Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 60/100 (GOOD)

2020 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator has a good reliability standing, but transmission complaints about lost power while merging are the main concern.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

15.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1089

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,150–$3,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity62/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact52/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Transmission complaints dominate this year, with gearbox hesitation when merging and passing, plus 11 recalls including one park-outside fire risk.

Top Issues to Watch

POWER TRAIN (13)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
ENGINE (3)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

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?

A middling year with a real transmission concern. Its reliability standing is good, and it sits in the middle of the nine scored Navigator years. Against other 2020 SUVs, it is well below average. Estimated yearly repair cost is $1089, slightly under the $1127 for its class. The 2019 is mixed, with 58 complaints, and the 2021 rates about the same.

The transmission is the main worry, with 13 of 24 owner complaints. Owners describe the gearbox dropping into neutral or missing a lower gear while merging or passing, with the engine revving and power gone until it slams back in. Problems often return after a rebuild or replacement, and one vehicle caught fire. Two engine failures came at 78,000 and 93,000 miles with little warning. Federal records list 11 recalls, one a park-outside fire risk.

Ask for transmission and engine repair records, and confirm by VIN that every recall, especially the park-outside one, was completed.

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 issues reported (13 complaints)
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Battery drains overnight and leaves the car unable to start, and dealers have... (4 complaints)

Compare 2020 Lincoln Navigator With

2020 Cadillac Escalade

Reliability: 66/100

Good

2020 Toyota Sequoia

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2020 Nissan Armada

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2020 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2020 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability: 68/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

11 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

POWER TRAIN (13)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park Outside

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 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

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.

25V6280002025-09-19Park Outside

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.

25V4420002025-06-27

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.

25V1970002025-05-23

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 →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, and 11 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

2020 Lincoln Navigator NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 19.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Inflatable Seat Belt Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Lincoln NavigatorRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5

Based 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

Navigator

$1089

Category Avg

$1127

All Vehicles

$652

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.

Accelerate firmly to merge or pass at highway speed and watch for a neutral drop, engine flare, or bang on re-engagement.
Ask for transmission repair records, including any rebuild or replacement, and test drive carefully even if work was done.
Inspect the rear hatch, exhaust, and underside for transmission fluid residue, leaks, or burnt smells.
Watch the transmission temperature reading after a highway drive and stop if you see smoke or smell burning.
Listen for engine knocking and have a mechanic check the oil for metal debris, especially near 78,000 miles or above.
Test remote start, the running boards, and dash warning lights, and ask whether the app has shown deep sleep alerts.
Test the power seats, collision warning, and lane departure correction on a road drive and note any erratic behavior.

2020 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component

24 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

POWER TRAIN (13)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)ENGINE (3)SEAT BELTS (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)TIRES (1)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)

POWER TRAIN

13 complaintsSafety-related

The transmission drops into neutral or fails to find a lower gear when the driver accelerates to merge or pass at highway speed. The engine revs, sometimes to redline, and power is lost until the gearbox slams back in with a bang. Some of these near misses happen on on-ramps and in traffic. Other reports describe hard shifts, overheating, and fluid spraying onto the rear hatch or leaking with smoke. Problems often return after a rebuild or replacement. One vehicle caught fire after losing all power less than 2000 miles after a warranty transmission replacement.

13 complaints total1 fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

The battery drains overnight and leaves the car unable to start, and dealers have not found the cause. Before it dies, the app sends deep sleep and battery-saving alerts, and remote start and unlock stop working. After jump starts, warning lights come on and the power running boards stick or quit. Other reports describe a passenger seat that moves forward and back on its own at about 500 miles. Collision warning is also inconsistent, staying silent during hard braking or going off at long range, and lane departure correction works only some of the time.

4 complaints total

ENGINE

3 complaints

Catastrophic failure arrives with little warning, and the check engine light comes on only after power loss and shuddering begin. Reported failures happen at 78,000 and 93,000 miles. Diagnoses include bottom-end damage with knocking, metal debris in the oil, failed seals, and piston ring failure causing compression loss. Both cases call for a complete engine replacement. A separate report describes the vehicle abruptly losing power and nearly stalling when the driver accelerates to pass between 40 and 60 mph, creating a dangerous situation in traffic.

3 complaints total

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2025-06-30

The 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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaintSafety-related

2023-06-28Crash reportedFire reported

On 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)

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2023-04-25

These 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.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaintSafety-related

2022-02-07Crash reported

All 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.

When Do 2020 Lincoln Navigator Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

78,000–93,000 milesCatastrophic engine failure

Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years

Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

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.

See full Lincoln Navigator years-to-avoid analysis

Lincoln Navigator Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Lincoln Navigator reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	71/100	+7	Good	2	0
2025	64/100	0	Good	6	7
2024	64/100	+1	Good	7	14
2023	63/100	+2	Good	8	5
2022	61/100	+1	Good	13	16
2021	60/100	0	Good	10	26
2020(selected)	60/100	+1	Good	11	24
2019	59/100	0	Mixed	4	58
2018	59/100	—	Mixed	7	45

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

It has a good reliability standing and a 5 of 5 star federal crash-test rating. It sits in the middle of the Navigator's nine scored years, but well below average against other 2020 SUVs. Transmission and engine complaints are the reason for caution.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?

Power train problems lead, with 13 of 24 complaints. Owners report the transmission dropping into neutral or missing a lower gear at highway speed. Electrical issues follow, including battery drain and inconsistent collision warning, then engine failures reported at 78,000 and 93,000 miles.

Does the 2020 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?

Yes, owner complaints point to it. Drivers describe the engine revving and power vanishing while merging or passing, then the gearbox slamming back in. Some report hard shifts or leaks. Problems often return after a rebuild or replacement, and one vehicle caught fire after a warranty transmission replacement.

How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Navigator have?

Federal records list 11 recalls. Areas include engine, seat belts, back over prevention, electrical system, visibility, seats, and forward collision avoidance. One is a park-outside fire risk recall. Check the VIN to confirm each recall was completed.

How much does the 2020 Lincoln Navigator cost to maintain?

Independent repair-cost data estimates $1089 a year, model-wide. That is slightly under the $1127 estimate for its class. A transmission or engine replacement, which owners describe in their complaints, would be a separate and far larger expense.

Don’t buy a 2020 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2020 Lincoln Navigator

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator does best on how many systems draw complaints (83/100) 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.

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