2016 Lincoln Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Lincoln Navigator sits mid-pack among Navigator years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 33, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (8), driver assistance (7), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Lincoln Navigator problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Visibility & Wipers	8	24%	▲ up
Driver Assistance	7	21%	▲ up
Brakes	6	18%	▲ up
Other	3	9%	— flat
Electrical System	3	9%	▼ down
Transmission	2	6%	▼ down
Airbags	1	3%	— flat
Seat Belts	1	3%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	3%	— flat
Engine	1	3%	▼ down

Does the 2016 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V572000Driver AssistanceSeptember 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 units

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. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

25V091000Visibility & WipersFebruary 14, 2025 · 35,328 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit in the exterior mirror increases the risk of fire.

Remedy

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 recall is 25S08.

22V648000Visibility & WipersAugust 26, 2022 · 198,482 units

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.

Consequence

Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.

Remedy

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 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.

22V150000BrakesMarch 11, 2022 · 195,864 units

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 booster.

Consequence

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 conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, there was smoke coming from the A/C vents and from the defroster. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 24, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 1, 2025

“There was a recall on the brake system before and that they fixed it and the same thing that it was a recall before is doing the same thing again with my brake system”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 29, 2025

“The power running boards do not go up and down, and are locked in the down position. During the winter snow and ice collects on the running board while driving and makes it incredibly slippery to step on for the driver and passengers. There is a setting to change the position of the running board…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, there was smoke coming from the A/C vents and from the defroster. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 24, 2023 · fire

2016 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2016 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

It is close to typical for the Navigator: 33 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Navigator problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (8 complaints), driver assistance (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2016 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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.

How safe is the 2016 Lincoln Navigator?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Lincoln Navigator earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2016 compare to other Navigator years?

What are the most common 2016 Lincoln Navigator problems?

Does the 2016 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2016 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2016 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

What are the most common 2016 Navigator problems?

Does the 2016 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Which Lincoln Navigator years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2016 Lincoln Navigator?

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