Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report
The 2019 Lincoln Navigator rates mixed and well below other 2019 SUVs, mainly because of a 10-speed automatic that slips and shifts late.
Recalls
4
Complaints
58
Complaint Rate
31.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1089
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,150–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Weakest of the nine scored Navigator years, with transmission slipping, seat belt pretensioners that fire without a crash, and four recalls.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (14)
- SEAT BELTS (10)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (2018).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 4th generation Navigator (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
2018: Fourth generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (2018).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?
Mixed is the fair verdict here. Against other 2019 SUVs this Navigator rates well below average, and it is the weakest of the nine Navigator years we score. The 2018 is also mixed, with 45 complaints. The 2020 rates good, with 24. Crash protection is strong at 5 of 5 stars, and model-wide repair costs run slightly under the class.
The 10-speed automatic is the biggest worry. Owners describe slipping, hesitation, and sticking in the wrong gear before it slams in late. Some say the engine revs at a light without moving, or the SUV coasts as if in neutral while passing. Problems start as early as 20,000 to 31,000 miles, and repeat dealer visits often fail. Seat belt pretensioners also fire without a crash, and two owners report bruising. Federal recall records list four recalls, covering seat belts, back over prevention, suspension, and the electrical system.
Ask for transmission repair records and proof that every recall repair was finished. Owners report long waits for seat belt parts. If you want a better-rated year, look at the 2020, but check its recalls too.
Compared to the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2018 Lincoln Navigator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +$38 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury fullsize SUVs
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −POWER TRAIN: 10-speed automatic slips, hesitates, and sticks in the wrong gear, then slams... (14 complaints)
Compare 2019 Lincoln Navigator With
2019 Cadillac Escalade
Reliability: 66/100
2019 Toyota Sequoia
Reliability: 70/100
2019 Nissan Armada
Reliability: 72/100
2019 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 71/100
2019 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability: 68/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (14)
- SEAT BELTS (10)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
31.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Lincoln Navigator Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor date codes and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Consequence
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
SUSPENSION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.
Consequence
A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust the rear toe alignment, and inspect the rear tires for abnormal tire wear, replacing them if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S36.
Buying a used 2019 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Lincoln Navigator, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Lincoln Navigator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 20.8%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln NavigatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1089
vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
18%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
18–19 MPG
Running cost: $4,250–$4,400/yr
Fuel + repair
16 city / 21–23 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Navigator L 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Lincoln Navigator.
Cold-start the engine and listen for rattling, ticking, or shaking in the first seconds.
Accelerate from stops and climb a hill at 17 to 23 mph; reject slipping, hesitation, or late, hard shifts.
Ask for records of transmission rebuilds, cam phaser replacement, or repeated dealer visits for shifting complaints.
Pull every seat belt in all rows fully out and let it retract; reject belts that lock, bind, or hang loose.
Run a VIN recall check and get dealer proof that seat belt and backup camera recall work is complete.
Start the car several times and confirm the instrument cluster and every camera view display each time.
Inspect the sunroof glass for cracks or chips, and confirm the restraints warning light stays off with a passenger buckled.
During the test drive, confirm all power windows stay closed and all brake lights work.
2019 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component
58 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsThe 10-speed automatic slips, hesitates, and sticks in the wrong gear, then slams into gear late. The reports describe shudder at 17 to 23 mph on inclines, engine revving without the car pulling away from lights, and the car coasting as if in neutral while passing or turning into traffic. Several drivers report near rear-end collisions. Problems appear as early as 20,000 to 31,000 miles. Repeat dealer visits often fail to fix it, and some cases end in a rebuild. A smaller group ties reduced power and misfires to timing chain and cam timing faults.
SEAT BELTS
10 complaintsSafety-relatedSeat belt pretensioners fire without a crash. Drivers hear a loud bang, smell smoke or gunpowder, and feel the belt cinch hard across the chest. Two complaints report bruising injuries. Other belts lock up, refuse to extend, bind, or stop retracting, in both front and second-row seats, which leaves that seat unusable. Many complaints focus on long waits for a recall repair, with dealers saying the part is not yet available. Failures show up anywhere from under 10K miles to about 97,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaintsThe digital instrument cluster goes blank at startup and hides speed and fuel level, then comes back on its own. Dealers struggle to reproduce it and find no error codes. Backup, front, and 360-degree camera views stop displaying. Other reports cover dead brake lights and front emblem lighting, a failed heated seat, a telematics unit replacement quoted at $1181, and the engine shutting off in Drive with an auto start-stop message that the dealer blamed on low battery voltage.
ENGINE (7 complaints)
ENGINE
7 complaintsCold starts bring a loud rattle, ticking, and shaking. Dealers diagnose failed cam phasers or variable cam timing parts. Drivability also suffers, with hesitation and slow gear engagement, and one report ends in a blown engine. Failures cluster around 75,714 to 83,000 miles, including on vehicles with regular oil changes. Several owners say they were denied coverage for the repair. They describe quotes from $1,000 to $4,500 and weeks of waiting in dealer service lots.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsPower windows lower on their own, sometimes several times in a few days. One window stays down until the car is restarted. Other reports describe hard shifts that lunge the vehicle forward and then leave it slowing and revving as if in neutral. Owners also report exhaust fumes filling the cabin when the liftgate is open with the engine running, and a rear camera recall repair that 5 dealerships could not complete in a timely manner.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsControl is lost while driving, with or without a turn, and the wheel feels completely disconnected from the wheels. Only one report describes this. The other complaint covers a vehicle that overheats, leaks fluid, and smokes within hours of delivery. A ticking noise follows, then a clunk and movement felt under the driver's feet, and the dealer replaced an axle and bearings. With only 2 complaints, no wider pattern shows.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsSunroof glass shatters while the car is moving. The break comes with a loud, explosion-like bang and no obvious impact. One case happens near 75 mph at about 45,000 miles and leaves a hole in the rear sunroof. Another happens two weeks after purchase. The sudden noise can startle the driver, and falling glass is a risk if the shade is open. Neither report says the sunroof was repaired.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsNeither complaint describes a camera failure. Both concern a backup camera recall notice for which the repair part is not yet available. Owners say dealers confirmed the shortage and put them on a waiting list, and they feel the wait has gone on longer than is reasonable. The complaints are about parts supply and delays, not a malfunction they experienced.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedIn one rear-end crash at 40 mph, the air bags fail to deploy and the seat belt pretensioner does not work as intended. The driver and two children suffer bruising from the belts. A separate report describes the restraints warning light coming on every time a passenger buckles in, including while driving. The dealer could not find the cause. With only 2 complaints, no broader pattern is visible.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintWell, the problem is with the transmission. The transmission will lurch, and it also will go into neutral while you are driving down the road, the other thing with the suspension I had repaired. But it said the drive modes were disabled and kept on throwing. Check engine lights. Not to mention, I had to have the cam. Phasers fixed last year, that was another $5000 repair.
When Do 2019 Lincoln Navigator Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years
Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreLincoln 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
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?
Does the 2019 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?
What recalls does the 2019 Lincoln Navigator have?
Is the 2019 Lincoln Navigator better than the 2020?
Don’t buy a 2019 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Lincoln Navigator
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator does best on how many systems draw complaints (80/100) and worst on repair costs (50/100). 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lincoln Navigator.
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