Lincoln Navigator problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

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.

CarWhere lists 12 documented Navigator issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Navigator generations at a glance

Lincoln Navigator generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
Fifth generation	2025–present	Electronic brake booster can lose power assist (recall 25V-488) · Driver's seat can move unexpectedly (recall 26V-120)
Fourth generation	2018–2024	Transmission park pawl can engage while moving (recall 26V-402) · Front seat belt pretensioner can lock the belt (recall 26V-344) · Windshield wiper arms can break (recalls 22V-250 and 26V-204) · Low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (recall 25V-455) · Front brake lines can rub and leak (recall 25V-314) · Trailer module can drop trailer lights and brakes (recall 26V-104) · Camera module resets can drop the rear camera and driver aids (recall 26V-165) · Battery junction box can cause an engine compartment fire (recall 22V-346) · Misaligned engine cup plug can leak oil rapidly (recall 24V-851)
Third generation	2007–2017	Front blower motor can fail and cause a fire (recall 22V-648)

Fifth generation Navigator problems (2025–present)

Electronic brake booster can lose power assist (recall 25V-488) (2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fifth generation (2025–present) – 2025
Years:: 2025
Powertrain:: All

Recall 25V-488 covers 2025 Navigator models along with the F-150, Expedition, Bronco and Ranger, about 312,120 vehicles, because the electronic brake booster module may malfunction while driving or while a driver-assist feature is in use, causing a loss of power brake assist. The fix is a booster software update over the air or at a dealer.

Symptoms

Hard brake pedal or longer stopping distance
Brake system warning messages

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 25V488 (2025-07) · 312,120 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [15][2][16]

Driver's seat can move unexpectedly (recall 26V-120) (2026)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fifth generation (2025–present) – 2026
Years:: 2026
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V-120 covers about 1,189 2026 Navigator models because the driver's seat obstacle-detection software may malfunction at low speeds and make the seat reverse while driving. The seat control module software is updated by a dealer or over the air.

Symptoms

Driver's seat moving on its own while driving

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 26V120 (2026-03) · 1,189 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [17][2]

Fourth generation Navigator problems (2018–2024)

Transmission park pawl can engage while moving (recall 26V-402) (2018–2021)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) – 2018–2021
Years:: 2018–2021
Powertrain:: All (automatic transmission) (10R80 10-Speed guide)

Ford recalled 2018–2021 Navigator models, along with the Expedition, 2020–2021 Explorer and Aviator and 2021 F-150, because the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is moving and damage the park system, which can lead to a rollaway. The campaign covers about 741,195 vehicles across those models. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software and replace damaged transmission parts; Ford expected the remedy to be available in April 2027, with interim owner letters mailed in July 2026.

Symptoms

Grinding or ratcheting noise from the transmission at low speed
Vehicle that does not hold firmly in Park

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup; until the remedy is ready, the recall will show as open
Use the parking brake every time you park until the repair is done

NHTSA recall: 26V402 (2026-06) · 741,195 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

Front seat belt pretensioner can lock the belt (recall 26V-344) (2018–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) – 2018–2022
Years:: 2018–2022
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V-344 covers 2018–2022 Navigator and Expedition models, about 419,967 vehicles, because the driver or front passenger seat belt pretensioner may lock the belt so it will not retract or extend. Dealers inspect and replace the retractors as needed. It follows two smaller recalls for the same condition on 2018–2020 models, 24V-099 (77,574 vehicles) and 25V-197 (112,951 vehicles).

Symptoms

Front seat belt that will not pull out or will not retract

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V344 (2026-05) · 419,967 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][4][5][2]

Windshield wiper arms can break (recalls 22V-250 and 26V-204) (2020–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) – 2020–2023
Years:: 2020–2023
Powertrain:: All

Two recalls cover broken windshield wiper arms. 22V-250 covers 2020–2021 Navigator models with the F-150, Expedition and Super Duty, about 652,996 vehicles in total; dealers replace both front wiper arms. 26V-204 covers 2021–2023 Navigator and Expedition models plus 2022–2023 Super Duty trucks, about 422,613 vehicles, with dealers inspecting and replacing the arms as needed.

Symptoms

Wiper arm that separates or stops sweeping the glass
Wipers that move unevenly

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V250 (2022-04) · 652,996 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6][7][2]

Low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (recall 25V-455) (2021–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) – 2021–2022
Years:: 2021–2022
Powertrain:: All

Recall 25V-455 covers 2021–2022 Navigator models along with the 2021–2023 Aviator, Explorer, Bronco and Super Duty and other Ford models, about 850,318 vehicles in all, because the low-pressure fuel pump may fail and cause an engine stall while driving. On the Navigator the remedy is a powertrain control module software update; owner letters were mailed in July 2026.

Symptoms

Engine stall or loss of power while driving
Hard starting or a fuel-system warning

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 25V455 (2025-07) · 850,318 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][2]

Front brake lines can rub and leak (recall 25V-314) (2022–2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) – 2022–2024
Years:: 2022–2024
Powertrain:: All

Recall 25V-314 covers 2022–2024 Navigator and Expedition models, about 273,789 vehicles, because the front brake lines can contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe, wear through and leak brake fluid, reducing braking. Dealers inspect the line and replace it or the outlet pipe as needed.

