VehicleVerdict

2026 Lincoln Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2026 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 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, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

Does the 2026 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

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

26V120000SeatsMarch 3, 2026 · 1,189 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The obstacle detection software for the driver seat may malfunction at low speeds, resulting in the seat reversing unexpectedly while driving.

Consequence

Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat may affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The seat control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

26V104000Electrical SystemFebruary 20, 2026 · 4,381,878 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

2026 Lincoln Navigator — common questions

Is the 2026 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2026 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2026 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 2026 Lincoln Navigator?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2026 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.