Last updated: 2026-04-20

2025 Lincoln Navigator
RELIABILITY SCORE: 64/100 (GOOD)

2025 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 7 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

6

Complaints

7

Complaint Rate

3.2per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1089

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,500

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity75/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (1)
  • AIR BAGS (1)

Should You Buy the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?

At 64/100, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.

Owners log 7 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 electrical system (2). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2026 Lincoln Navigator. See also the 2024 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
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (2 complaints)

Compare 2025 Lincoln Navigator With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

6

recalls on record

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator has 6 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

3.2

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 4.1

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

0

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.

2025 Lincoln Navigator Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Lincoln Navigator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V1650002026-03-19

BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

26V1040002026-02-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

25V8310002025-12-01

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear lightbar may have cracks in the outer lens or weld track that allow moisture to accumulate, which can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other drivers that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear lightbar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C66. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2025 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first

Every 2025 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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2025 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: 20.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
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 MPG

Running cost: $4,600/yr

Fuel + repair

15 city / 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 2025 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)152217$3,500

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Lincoln Navigator.

  • Inspect moon/sun-roof for any signs of damage or previous repairs

  • Test lane keeping assistance and blue cruise features for proper functionality

  • Check for any warning lights related to brakes and ensure brake responsiveness

  • Verify that all infotainment screens and connectivity features are operational

  • Test pre-collision pedestrian/cyclist warning and automatic braking systems

  • Ensure all keys function properly and check for any intermittent issues

2025 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component

7 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

2
1
1
1
1
1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)LANE DEPARTURE (1)AIR BAGS (1)STEERING (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator report issues primarily related to the electrical system, with two main patterns emerging. The first involves inappropriate braking while driving at speeds between 20-70 MPH, where the vehicle slows down independently without any precaution assist warning message, as noted by multiple owners. The second involves a range of electrical malfunctions, such as driver window malfunctions, intermittent key failures, and connectivity problems, with additional reports of the main screen and rear Vox screen ceasing to function. These issues have been reported as early as 38,000 miles and within two months of vehicle ownership. Safety implications include the potential for unexpected braking, which could pose a risk during normal driving conditions.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint
2026-03-21

Driving vehicle at 73mph on I-75 in GA Northbound. Front panel of moon/sun-roof exploded/shattered with no indication of impact causing the failure. Loud bang followed by safety glass falling into cabin. Vehicle had lincoln-approved/dealer roof-rails.

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint
2026-02-02

The lane keeping assistance is not working at all. The blue cruise also stopped working and the car is was with dealer for 2 weeks and they cannot fix it.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint
2025-12-04

See attached document for complaint.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint
2025-08-28

Pre collision pedestrian/cyclist warning automatic braking not working. Dealership tried 2x did all upgrades, checked another vehicle same results. Ford said both to technician and myself. This is normal. So pre collision does not activate in city traffic when they advertise and charge for this feature. Open to accidents and I jury.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint
2025-07-24

The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving in the driveway at approximately 2 - 3 MPH, several brake warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle failed to respond immediately while depressing the brake pedal, which required the contact to exert an excessive amount of pressure on the brake pedal. The messages "Auto-Hold Disabled", "Brake Function Failure" were displayed, and unknown warning lights were temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

When Do 2025 Lincoln Navigator Problems Start?

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

2,000–38,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy

The 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).

Top Pick
64
Good

2025

(Current Model)

6Recalls
7Complaints
64
Good

2024

7Recalls
14Complaints
63
Good

2023

8Recalls
5Complaints

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.

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

Lincoln Navigator Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202664/100 (predicted)Predicted20
2025(selected)64/1000Good67
202464/100+1Good714
202363/100+2Good85
202261/100+1Good1316
202160/1000Good1026
202060/100+1Good1124
201959/1000Mixed458
201859/100Mixed745

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 64/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 7 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Lincoln Navigator include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints), AIR BAGS (1 complaints), STEERING (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2025 Lincoln Navigator have?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator expensive to maintain?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator has estimated annual repair costs of $1089/year, which is $38 less than the luxury fullsize SUVs average of $1127. With a reliability score of 64/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2025 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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