Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 56 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Navigator year — the 2007 model ranks #11 of 31 Navigator years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (10), fuel system (10), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
56
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 10 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 5 | 9% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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 AND/OR FUEL LEAK.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THE HANDLE MAY BE LOOSE CAUSING A RATTLE OR NOISE AND THE HANDLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO PROVIDE A DELAYED RESISTANCE WHEN ACTUATING THE HANDLE PRIOR TO OPENING THE DOOR.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING ON A LEVEL SURFACE IN MODERATE TRAFFIC GOING 40MPH I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE ANTI SKID LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ABS TURNED ON AND TOOK THE VEHICLE A WHILE TO STOP... KEPT HAPPENING.... TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED AND IT WENT AWAY... JUST CONCERNED THAT IT MIGHT HAPPEN ON THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BECAME INOPERABLE AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THEY NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS MELTED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE…”
“DRIVING TO WORK. GOING 45-50 MPH, A DOG RUNS IN FRONT OF ME, AND SWERVED AND HIT A TREE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES. TRYING TO FIND AN ATTORNEY TAKE THE CASE. *TR”
“THE TRUCK STARTED ON FIRE AROUND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ,I PULLED OVER RESCUED MY DOG RAN TO THE GRASS AREA AND WATCH IT BURN TO THE GROUND. THIS WAS JUNE 13,2015”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD EXPLOSION. HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. HE THEN HEARD MORE POPPING SOUNDS AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DESTROYED…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 56 complaints put the 2007 model at #11 of 31 Navigator years. It is one of the Navigator years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), fuel system (10 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Lincoln Navigator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Navigator years to avoid are 1998, 2003, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2001, 2019, 2006, 2005, 2018, 2007. The cleanest record among Navigator years belongs to 2027.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.