Last updated: 2026-04-20

Lincoln Navigator

0 Lincoln Navigator Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Lincoln Navigator average of 61/100

All Lincoln Navigator years score consistently around the model average of 61/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2025 64/100 and the weakest is 2018 59/100.

Verdict

All Lincoln Navigator years score consistently around the model average of 61/100 (59–64 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2025 64/100 and the weakest is 2018 59/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Lincoln Navigator Problems?

Top reported issues across all Lincoln Navigator model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

45 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

28 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

20 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

SEAT BELTS

12 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

STEERING

10 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

Best Lincoln Navigator Year to Buy Instead

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Lincoln Navigator. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (7), Unknown Or Other (3), Fuel System, Gasoline (1).

Score: 61/100 (Good)13 recalls16 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Lincoln Navigator year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Lincoln Navigator Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lincoln Navigator years should you avoid?
All Lincoln Navigator years in our database score consistently around the model average of 61/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Lincoln Navigator?
The best year for the Lincoln Navigator is 2025, with a reliability score of 64/100 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 7 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Lincoln Navigator have?
Across all years in our database, the Lincoln Navigator has a total of 68 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Lincoln Navigator worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 64/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 61/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Lincoln Navigator problems?
The most common Lincoln Navigator problems are power train (45 complaints), electrical system (28 complaints), engine (20 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable long-term?
The Lincoln Navigator has an average reliability score of 61/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Lincoln Navigator generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Lincoln Navigator generation is the Fourth generation (2018) with an average score of 61/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Lincoln Navigator?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Lincoln Navigator is $1,089 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 64/100 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 7 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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