Symptoms

Brake warning light or low brake fluid
Soft brake pedal or longer stopping distance

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 25V314 (2025-05) · 273,789 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9][2]

Trailer module can drop trailer lights and brakes (recall 26V-104) (2022–2027)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) and fifth generation – 2022–2027
Years:: 2022–2027
Powertrain:: All (when towing)

Ford recalled about 4,381,878 trucks and SUVs, including 2022–2027 Navigator and Expedition models, because the integrated trailer module may lose communication with the vehicle while towing. That can cut a trailer's brake and turn signal lights or its brakes. The fix is a software update by a dealer or over the air.

Symptoms

Trailer brake lights or turn signals not working
Trailer brake controller warning messages

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 26V104 (2026-02) · 4,381,878 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10][2]

Camera module resets can drop the rear camera and driver aids (recall 26V-165) (2022–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) and fifth generation – 2022–2025
Years:: 2022–2025
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V-165 covers 2022–2025 Navigator, 2024–2025 Nautilus and 2025 Aviator and Explorer models, about 254,640 vehicles, because Image Processing Module A may reset repeatedly. That can drop the rearview camera image and features such as pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Software updates are delivered by a dealer or over the air in phases.

Symptoms

Rear camera image cuts out
Driver-assist features unavailable or warning messages

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 26V165 (2026-03) · 254,640 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11][2]

Battery junction box can cause an engine compartment fire (recall 22V-346) (2021)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) – 2021
Years:: 2021
Powertrain:: All

Recall 22V-346 covers 2021 Navigator and Expedition models, about 66,221 vehicles, because an engine compartment fire can start while driving or parked, even with the ignition off. Owners were told to park outside until repaired. Dealers inspect and replace the battery junction box as needed and remove a ground wire; some trucks also get an auxiliary electrical box.

Symptoms

Burning smell or smoke from under the hood
Electrical warnings or melted wiring near the battery

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the repair order showing the battery junction box work

NHTSA recall: 22V346 (2022-05) · 66,221 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12][2]

Misaligned engine cup plug can leak oil rapidly (recall 24V-851) (2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: Fourth generation (2018–2024) – 2024
Years:: 2024
Powertrain:: 3.5L GTDI (EcoBoost) V6 (3.5 EcoBoost guide)

Ford recalled some 2024 Navigator, 2024 Expedition and 2024–2025 F-150 models with the 3.5L engine because a misaligned engine cup plug can cause a rapid oil leak, which can stall the engine or start a fire. 24V-851 covers about 2,490 vehicles; a follow-up, 25V-198, added about 4,356 more. Dealers inspect the plug and replace it if needed.

Symptoms

Sudden oil loss or low oil pressure warning
Oil spots under the vehicle or burning oil smell

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 24V851 (2024-12) · 2,490 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13][14][2]

Third generation Navigator problems (2007–2017)

Front blower motor can fail and cause a fire (recall 22V-648) (2015–2017)

Safety recall

Generation:: Third generation (2007–2017) – 2015–2017
Years:: 2015–2017
Powertrain:: All

Recall 22V-648 covers 2015–2017 Navigator and Expedition models, about 198,482 vehicles, because the front blower motor behind the glove box may fail and create an interior fire risk. Dealers replace the blower motor assembly.

Symptoms

Blower that stops working or runs intermittently
Burning smell from the dash vents

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V648 (2022-08) · 198,482 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [18][2]

Related Navigator research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Navigator was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these 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.

Lincoln build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Lincoln Navigator problems?

The largest documented Navigator issues are safety recalls: the 2018–2021 park pawl recall (26V-402), the 2018–2022 seat belt pretensioner recall (26V-344), wiper arm recalls for 2020–2023 models and the 2021–2022 low-pressure fuel pump recall (25V-455).

Which Navigator years have the most recalls?

The 2021 and 2022 model years appear in the most campaigns, including the park pawl, seat belt, wiper arm, fuel pump and trailer module recalls. 2021 models also have the engine compartment fire recall (22V-346).

Is there a recall on the 2018–2021 Navigator transmission?

Yes. Recall 26V-402 covers 2018–2021 models because the park pawl can engage while moving and damage the park system. Dealers will update software and replace damaged parts once the remedy is ready, which Ford expected in April 2027.

Does the 2025 Navigator have recalls?

Yes. 2025 models are covered by an electronic brake booster software recall (25V-488) and by the trailer module (26V-104) and camera module (26V-165) campaigns. 2026 models have a driver seat software recall (26V-120).

How do I check a used Navigator for open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Lincoln dealer, and ask the seller for repair orders. Lincoln's owner site also shows Customer Satisfaction Programs, which can extend coverage on specific parts.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recall 26V-402: Vehicle Rollaway Risk — NHTSA
DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Navigator — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-344: Seat Belt May Fail to Retract or Extend — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 24V-099: Seat Belt May Lock and Fail to Retract or Extend — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-197: Seat Belt May Fail to Retract or Extend — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 22V-250: Windshield Wipers May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-204: Windshield Wipers May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-455: Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-314: Loss of Brake Function from Brake Fluid Leak — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-104: Trailer Lighting and Brakes May Not Function/FMVSS 108 — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-165: Loss of Rearview Camera Image and ADAS Features — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 22V-346: Engine Compartment Fire — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 24V-851: Incorrectly Installed Engine Cup Plug May Leak Oil — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-198: Misaligned Engine Oil Plug — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-488: Loss of Power Brake Assist — NHTSA
All-new Lincoln Navigator Makes Global Debut (2025 Navigator, Aug 15, 2024) — Ford From the Road newsroom (fromtheroad.ford.com)
NHTSA recall 26V-120: Driver's Seat May Move Unexpectedly — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 22V-648: Blower Motor Failure May Cause Fire — NHTSA

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