VehicleVerdict

2009 Lincoln Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2009 Lincoln Navigator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted240 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 240 complaints1999: 155 complaints2000: 137 complaints2001: 116 complaints2002: 48 complaints2003: 179 complaints2004: 119 complaints2005: 71 complaints2006: 90 complaints2007: 56 complaints2008: 40 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 10 complaints2012: 15 complaints2013: 19 complaints2014: 25 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 33 complaints2017: 45 complaints2018: 64 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 33 complaints2022: 33 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 28 complaints2025: 21 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Lincoln Navigator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System330%
Engine330%
Other220%
Brakes110%
Tires & Wheels110%

Does the 2009 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V232000LightingJune 24, 2009 · 1,357 units

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 MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKE STOPLAMP ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN SITUATIONS OF VERY MILD BRAKE APPLICATION, THE BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.

Consequence

DELAY OR LOSS OF BRAKE STOPLAMP FUNCTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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 WWW.OWNERCONNECTION.COM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HORN FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE HORN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 10, 2012

“WHILE UNLOADING THE BACK OF MY TRUCK, I WAS BURNED BY THE TAIL PIPE THAT PROTRUDES FROM THE BACK RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUCK. THE BURN IS A 1/2 ROUND SHAPE ON MY RIGHT LEG. TOOK THE TRUCK IN FOR SERVICE AND LINCOLN DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IS HOW IT WAS DESIGNED FOR MY MODEL YEAR AND NO FIX WAS AVAILABLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 8, 2011

“THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY GETS STUCK IN PARK AND IS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. I READ SOMETHING ABOUT THE BREAK SWITCH RECALL BUT AFTER CALLING FORD THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS VIN SPECIFIC AND MY VEHICLE WASN'T A PART OF IT. MAKES NO SENSE TO ME IF MY VEHICLE IS DOING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 2, 2015

“WHEN BRAKING WHILE MOVING (AT ANY SPEED), THE BRAKE PEDAL BEGINS BRAKING AT ITS NORMAL PRESSURE POINT AND THEN SINKS TO THE FLOOR WITH REDUCED BRAKING EFFECT. SUNNYVALE LINCOLN HAS CHECKED THE WHOLE SYSTEM FOR LEAKS AND BLED SOME VERY TINY AIR BUBBLES OUT OF THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 24, 2015

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS AN 18 INCH INSTEAD OF 20 INCH LIKE THE OTHER TIRES. THE CONTACT HAD A TIRE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNBALANCED BECAUSE OF THE SIZE OF THE SPARE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 14, 2010

2009 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2009 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Navigator problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2009 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Lincoln Navigator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln Navigator years should you avoid?

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.