Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lincoln Navigator Reliability by Year
Lincoln Navigator years compared: none is a clear one to avoid, but 2018 and 2019 draw the most complaints. The 2024 is the best year to buy.
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Overview
Used Navigators hold a good reliability standing, though they rank below average among SUVs on the site. The 2024 is the year to buy, while 2018 and 2019 draw the most complaints. Two problems matter most: hard, slamming transmission shifts that can cut power at highway speed, and a cold-start engine rattle traced to the cam phasers. Repairs average about $1,089 a year.
Current generation: 5th gen (2025–2023).
Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years
Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 2024 has far fewer owner complaints for the number sold than 2018 and 2019. Its main complaint is a highway vibration, not the transmission trouble that leads 2018 through 2020. It has also been on the road long enough to judge. Test drive it at highway speed.
Lincoln Navigator Years to Avoid
No Lincoln Navigator years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 59 and 71 across 9 scored model years.
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Navigator reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 62/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 71/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Lincoln Navigator
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Has no owner complaints yet and two recalls, far fewer than the six recalls and seven complaints on the 2025 model.
2025 Lincoln Navigator
6 recalls · 7 complaints
One of the stronger Navigator years, though owners report unexplained slowing while driving, and 2024 shows more complaints.
2024 Lincoln Navigator
7 recalls · 14 complaints
Final year of the fourth generation, rated good, with a persistent highway vibration that owners say dealers could not fix and seven recalls on record.
2023 Lincoln Navigator
8 recalls · 5 complaints
Fewer owner complaints than 2022 or 2024, mostly screen and backup camera glitches, with 8 federal recalls on record.
2022 Lincoln Navigator
13 recalls · 16 complaints
Refresh year of the fourth generation, with 13 recalls and screen reboots that can take down driver aids; mid-pack among Navigator years.
2021 Lincoln Navigator
10 recalls · 26 complaints
Transmission slipping at highway speed and long waits for engine recall parts set it apart, and it ranks among the weaker of nine Navigator years.
2020 Lincoln Navigator
11 recalls · 24 complaints
Transmission complaints dominate this year, with gearbox hesitation when merging and passing, plus 11 recalls including one park-outside fire risk.
2019 Lincoln Navigator
4 recalls · 58 complaints
Weakest of the nine scored Navigator years, with transmission slipping, seat belt pretensioners that fire without a crash, and four recalls.
2018 Lincoln Navigator
7 recalls · 45 complaints
First year of the fourth generation, with seven recalls and transmission complaints that leave it among the weaker Navigator years.
Found Your Lincoln Navigator? Check Its History
Power train (14) problems come up most in Lincoln Navigator owner complaints, and 68 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Lincoln Navigator Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
2.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$1089
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
18%
$38 below the luxury fullsize SUVs average of $1127/yr.
Ranked #5 of 19 among luxury fullsize SUVs.
Lincoln Navigator Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Lincoln Models
Compare all Lincoln models by reliability
Compare Lincoln Navigator With Similar SUVs
The Lincoln Navigator competes with other full-size suvs such as Cadillac Escalade, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada.
Navigator vs Cadillac Escalade
8 years tracked · 496 complaints
Navigator vs Toyota Sequoia
5 years tracked · 36 complaints
Navigator vs Nissan Armada
9 years tracked · 225 complaints
Navigator vs GMC Yukon
9 years tracked · 1357 complaints
Navigator vs Kia EV9
2 years tracked · 224 complaints
More Lincoln Navigator comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for the Lincoln Navigator?
- The 2024 is the best year to buy. It has been on the road long enough to show a clear record, and its complaint rate is well below 2018 and 2019. Newer 2025 and 2026 models look clean mostly because they have had less time to collect complaints.
- Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?
- Its overall reliability standing is good, though it sits below average compared with other SUVs on the site. No single year is a disaster. The weak spots are the transmission, the engine's cam phasers, and some water and wiring faults, so check those before you buy.
- What are the most common Lincoln Navigator problems?
- Power train complaints lead, with 45 reports of hard shifts, slipping in reverse, and sudden power loss at highway speed. Electrical faults come next, including leaking moonroof drains and a liftgate that opens on its own. Engine rattle at cold start and seat belt faults follow.
- How much does it cost to repair a Lincoln Navigator each year?
- Independent repair-cost data puts the estimate at about $1,089 a year. That is slightly under the $1,127 average for luxury full-size SUVs. Expect costs to depend on whether the transmission or engine issues show up on the specific truck you buy.
- Does the Lincoln Navigator have engine problems?
- Yes, mainly a loud rattle or knock at cold start, which dealers trace to the cam phasers. Rough idle and lost power when passing can follow. Several owners say the rattle returned after software updates or phaser replacement.
How we score the Lincoln Navigator
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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