VehicleVerdict

2017 Lincoln Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2017 Lincoln Navigator sits mid-pack among Navigator years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 33, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (10), driver assistance (6), and visibility & wipers (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

45

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Lincoln Navigator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1022%
Driver Assistance613%
Visibility & Wipers511%
Electrical System49%
Other37%
Fuel System37%
Airbags24%
Lighting24%
Body & Structure24%
Suspension24%
Steering12%
Transmission12%
Engine12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Seat Belts12%
Seats12%

Does the 2017 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

5 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 driver’s 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.

25V236000BrakesApril 11, 2025 · 123,611 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing 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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.

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 brakes on my car stopped working and this caused me to crash into a wall. This accident caused by my brakes failing nearly killed me and put others at risk. There were no recalls, or warnings about the brakes failing before the accident. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 25, 2021 · crash

“My vehicle is a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The Backup Camera works maybe 50% of the times that I attempt to back up. I understand that Lincoln has a recall on other Lincoln vehicles for this issue, but not for the Navigator. The Cross Traffic Alert does not work. In combination, attempting to back up…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 21, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY); however, the contact was concerned that the recall repair was not an adequate fix. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 3, 2025

“Driver side sideview mirror caught on fire twice. Once 30 min after the car wash with the engine running. Second time immediately after the car wash upon using a power seat button and turning engine off. Mirror replaced after second incident. Wires insulation melted inside of the mirror. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2023 · fire

“I’m a snowbird and in the past 18 months, of which I was in Iowa for 12 months of this time, the dealership has replaced the fuel pump five times. I’m scared to take this vehicle out on the highway. The module that controls the fuel pump has been replaced once. The third replacement I didn’t…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 12, 2024

2017 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2017 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

It is close to typical for the Navigator: 45 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Navigator problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints).

Does the 2017 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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 2017 Lincoln Navigator?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.