Last updated: 2026-04-20
2020 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator scores 60/100 ("Good"). With 11 recalls and 24 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
11
Complaints
24
Complaint Rate
15.7per 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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (13)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- ENGINE (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (2018).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 4th generation Navigator (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2018: Fourth generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is year 3 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 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
At 60/100, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (2018).
Owners log 24 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train and power train (13). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Lincoln Navigator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$38 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury fullsize SUVs
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −POWER TRAIN: Improper shifting, abrupt power loss, and transmission fluid leaks (13 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (4 complaints)
Compare 2020 Lincoln Navigator With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 11 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (13)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Recall Overview
11
recalls on record
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator has 11 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Lincoln Navigator Recall Details
11 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
Consequence
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 23, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
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.
Showing 10 of 11 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2020 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first
Every 2020 Lincoln Navigator has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Lincoln Navigator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.3%
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 / 21–22 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 2020 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 | 22 | 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 | 21 | 18 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Lincoln Navigator.
Inspect transmission for hard shifting or unexpected neutral shifts during test drive
Check for any signs of transmission fluid leaks under the vehicle
Test engine for knocking noises or loss of power during acceleration
Verify battery health and test for any electrical system warnings
Ensure all electronic features (collision warning, lane departure) function correctly
Check for any recall repairs related to seat belts and transmission
2020 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component
24 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report persistent transmission issues with the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, primarily involving improper shifting, abrupt power loss, and transmission fluid leaks. Common symptoms include the vehicle downshifting into neutral unexpectedly, harsh engagement back into gear, and jerking during acceleration. These issues often occur at highway speeds, with reports of vehicles losing motive power, sometimes leading to near collisions. Several complaints describe incidents around 45,000 to 100,000 miles, with multiple instances of transmission replacements or rebuilds failing to resolve the problems. One complaint notes a fire following transmission failure, highlighting potential safety risks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lincoln Navigator frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with several complaints highlighting problems with battery drainage leading to the vehicle being inoperable. Symptoms described include the car not starting after being parked overnight and requiring jump starts, as well as the vehicle's app indicating a need to conserve battery. Additionally, some owners mention erratic behavior of electronic features, such as collision warnings not functioning consistently and lane departure systems being unreliable. These issues often appear at low mileages, with one report noting concerns at approximately 500 miles. Safety implications include the potential for being stranded without a working vehicle, though no crashes or fires are reported.
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lincoln Navigator report engine failures typically occurring between 78,000 and 93,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine shuttering, loss of power, and knocking noises, often without prior warning from dashboard indicators. Patterns suggest issues like piston ring failure, oil contamination, and carbon buildup, with some owners noting metal debris in the engine oil and failed cam phasers. These problems result in the need for complete engine replacement. Safety implications are significant, as sudden power loss while driving poses a risk of accidents, particularly during high-speed travel or when attempting to pass or merge.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintSafety-relatedAll windows will fog up when the outside air temperature is below 29 degrees Fahrenheit. The dealer says that it is a known condition, but they are not sure how to resolve it.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V197000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintThese tires have become uncontrollable in the rain. At 45 mph in light rain the vehicle slides all over the place. Traction control is going off and the vehicle is near impossible to stop and it slid sideways. I have been driving for 40 years including in the rain with a motorcycle even. I have never experienced anything like this. I asked other lincoln owners on facebook and quickly got a lot of comments on how dangerous they are. Tires came from the Lincoln factory and have 29,000 miles on them with good tread. I dont beleive its a tread depth issue - possibly a tire compound issue. Very dangerous and people will die. This issue is with all 4 tires.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintSafety-relatedOn June 28, 2023 I was driving my 2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label and pull over due to smoke coming out from under my car. I turned the car off and went to open up the hook and seen black smoking pouring out of my car. I immediately called 911 and reported my car on fire. My car burned to the ground and Lincoln says there was not recalls. I have loss a significant amount of money on this car that I purchased only 1 year & 3 months ago and my insurance company is only paying me what the most current sales are. I hope something can be done since other Navigators has been recalled due to fires. I would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thank You, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When Do 2020 Lincoln Navigator Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Navigator year is 2025 with a reliability score of 64/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (64/100) and 2023 (63/100).
Lincoln Navigator Years to Avoid
No Lincoln Navigator years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Lincoln Navigator maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Navigator reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 61/100.
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 |
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Navigator have?
Is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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