2019 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report

2019 Lincoln Navigator: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by Numerous Recalls and Persistent Powertrain and Seat Belt Complaints

57Complaints
7Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Seat Belts (9)Power Train (8)Engine (7)Electrical System (3)Unknown Or Other (3)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control (2)Back Over Prevention (2)Air Bags,Seat Belts (2)Suspension,Power Train (1)Steering (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator presents a mixed safety profile. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating, it is plagued by a significant number of recalls and consumer complaints, particularly concerning critical safety components. With 57 total complaints, 3 crashes, and 5 injuries reported, there are clear areas of concern. A major pattern of complaints revolves around the SEAT BELTS, with 9 direct complaints and 2 additional complaints combining AIR BAGS and SEAT BELTS. This aligns with three separate recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V099000, 24V099000, and 24V099000) specifically addressing seat belt pretensioner issues that can prevent proper occupant restraint. The POWER TRAIN also stands out with 8 complaints, often detailing transmission failures, lurching, and stalling, which can lead to dangerous situations as described in several complaints about loss of acceleration or unintended neutral shifts. The ENGINE component has 7 complaints, frequently mentioning cam phaser issues and cold start rattles, which can impact vehicle reliability and performance. Recall history for the 2019 Navigator is extensive, with 7 recalls in total. Beyond the seat belt issues, other significant recalls include one for the rear suspension toe link fasteners (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V435000), which could lead to a sudden change in vehicle handling and increased crash risk. A recall for the rearview camera (NHTSA Campaign Number 23V656000) also poses a crash risk due to reduced visibility. Furthermore, an electrical system recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V635000) addresses a blank instrument cluster at startup, which can obscure vital driving information. These recalls, combined with the complaint data, indicate that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, its real-world reliability and the functionality of key safety systems have been compromised by manufacturing defects.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator receives a reliability score of 55 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 2019 Lincoln Navigator

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Seat Belt Pretensioner Malfunction
Driver and/or front passenger seat belt pretensioners may inadvertently lock or deploy, preventing proper retraction/extension and increasing injury risk. Subject of multiple recalls.
High Common N/A miles
Transmission Failure/Malfunction (10r80)
Transmission issues including lurching, going into neutral while driving, stalling during acceleration, and requiring full rebuilds. Often linked to CDF Clutch Drum problems.
High Common 75000-114000 miles
Cam Phaser/Engine Rattle
Cold start rattling and ticking sounds, shaking, and drivability issues due to cam phaser failure, sometimes leading to reduced power and check engine lights.
Medium Occasional 75000-79999 miles
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fastener Issue
Rear suspension toe link fasteners may not be properly tightened, potentially causing a sudden change in vehicle handling and increasing crash risk. Subject of a recall.
High Rare N/A miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Loss of rearview camera image or 360-degree view, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. Subject of a recall.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Blank Instrument Cluster
Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly may not function at vehicle start-up, obscuring vital information like speed, fuel, and warnings. Subject of a recall.
Medium 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 2019 Lincoln Navigator:

Seat Belts 15% of complaints

Frequent complaints about seat belts locking, seizing, or pretensioners deploying, preventing proper use and restraint. Supported by multiple recalls.

Power Train 14% of complaints

Numerous reports of transmission malfunctions, including lurching, slipping, stalling, and failure to engage gears, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

Engine 12% of complaints

Common issues include cold start rattles, ticking sounds, and cam phaser failures affecting engine performance and drivability.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Problems such as blank instrument clusters at startup, windows opening without prompting, and wiper malfunctions.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

Complaints related to rearview camera failure or loss of image, impacting rear visibility.

Suspension 1% of complaints

Issues with rear suspension toe link fasteners potentially affecting vehicle handling.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Lincoln Navigator

Is the 2019 Lincoln Navigator safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator received excellent 5-star crash test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impacts, with a 4-star rollover rating. However, it has 7 recalls and 57 consumer complaints, including 5 injuries, indicating significant real-world safety concerns, particularly with seat belts and powertrain components.

What are common problems with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator are related to SEAT BELTS (9 complaints), POWER TRAIN (8 complaints, often transmission-related), and ENGINE (7 complaints, frequently involving cam phasers). Other problems include electrical system malfunctions and rearview camera failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

Yes, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator has 7 recalls. Key recalls address seat belt pretensioner malfunctions, rear suspension toe link fasteners, rearview camera issues, and a blank instrument cluster at startup, all of which can impact vehicle safety.

How reliable is the 2019 Lincoln Navigator's transmission?

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator's transmission (10R80) appears to have significant reliability concerns, with 8 POWER TRAIN complaints detailing issues like lurching, slipping, stalling, and even complete failure requiring rebuilds. This is a common and severe problem reported by owners.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

When buying a used 2019 Lincoln Navigator, prioritize checking if all 7 recalls have been addressed. Pay close attention to the transmission for any signs of slipping, hard shifting, or hesitation. Also, verify seat belt functionality and listen for any unusual engine noises, especially during cold starts, which could indicate cam phaser issues.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator's numerous recalls and common complaints regarding critical components like seat belts and the powertrain; ensure all recalls are completed and thoroughly inspect the transmission and engine before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Lincoln Navigator

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The data includes 57 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.