from november 19, 2011, through december 2, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 202, "Head…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the seat head restraint may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer…
Jun 2009 · 2009 · Exterior LightingDelay or loss of brake stoplamp function may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford is recalling 1,357 my 2009 expedition and Navigator vehicles for failing to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." The brake stop lamp switch may be improperly adjusted. This…
What can happen. Delay or loss of brake stoplamp function may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will adjust the brake stoplamp switch free of charge. The recall began on july 6, 2009. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or…
Apr 2008 · 2008 · TiresThe TPMS indicator light will not illuminate when a tire pressure is is 25% below the 40 PSI value stated on…
The defect. Ford is recalling 158 my 2008 expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and the limo builders package for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, Z"tire…
What can happen. The TPMS indicator light will not illuminate when a tire pressure is is 25% below the 40 PSI value stated on the tire placard label occurs.
The free fix. Dealers will reconfigure the TPMS thresholds to the appropriate pressures. The recall began on april 23, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Feb 2008 · 2007–2008 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesIn the event of a side impact crash, the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open increasing the…
The defect. Ford is recalling 123,632 my 2007-2008 expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors may fracture during normal customer usage. This can result in…
What can happen. In the event of a side impact crash, the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. The recall began on march 5, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Feb 2008 · 2007 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The defect. Ford is recalling 57,199 my 2006-2007 e-150, e-250, e-350, and my 2007 expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 5.4L engines. The fuel rail cross-over hose may contain weak areas. As a result, the hose may crack, which could cause a fuel odor…
What can happen. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly. The recall began on march 3, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 231 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 17 (7.4%)
- Fires
- 8
- Injury reports
- 12
- Fatality reports
- 0
Navigator problems by model year
The 2007 drew the most complaints of this generation, 45, most of them about the fuel and propulsion system, and the 2015 the fewest among the 5 years with at least 20 complaints, 21. A typical year drew about 30.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 45 | 38 | 70,000 | Fuel and propulsion system (7) | 2 |
| 2008 | 30 | 24 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (7) | 2 |
| 2009 | 10 | 8 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (3) | 1 |
| 2010 | 16 | 10 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (4) | 0 |
| 2011 | 9 | 6 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (2) | 0 |
| 2012 | 12 | 7 | under 30 reports | Transmission and driveline (5) | 3 |
| 2013 | 14 | 7 | under 30 reports | Transmission and driveline (6) | 0 |
| 2014 | 17 | 12 | under 30 reports | Transmission and driveline (7) | 0 |
| 2015 | 21 | 8 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (7) | 4 |
| 2016 | 25 | 14 | under 30 reports | Visibility equipment (7) | 4 |
| 2017 | 32 | 11 | under 30 reports | Reversing camera and sensors (5) | 5 |
What Navigator owners reported
The contact owned a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while traveling at 40 MPH, the vehicle struck the front passenger side of another vehicle that made an illegal U-turn at a higher rate of speed. The vehicle spun out and came to a stop after crashing into a bus occupied by children. No air bags…
2017 · 140,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, both the "Hill Start" and "Service AdvanceTrac" warning messages appeared on the instrument panel. The steering wheel had become stiff as a result of the failure and the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle home.…
2017 · 162,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was white smoke coming from the passenger’s side exterior door mirror, accompanied by a burning plastic odor. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for inspection, where it was diagnosed with a…
2016 · 95,000 miles · Visibility equipment
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank or distorted image. The contact stated that when…
2017 · 87,000 miles · Reversing camera and sensors
Built from 145 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Navigator generations
- Navigator 1998–2002 233 reports with mileage, most about the tyres
- Navigator 2003–2006 246 reports with mileage, most about the suspension