The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is a luxury full-size SUV that’s been made by the Ford Motor Company since 1998. It’s similar to the Ford Expedition, making it the heaviest vehicle that Lincoln makes. It also features maximum seating capacity and the largest cargo space of the automaker. Up until 2009, the Navigator was built at the Michigan Assembly Plant. Since then, production has occurred at the Kentucky Truck Plant.
There were 15,631 Lincoln Navigator models sold in 2021. While this is an increase over some recent years, the Navigator saw most of its success from 1998 through 2004.
Click on other model years to view more problems:20192022
Most Common Problems
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is a beautiful-looking luxury SUV. It’s surely designed to turn heads on the road and provide large family travel, but mechanically, there’s a lot to be desired. This Lincoln SUV struggles with some dangerous engine problems, electrical system failures and complaints regarding the structure based on an analysis of complaints from the NHTSA and our internal data we receive from our clients.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Complaint Summary
Complaint Category
Number of Complaints
Engine
6
6
Unknown Or Other
3
3
Visibility/wiper
3
3
Steering
2
2
Back Over Prevention
1
1
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1
1
Electrical System
1
1
Power Train
1
1
Visibility
1
1
Engine Problems
Engine Recall: The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is subject to an engine recall (22V346000) that has caused more problems than good. The recall repair was ordered, but it seems that dealerships are having trouble getting the parts needed for the fix. In the meantime, customers continue driving their SUVs, even though it might not be safe to do so.
Premature Engine Failure: It doesn’t take customers long to figure out that there’s something dramatically wrong with the engine under the hood of the Navigator. In fact, one customer not only had to have the engine replaced but also the transmission had to be rebuilt twice within the first years of ownership.
Burning Oil: Normally, burning oil is only common in an older vehicles. However, this 2021 Navigator continues struggling with burning oil. Dealerships have taken a look at the problem with no resolution. However, in one case, the customer needed an engine replacement, yet Lincoln refused the warranty work.
Engine Noise: Even if everything works mechanically as it should, customers are still complaining about loud noise. Along with the noise, it can start to vibrate and jerk, causing an uncomfortable ride.
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Electrical System Problems
Technical Failure: One customer has been facing a massive lemon law issue that isn’t resolved. When their Lincoln was in for service, a technical malfunction occurred that led to an accident. This crash caused $44,000 in damage, but many of the parts were back-ordered, leaving the customer without an SUV for a short time. Once the Navigator was repaired, it didn’t act the same, with continuing electronic glitches that occurred.
Malfunctioning Navigation: Drivers find that the navigation system continues to shut off and go black. In fact, there’s a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 20-2363) that acknowledges the issues. However, the fixes listed in the service bulletin don’t seem to resolve the problem.
No Start Situation: Customers are dealing with the inability to start the SUV. The problem is that it’s not caused by a dead battery, as it would be in most situations. Instead, the car won’t start, nothing works and the vehicle is inoperable. Diagnostics tend not to reveal the problem, leaving customers forced to have their cars towed in for service.
Structural Problems
Squeaking Windshield Wipers: While having noisy windshield wipers might not affect the drivability of the SUV, it can become annoying. Even with customers upgrading the wipers to another brand, the design still leads to squeaks. It can get bad enough that drivers dread getting into the luxury model when rain is falling.
Squeaking Seats: The windshield wipers don’t seem to be the only part that is squeaking. In addition, the seats can start squeaking, especially when traveling over bumps and road imperfections. Some customers found that the only way to resolve the noise is to physically replace the seats.
Defective Leather: Even if the seats don’t make a lot of noise, people are having trouble with the integrity of the leather surfaces. While the design looks great at first, it doesn’t take more than a year before people notice the leather wearing off various surfaces. In fact, one owner had to have the driver’s seat leather and side door leather replaced during the first year.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Recalls
There are three recalls on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, there’s one that has caused the NHTSA to issue an urgent warning. The alert states that the Lincoln Navigator is at risk for a fire when parked. For this reason, it’s important to have issues dealt with immediately.
Recall Date
NHTSA Campaign ID
Affected Components
Recalled Issue
October 15, 2021
21V805000
Air Bags
Front Door Side Impact Sensors Damaged/FMVSS 214
April 14, 2022
22V250000
Visibility
Windshield Wipers May Fail
May 17, 2022
22V346000
Engine
Engine Compartment Fire
What Should You Do if Your 2021 Lincoln Navigator is a Lemon?
When issues resurface persistently, it could be an indicator that your vehicle falls under the lemon category. That is issues that impact the value, safety, or overall dependability of your vehicle.
If you suspect that your 2021 Lincoln Navigator might be a lemon, Lemberg Law offers free evaluations. If you do, we can assist with securing a refund, a replacement vehicle, or arrange a fair buy-out and in some cases, reimbursement for incurred costs and damages. We will negotiate on your behalf.
The law says the manufacturer must pay the legal costs of lemon law cases, which is why you won’t be out of pocket. All you have to do is fill out our contact form or call our Helpline.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
