2016 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report

2016 Lincoln Navigator: Excellent crash ratings, but significant fire and brake system recalls raise concerns.

24Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Service Brakes (4)Back Over Prevention (3)Visibility (3)Unknown Or Other (2)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Visibility,Back Over Prevention (1)Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Electrical System,Visibility (1)Power Train,Electrical System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator

The 2016 Lincoln Navigator presents a mixed safety profile. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its recall history and complaint data reveal several significant safety concerns. There are 24 total complaints, including 1 fire incident, but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. A major concern is the recall related to the exterior mirror LED logo lights, which may short circuit and increase the risk of fire, directly linked to the reported fire incident. Another critical recall addresses the brake master cylinder, which may lead to reduced front brake function and increased pedal effort, a severe safety hazard. Furthermore, issues with the rearview camera displaying inverted, distorted, or blank images, and front blower motor failure (also increasing fire risk) have prompted recalls. The complaint data aligns with these recalls, showing multiple reports of brake system failures, rearview camera malfunctions, and issues related to visibility and electrical systems.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Lincoln Navigator receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Exterior Mirror Led Logo Light Short Circuit
LED logo lights on exterior mirrors may short circuit, increasing the risk of fire. This issue is linked to a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000) and at least one reported fire.
High Occasional N/A miles
Brake Master Cylinder Failure
Brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid loss, leading to increased pedal travel, effort, and reduced front brake function. This is a critical safety recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000) with multiple complaints of brake failure.
High Occasional N/A miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Rearview camera may display inverted, distorted, or blank images, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. This is covered by a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000) and is a frequently reported complaint.
Medium Common N/A miles
Front Blower Motor Failure
Front blower motor behind the glove box may fail, increasing the risk of a vehicle interior fire. This is subject to a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000).
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Power Running Board Malfunction
Power running boards may fail to deploy or retract, potentially causing inconvenience or safety hazards due to ice/snow accumulation.
Low Occasional N/A miles
Engine/Powertrain Stalling/Loss Of Power
Vehicle may experience intermittent loss of engine power, sputtering, chugging, or complete stalling, potentially due to a faulty throttle body actuator.
High Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Lincoln Navigator:

Service Brakes 16% of complaints

Multiple complaints regarding brake system failure, including loss of brake fluid, increased pedal travel, and reduced braking function, aligning with a major recall.

Back Over Prevention 12% of complaints

Frequent issues with the rearview camera, including black screens, distorted images, or complete failure, directly related to a recall.

Visibility 12% of complaints

Complaints related to visibility, including rearview camera issues and exterior mirror problems, some of which are linked to fire risk recalls.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

General electrical system complaints, including issues with exterior mirrors short-circuiting and power running board malfunctions.

Power Train 8% of complaints

Reports of the vehicle losing power, stalling, or experiencing transmission issues, including inadvertent downshifting.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Lincoln Navigator

Is the 2016 Lincoln Navigator safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Lincoln Navigator received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has 4 recalls and 24 complaints, including 1 fire incident. Key safety concerns revolve around potential fire risks from exterior mirror lights and blower motor, and critical brake system failures, which are addressed by recalls but have been reported by owners.

What are common problems with the 2016 Lincoln Navigator?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator are related to the SERVICE BRAKES (16% of complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION (12.5% due to rearview camera issues), and VISIBILITY (12.5% including mirror and camera problems). Other notable issues include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions and POWER TRAIN problems like stalling or loss of power.

Are there any fire risks with the 2016 Lincoln Navigator?

Yes, there are documented fire risks. Two recalls specifically address fire hazards: one for the exterior mirror LED logo lights that may short circuit and increase the risk of fire, and another for the front blower motor which, if it fails, can also increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire. One fire incident has been reported among the 24 complaints.

What should I know about the brakes on a 2016 Lincoln Navigator?

The 2016 Lincoln Navigator has a significant recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000) concerning the brake master cylinder, which may lead to a loss of brake fluid, increased pedal effort, and reduced front brake function. Several complaints directly describe brake system failures, with the pedal going to the floor or complete loss of braking functionality. It's crucial to ensure this recall has been addressed.

How does the 2016 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Lincoln Navigator performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should verify all 4 recalls, especially those related to fire and brake systems, have been completed. Be aware of common complaints regarding rearview camera and power running board malfunctions.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Lincoln Navigator

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Lincoln Navigator an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.