Last updated: 2026-10-10

2021 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator rates good overall but ranks low among 2021 SUVs, with transmission slipping at highway speed as the main complaint.
Recalls
10
Complaints
26
Complaint Rate
16.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1089
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,300–$3,500
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
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.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- ENGINE (4)
- STEERING (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 4 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.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 4 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
Reliability standing is good, but this is among the weaker of the nine scored Navigator years, and it sits well below average against other 2021 SUVs. The 2020 and 2022 models rate about the same. Estimated repair costs run $1089 a year, a little under the $1127 class figure, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.
The complaints that matter most involve the transmission. Owners describe it slipping into neutral or dropping out of gear at highway speed, then slamming back in and surging forward. Some say the problem returned after a repair. One engine complaint reports sudden failure at highway speed with no warning, though most engine complaints are about waiting on recall parts. Wiper arms have worked loose, and one flew off in rain. The car has 10 recalls, including one park-outside fire risk.
Ask for the full recall history and confirm every repair is done, especially the park-outside recall and the engine and visibility ones. Ask for transmission service records, and test drive on a highway on-ramp. Check 2020 and 2022 the same way.
Compared to the 2022 Lincoln Navigator, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 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: Transmission slips into neutral or drops out of gear while driving (4 complaints)
- −ENGINE issues reported (4 complaints)
Compare 2021 Lincoln Navigator With

2021 Cadillac Escalade
Reliability: 54/100

2021 Toyota Sequoia
Reliability: 72/100

2021 Nissan Armada
Reliability: 74/100

2021 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 55/100

2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability: 60/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 10 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (4)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)
Recall Overview
10
recalls on record
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 10 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
16.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Recall Details
10 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
VISIBILITY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
Consequence
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
VISIBILITY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Consequence
A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Consequence
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Buying a used 2021 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, and 10 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
2021 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
17–18 MPG
Running cost: $4,400–$4,600/yr
Fuel + repair
16 city / 20–22 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 2021 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 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Navigator L 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Lincoln Navigator.
Accelerate firmly from 50 mph on a highway and watch for slipping into neutral, lost power, or a harsh lurch back into gear.
Watch the dash for Shift System Fault or Powertrain Malfunction messages and ask for any transmission repair records.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm every open recall has been completed by a Lincoln dealer.
Inspect the panoramic sunroof glass for chips or cracks and ask whether it has ever been replaced.
Lift both wiper arms, lower them, and confirm each one seats firmly in its original position without wobbling.
Run the power tilt and telescoping steering column through its full range and listen for grinding.
Turn the steering wheel fully both ways while parked and while driving, checking for sudden heaviness or warning lights.
Start the car after it sits in the sun and confirm the backup camera shows an image right away.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component
26 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsThe transmission slips into neutral or drops out of gear while driving. Power cuts out for several seconds, then the drivetrain slams back into gear and the vehicle surges forward. Reports describe this at highway speed and while accelerating to merge or pass, with near rear-end collisions and stalls in intersections. Warnings such as Shift System Fault and Powertrain Malfunction appear on the screen, sometimes only after the event. Some owners say the problem came back after a transmission overhaul or a transmission valve repair.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsThe panoramic sunroof glass shatters while driving with a loud bang like a gunshot, and glass drops into the cabin. Owners say nothing struck the roof, while dealers have blamed road debris. The interior sunroof screen catches much of the glass. Other complaints cover a backup camera and navigation fault that an owner paid to fix, and an urgent safety notice about fires that had no remedy available yet.
ENGINE
4 complaintsSudden engine failure at highway speed with no prior warning appears in one report, and the driver had to coast across several lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder. Most engine complaints, though, are about an engine recall notice, not a breakdown. These owners say the repair part was unavailable, dealers could not give a timeline, and the wait has run far too long. Several say they have not had a failure themselves.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsPower steering can suddenly turn heavy and make the wheel hard to turn. In that report the instrument display also became distorted, the brake light stayed on, and the vehicle would not accelerate properly, at 19,000 miles. The power tilt and telescoping column can grind during memory or manual adjustment, and owners report that the dealer fix is a full column replacement costing $1700.00. Another complaint filed here describes a rough ride and lane jumping traced to strut, driveshaft, front differential, and transmission faults.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsThe passenger-side wiper arm works loose and in one case flew off while driving in the rain. Owners also say the arm will not return to its proper position after being lifted to clear snow, even after several tries. A separate complaint describes a driver-side wiper failure tied to a recall notice, with the dealer confirming parts were not available. A wiper that detaches in rain or snow can leave the driver with little forward view.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsSafety-relatedThe backup camera image cuts out. One of the 2 complaints is crash-related: the camera failed while reversing at about 2 MPH and the rear bumper scraped a garage entrance. That owner was also waiting on a recall repair with parts unavailable. Another complaint says the camera stops working in a hot cabin until the interior cools for a few minutes. Losing the rear view while backing up raises the risk of hitting objects or people.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintTHE REAR LIGHT BAR DEVELOPS LEAKS AND CAN MAKE THE REAR LIGHING GO OUT. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND STATES IT'S NO LONGER A COVERED ITEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintI am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2021 Lincoln Navigator with factory equipment only. After snowfall, during factory remote start, the vehicle produced a hot/burning smell, and I observed visible melting and bubbling of multiple driver-side and passenger side exterior pillars. The vehicle has a factory sunroof and no aftermarket electronics or modifications. The melting appears on the exterior, indicating heat originating from inside the pillar cavities. Due to concern for electrical overheating and fire risk, I discontinued using my remote start. A Lincoln dealership dismissed the concern and incorrectly stated that there is no electrical wiring in the pillars. Lincoln Customer Care has verbally refused assistance solely due to lack of extended warranty and has declined escalation, despite the reported fire risk. I am concerned this involves water intrusion from the sunroof drainage system contacting powered body or airbag wiring, creating a risk of electrical fire. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential safety defect involving electrical overheating and fire risk.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintI am the owner of a 2021 Lincoln Navigator black label, currently subject to Safety Recall 25S75 concerning the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause engine stalling and increased crash risk. Ford’s recall filing and public reports make clear the hazard and that a remedy is still being developed. My vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation and loss of acceleration consistent with the recall since I purchased the car in 2021. While driving on the highway with my 10 year old daughter and her friend home from soccer on 495 last Monday 9/29, I tried to pass a car by switching to the left lane and stepped on the accelerator. The car hesitated, and felt like it was going to cease altogether for a moment, however the accelerator did finally « catch » and I was able to pass the car. I have had this same sensation while pressing my foot on the accelerator though at low speeds on backroads. After the incident last Monday I had the car towed to the Lincoln dealer so they could assess the car. I have been told that the oil was very low. The oil light or check engine light was never on, and it has gone on previously when I’ve been due for an oil change. I’ve been told that the tires also need to be rotated. The dealer who serviced the car said that the car is driving great now and is safe to drive and can be delivered to me or I can pick up. I called Lincoln corporate Friday 10/3/25 and a case was opened and called back on Monday and spoke with a representative who said that there was nothing she could do if the dealer is saying that the car is safe to drive. I don’t feel safe driving the car with this open safety defect unrepaired. A loaner to use while the process for repurchase of the car would be appreciated, but is being denied while they continue the process of good faith eval /consideration of repurchase of the car.
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 2021 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
Does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have?
Is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) 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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