Last updated: 2026-10-10
2025 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator has a good reliability standing, but owners report it slowing down on its own while driving, sometimes with no warning.
Recalls
6
Complaints
7
Complaint Rate
3.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1089
Annual Fuel Cost
$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
One of the stronger Navigator years, though owners report unexplained slowing while driving, and 2024 shows more complaints.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Should You Buy the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
Mixed, but leaning positive. Within the Navigator lineup, this year ranks among the stronger of nine scored model years, and it earns 5 of 5 stars in federal crash tests. Against other 2025 SUVs, though, it sits well below average. The 2024 rates about the same. The 2026 rates better, but its zero complaints mostly reflect less time on the road.
The problem to know about is the vehicle slowing down on its own while driving, sometimes with no warning message on the dash. Owners report it between 20 and 70 mph, including on the interstate, where a car behind could hit you. Other electrical complaints include a faulty driver window, a key that stops working at times, failing connectivity, and dead main or rear screens. Dealers often cannot find a cause, and cars return with the same faults. Federal recall records cover air bags, back over prevention, electrical system, exterior lighting, and hydraulic service brakes.
Check the VIN for open recalls. Ask for service records that show any slowdown or electrical visits and whether the fix held.
Compared to the 2026 Lincoln Navigator, which scored 7 points higher. 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: Vehicle slows down on its own while driving, sometimes with no warning message... (2 complaints)
Compare 2025 Lincoln Navigator With
2025 Cadillac Escalade
Reliability: 72/100
2025 Nissan Armada
Reliability: 73/100
2025 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 76/100
2025 Kia EV9
Reliability: 62/100
2025 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
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 soldSegment avg: 3.5
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.
AIR BAGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The passenger side air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger side air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S51.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2025 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator, and 6 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
2025 Lincoln Navigator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 20.4%
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 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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Lincoln Navigator.
Drive between 20 and 70 mph in traffic and watch for the car slowing on its own without a warning.
Ask for all service records and look for repeat dealer visits for unexpected braking or electrical faults.
Run the driver window fully down and up several times and confirm it works smoothly.
Lock, unlock, and start the car with the key several times to confirm it works every time.
Pair a phone and test the connected features during the test drive.
Confirm the main screen and the rear screen both power on and keep working through the drive.
2025 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component
7 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe vehicle slows down on its own while driving, sometimes with no warning message on the dash. Reports describe this between 20 and 70 mph, including on the interstate, which creates a risk of being hit from behind. Other faults include a driver window that malfunctions, a key that stops working at times, and connectivity that often fails. The main screen and the rear screen can also stop working. Dealers often cannot find a cause, and cars go back for repeat visits with the same problems still not fixed.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintDriving 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 complaintThe 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 complaintSee attached document for complaint.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintPre 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 complaintThe 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.
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 2025 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
Does the 2025 Lincoln Navigator slow down on its own?
Has the 2025 Lincoln Navigator been recalled?
Is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator better than the 2024?
Don’t buy a 2025 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2025 Lincoln Navigator
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator does best on how many systems draw complaints (75/100) 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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