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Lincoln · Midsize / large SUV

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA32
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA18 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016
Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize or large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Navigator 2WD, is EPA-rated at 18 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 32 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Navigator 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,450
Navigator L 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162118$3,450
Navigator 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo162017$3,650

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43591, 43592, 43601.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Power Train

26S48
741,195 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.RiskPark system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable
NHTSA campaign 26V402000reported Jun 24, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seat Belts

26S34
419,967 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.RiskSeat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls w
NHTSA campaign 26V344000reported May 27, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Visibility

26S24
422,613 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.RiskWindshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V204000reported Mar 31, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Visibility

25SB7
174,853 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.RiskA detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V729000reported Oct 24, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S75
850,318 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
NHTSA campaign 25V455000reported Jul 7, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.RiskA rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
NHTSA campaign 25V442000reported Jun 27, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskWithout a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixFord will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
NHTSA campaign 24V852000reported Nov 8, 2024Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

23S48
177,402 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
NHTSA campaign 23V598000reported Aug 25, 2023Ford Motor Company
▲high

Equipment

23C20
691,133 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskWithout instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixFord will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
NHTSA campaign 23V420000reported Jun 9, 2023Ford Motor Company
!critical

Engine

22S36
Park outside66,221 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.RiskA vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.FixOwners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022.
NHTSA campaign 22V346000reported May 17, 2022Ford Motor Company
▲high

Visibility

22S26
652,996 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.RiskInoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
NHTSA campaign 22V250000reported Apr 14, 2022Ford Motor Company
▲high

Air Bags

21C26
777 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."RiskAn air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.FixDealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
NHTSA campaign 21V805000reported Oct 15, 2021Ford Motor Company

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
32complaints filed

2 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 1 · 2022: 7 · 2023: 4 · 2024: 5 · 2025: 6 · 2026: 9

Most-cited components

Engine8
Power Train6
Unspecified4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Visibility/Wiper3

What owners describe

“Navigator transmission goes into neutral when accelerating at speeds of 50+. Trans completely overhauled. Still does it. Almost had 2 accidents when changing lanes on the freeway, trying to accelerate and instead slowing down with cars behind fast approaching . When trying to pass on a 2-lane hwy, this would be deadly.”Nov 19, 2025 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notific…”Oct 22, 2025 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA owner report
“I am the owner of a 2021 Lincoln Navigator black label, currently subject to Safety Recall 25S75 concerning the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause engine stalling and increased crash risk. Ford’s recall filing and public reports make clear the hazard and that a remedy is still being developed. My vehicle has repea…”Oct 8, 2025 · Fuel/Propulsion System · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: lane departure warning.

Other Navigator model years

A

2027 Lincoln Navigator

1 recalls · 0 complaints

B

2026 Lincoln Navigator

2 recalls · 0 complaints

D

2025 Lincoln Navigator

6 recalls · 11 complaints

F

2024 Lincoln Navigator

7 recalls · 16 complaints

F

2023 Lincoln Navigator

8 recalls · 6 complaints

F

2022 Lincoln Navigator

14 recalls · 21 complaints

F

2020 Lincoln Navigator

13 recalls · 31 complaints

F

2019 Lincoln Navigator

10 recalls · 79 complaints

F

2018 Lincoln Navigator

12 recalls · 52 complaints

F

2017 Lincoln Navigator

5 recalls · 31 complaints

F

2016 Lincoln Navigator

4 recalls · 25 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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