VehicleVerdict

Lincoln Navigator years to avoid

The Lincoln Navigator years to avoid are 1998, 2003, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2001, 2019, 2006, 2005, 2018, 2007 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2027 is the cleanest year on record.

1,774

Total complaints

71

Recall campaigns

1997–2027

Years covered

11

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Navigator years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
1998High complaint rate240
2003High complaint rate179
1999High complaint rate155
2000High complaint rate137
2004High complaint rate119
2001High complaint rate116
2019High complaint rate92
2006High complaint rate90
2005High complaint rate71
2018High complaint rate64
2007High complaint rate56

Every Navigator year

YearComplaintsRecalls
202701
202602
2025216
2024287
202398
20223314
20213312
20203313
2019avoid9210
2018avoid6412
2017455
2016334
2015314
2014250
2013190
2012153
2011100
2010220
2009101
2008402
2007avoid562
2006avoid903
2005avoid710
2004avoid1190
2003avoid1791
2002484
2001avoid1166
2000avoid1377
1999avoid1557
1998avoid2406
199702

Common questions

What are the worst Lincoln Navigator years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Navigator years to avoid are 1998, 2003, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2001, 2019, 2006, 2005, 2018, 2007. The cleanest year on record is 2027.

What is the best year for the Lincoln Navigator?

By complaint volume, 2027 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Navigator years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Lincoln Navigator have?

Across all model years, the Navigator has 71 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,774 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.