Last updated: 2026-10-10

2021 Lincoln Navigator
RELIABILITY SCORE: 60/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity62/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact54/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (4)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

Park Outside

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 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

26V2040002026-03-31

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.

25V7290002025-10-24

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.

25V4550002025-07-07

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.

VIN History Report

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.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Lincoln Navigator NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
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 (No)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

2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 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

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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Navigator 2WD 3.5L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162218$3,300
Navigator L 2WD 3.5L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162118$3,300
Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162017$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.

4
4
4
3
3
4
POWER TRAIN (4)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)ENGINE (4)STEERING (3)VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)Other (4)

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

The 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.

4 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

The 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.

4 complaints total

ENGINE

4 complaints

Sudden 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.

4 complaints total
STEERING (3 complaints)

STEERING

3 complaints

Power 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.

3 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

The 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.

3 complaints total
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaintsSafety-related

The 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.

2 complaints total1 crash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint
2025-11-25

THE 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 complaint
2025-12-14

I 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 complaint
2025-10-22

The 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 complaint
2025-09-29

I 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

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

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

Lincoln Navigator reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201859/100Mixed
201959/100Mixed
202060/100Good
202160/100Good
202261/100Good
202363/100Good
202464/100Good
202564/100Good
202671/100Good

Lincoln Navigator Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202671/100+7Good20
202564/1000Good67
202464/100+1Good714
202363/100+2Good85
202261/100+1Good1316
2021(selected)60/1000Good1026
202060/100+1Good1124
201959/1000Mixed458
201859/100—Mixed745

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Its reliability standing is good, but it is among the weaker of the nine scored Navigator years and well below average among 2021 SUVs. Owners report transmission slipping and recall delays. Estimated repair costs of $1089 a year are slightly under the class figure of $1127.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
Power train and engine complaints lead, with four each. Owners describe the transmission dropping out of gear, and many engine complaints are about recall parts being unavailable. Wiper arms working loose and steering faults, including a costly column replacement, are also reported, with three complaints each.
Does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?
Yes, owners report them. The transmission slips into neutral or drops out of gear while driving, then slams back in and surges forward. Reports include highway speeds and merging, with near collisions. Warnings like Shift System Fault sometimes appear only afterward, and some owners say it returned after repairs.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have?
Federal records list 10 recalls. Areas include visibility (3), back over prevention (2), equipment (2), fuel system, engine, and air bags. One is a park-outside fire risk recall. Ask the seller for proof that each recall repair was completed.
Is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator better than the 2020 or 2022?
Not clearly. Both neighboring years also have good reliability and rate about the same. The 2020 has 24 complaints and 11 recalls, and the 2022 has 16 complaints and 13 recalls. Judge any one car by its own recall and repair records.

Don’t buy a 2021 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 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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