Lincoln known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 60 Lincoln problems and 60 NHTSA safety recalls across 6 models — Navigator, Aviator, Nautilus, Corsair, MKZ and Continental — organized by generation. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Navigator problems | Fifth generation (2025–present), Fourth generation (2018–2024), Third generation (2007–2017) | 12 | 12 |
| Lincoln Aviator problems | Second generation (2020–present) | 12 | 12 |
| Lincoln Nautilus problems | Second generation (2024–present), First generation (2019–2023) | 11 | 11 |
| Lincoln Corsair problems | First generation (2020–present) | 12 | 12 |
| Lincoln MKZ problems | Second generation (2013–2020), First generation (2007–2012) | 8 | 8 |
| Lincoln Continental problems | Tenth generation (2017–2020) | 5 | 5 |
Lincoln Navigator problems
The biggest Navigator recall for used buyers is 26V-402, a 2018–2021 transmission park pawl defect that can lead to a rollaway; its remedy was not expected until April 2027. 2018–2022 models also have a seat belt pretensioner recall, and 2021–2024 models have fuel pump, brake line and camera module campaigns.
Lincoln Aviator problems
The most consequential Aviator recalls are 26V-402, a park pawl defect on 2020–2021 models that can lead to a rollaway, and 25V-455, a fuel pump failure on 2021–2023 models that can stall the engine. Second-row easy-entry seats, rear cameras and wiper motors are also covered, and 2020–2022 Grand Touring plug-in hybrids have a battery recall.
Lincoln Nautilus problems
The most serious first-generation Nautilus recall is 24V-635, which covers 2021–2022 models with the 2.7L V6 because intake valves can break and cause engine failure. 2024-and-newer models have recalls for camera module resets, displays that can go blank, power windows that may not reverse and, on hybrids, pedestrian warning sound and unexpected neutral shifts.
Lincoln Corsair problems
Most Corsair recalls involve rear camera faults and failing wiper motors on 2020–2022 models. The Grand Touring plug-in hybrid has the most serious campaigns: an engine failure fire risk on 2021–2023 models and high-voltage battery cell defects on 2021–2026 models, whose software remedy limits charging until it is installed.
Lincoln MKZ problems
The biggest second-generation MKZ recalls are 18V-167, a steering wheel bolt that can loosen on 2014–2018 cars, and 23V-162, front brake hoses that can rupture on 2013–2018 cars. 2013–2015 models also have door latch, seat belt cable and power steering recalls, and 2007–2012 cars have air bag inflator recalls.
Lincoln Continental problems
The most important recall for a used 2017–2020 Continental is 19V-077, which replaces all four door latches on 2017–2019 cars because the electronic latch motors may not fully engage. Other recalls cover a 360-degree camera lens that can turn cloudy, rear camera software, a 2017 driver air bag and early 2017 HID headlights.
Confirm how a used Lincoln was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Lincoln build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Lincoln problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 6 Lincoln models covered here, the most documented items are transmission park pawl can engage while moving (recall 26V-402) on the Navigator; transmission park pawl can engage while moving (recall 26V-402) on the Aviator; camera module resets can drop the rear camera and driver aids (recall 26V-165) on the Nautilus. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Lincoln for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or the Lincoln owner site, or ask a Lincoln dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years against each other, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page where both exist.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns, dataset 6axg-epim) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data
- Ford Media Center — Lincoln news, pricing and specifications — Ford Motor Company
More Lincoln tools
- Lincoln research hub
- Lincoln SUV lineup
- Lincoln trim levels explained
- Ford & Lincoln engines guide
- Free Lincoln VIN decoder
- Lincoln window sticker by VIN
- Lincoln specs by model
- Lincoln reliability
- How long do Lincoln models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Lincoln or Ford Motor Company. Lincoln, Black Label and the model names are trademarks of their owners.