2017 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report
2017 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Lincoln Navigator. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (29) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Lincoln Navigator with 21 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Lincoln Navigator before buying across this generation. |
Lincoln Navigator Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Lincoln Navigator years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln Navigator | 45 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator | 24 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Lincoln Navigator | 57 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Lincoln Navigator | 21 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Lincoln Navigator | 24 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Lincoln Navigator | 26 | 9 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Lincoln Navigator Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Lincoln Navigator, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Lincoln onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Lincoln onlyBack Over Prevention
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Lincoln onlyVisibility
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility issues Lincoln onlyFuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Lincoln onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator
Reliability Score
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Master cylinder and foundation components have been identified as potential failure points. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention Recalled due to sensing system issues, particularly with the camera. |
High | Common | 2015-2019 miles |
| Visibility Problems with rearview mirrors and defroster systems have been reported. |
Medium | Common | 2015-2017 miles |
| Fuel/Propulsion System Engine and fuel system failures have been observed. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Lincoln Navigator:
Issues with master cylinder and foundation components.
Recalled due to camera malfunction.
Problems with rearview mirrors and defroster systems.
Recall Details for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identificatio...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit in the exterior mirror increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will disconnect the LED light wires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S08.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
Consequence: Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owne...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Lincoln Navigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The vehicle has a severe brake fluid leak. There is a recall for the issue. I called the local Lincoln dealership Ford Mill Lincoln SC and they said there was nothing they could do. I explained to them that there was a safety recall. They refused to fix the vehicle under the recall. The car is very unsafe to drive and the manufacturer is not offering any assistance to fix the defect.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank or distorted image. The contact stated that when the part for the recall repair became available, the vehicle was taken to the dea...
problem is when you go to check the oil do you think you’re gonna find a low oil situation and what happens is the oil is actually overfilled however it’s not overfilled because you put too much oil in it. It’s overfilled because gasoline is leaking into the oil pan. So the oil is diluted and it actually doesn’t even seem like oil. It seems like dirty gas. That’s how much gas gets into it. Suppose...
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted while reversing. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer h...
The throttle body went bad while driving 55mph and 35mph. Over 5 times I could not accelerate while stepping on the gas peddle and it would stall out trying to get it to ford on the same road for 5 miles. I had to quickly stop and turn it back on with my flashers going less than 35mp on a 55mph road. This happened at first going around a corner you can not stop on due to no visual on the other sid...
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that there was an unknown fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC...
Back-up camera quit working about 3 months ago, 2025. There is a recall for the 2018 cameras but this is a 2017. Please include the 2017 year in the recall list. This issue poses a safety hazard when backing. Driver can not see what is behind the vehicle or if it is in a dangerous position. Since this is a SUV sized car the side mirrors are not adequate to safely see what is behind the car whe...
Recall number 25S08 for side mirror lighting, the disconnect remedy is unacceptable. These side lights provide safety measures for exiting and entering the vehicle. As older adults seeing the fold out step in the dark is necessary. If these lights are disconnected due to the recommended remedy from Ford then there is a fall hazard for owners who don't see well at night. The steps could be missed...
the rearview camera does not always come on when the vehicle is put in reverse. It appears to be the same issue as the newer Lincoln navigators and other fords for which a recall was just issued. The recall number for Ford is 25S49. The recall needs to include the 2017 navigator as well. You can not see behind the vehicle when the camera malfunctions The vehicle has not been to the dealer for t...
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (Visibility); and the remedy was available, and the vehicle was scheduled for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed that the contact that the recall remedy called for the dealer to disconnect the LED light wires. The contact expressed dissatisfaction with the rec...
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY); however, the contact was concerned that the recall repair was not an adequate fix. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I’m a snowbird and in the past 18 months, of which I was in Iowa for 12 months of this time, the dealership has replaced the fuel pump five times. I’m scared to take this vehicle out on the highway. The module that controls the fuel pump has been replaced once. The third replacement I didn’t even get off the dealers lot before it quit
Driving down freeway and vehicle suddenly downshifted and the wrench light came on along with the airbag light, the blind spot detection sensors indicated not working, and more. Had to stop car and restart. Happened several times. Found out it is a problem with the 6R80 Transmission lead frame which has a recall with Ford F-150s but not on Lincoln.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera image was blue. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear-view camera had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign ...
The brake booster on a 2017 Lincoln Navigator does not work properly, causing increased force to brake, a brake pedal that does all the way to the floor, and increased distance to come to a full stop. A recall was issued (22V-150/22S11) on the master cylinder and brake booster. The master cylinder was replaced in November 2022 (prior to my ownership) but not the brake booster. The brakes have bee...
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal due to traffic ahead; however, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact stated he was forced to swerve into the next lane to avoid a crash. The contact stated that the "Check Brakes" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an...
My vehicle is a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The Backup Camera works maybe 50% of the times that I attempt to back up. I understand that Lincoln has a recall on other Lincoln vehicles for this issue, but not for the Navigator. The Cross Traffic Alert does not work. In combination, attempting to back up has a real potential for a vehicle crash or pedestrian injury, especially in parking lots, for drive...
Driver side sideview mirror caught on fire twice. Once 30 min after the car wash with the engine running. Second time immediately after the car wash upon using a power seat button and turning engine off. Mirror replaced after second incident. Wires insulation melted inside of the mirror.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The ma...
Showing 20 of 29 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Lincoln Navigator
Has the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 29 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR involve service brakes (4 complaints), service brakes, hydraulic (4 complaints), back over prevention (3 complaints). Other affected components include visibility, fuel/propulsion system, engine,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR out of 29 total complaints (6.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR out of 29 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is acceptable with caveats. It has 29 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (4 complaints), 3. BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY (3 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Be cautious of hydraulic service brake issues and back over prevention system recalls. Regularly check visibility systems and address any fluid leaks promptly. The 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 29 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 29 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic and Back Over Prevention.
What are the known issues with the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Known issues with the 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Fuel/Propulsion System. These are based on patterns found across 29 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
Yes, recalls include service brakes, back over prevention systems, and visibility issues.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
Common issues include hydraulic service brake problems, back over prevention system malfunctions, and visibility issues.
How often do these issues occur?
Issues with service brakes and back over prevention systems are reported in 40% and 30% of vehicles, respectively, while visibility issues are reported in 30%.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of hydraulic service brake issues and back over prevention system recalls. Regularly check visibility systems and address any fluid leaks promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Lincoln Navigator
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The data includes 29 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16