2020 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report
2020 Lincoln Navigator Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 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 (11) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (24) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Lincoln Navigator with 5 complaints and 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lincoln Navigator | 26 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Lincoln Navigator | 57 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Lincoln Navigator | 15 | 12 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Lincoln Navigator | 45 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Lincoln Navigator | 5 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Lincoln Navigator | 29 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Lincoln Navigator Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 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.
Power Train
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Lincoln onlyEngine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System,Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Lincoln onlySeat Belts
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seat Belts issues Lincoln onlyPower Train,Vehicle Speed Control
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator
Reliability Score
The 2020 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 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 2020 Lincoln Navigator
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure Catastrophic engine failure at 93,000 miles due to oil contamination in cylinder 6, causing complete compression loss. |
High | Rare | 93k-100k miles |
| Transmission Issues Transmission problems including neutral-out, hard shifting, and failure, causing jerking and loss of power. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belt Pretensioner Recalled for seat belt pretensioner issues, though no specific incidents were reported. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Unknown electrical issues causing the car battery to drain and the car to be unable to start. |
Medium | Rare | 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 2020 Lincoln Navigator:
Transmission issues including neutral-out, hard shifting, and failure, causing jerking and loss of power.
Engine failures with no warning, leading to catastrophic engine failure at 93,000 miles.
Recalled for seat belt pretensioner issues, though no specific incidents were reported.
Unknown electrical issues causing the car battery to drain and the car to be unable to start.
Recall Details for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator
The following 11 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. ...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 20V262. The Pre-Collision Assist features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are not functional due to a software error.
Consequence: Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S56.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor date codes and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will ...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Consequence: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The attachment bracket for the driver's side second-row seat headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Consequence: An improperly welded headrest bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began July 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C12.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with camera-only Pre-Collision Assist feature. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected. Due to incorrect coding of interfacing modules, the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the Pre-Collision Assist feature.
Consequence: If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram software for the Body Control Module, Antilock Braking System, Instrument Panel Cluster and Headlamp Control Modules, and reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S20.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Lincoln Navigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
Transmission issue: Not shifting properly while on the highway and almost causing a crash by loosing power and shifted into neutral after attemting to accelerate. The next time it occured the transsmission would not down shift and I was not able to accelerate.
Regularly maintained 2020 Lincoln Navigator at 78,000 miles experienced engine failure with no warning. No check engine light until we experienced power issues and engine shuttering. We took the vehicle directly to the mechanic within an hour of check engine light. They changed the oil and said to go to the dealer. Dealer assessed the vehicle as follows: Bottom end failure of the short block wh...
Faulty Transmissions even after replacement. Fluid leaks and abrupt starting / stopping with it. Dealers can't seem to figure it out and have become a safety issue
The collision warning doesn't warn sometimes. Nothing goes off when Im approaching and or have slammed on my breaks to avoid a collision. Sometimes it goes off at a great distance when it doesn't make sense to go off. I just bought the car used and have noticed this a lot. Also sometimes lane departure corrects and sometimes it doesn't. Something is off.
Catastrophic engine failure on 2020 Lincoln Navigator at 93,000 miles. Oil contamination in cylinder 6 caused complete compression loss due to piston ring failure. The engine suffers from failed cam phases and excessive carbon build up which are known failure points of this engine. Ford Technical Service Bulletins 20-2423 and 23-2143 document this as a known manufacturing defect for vehicles in my...
Category: Power Train -> Automatic Transmission Subject: 2020 Lincoln Navigator – Repeated Missed Warranty Repairs – Transmission Neutral-Out & Violent Downshift at Highway Speed Description: On [XXX], while traveling at approximately 70 mph on [XXX], my 2020 Lincoln Navigator suddenly downshifted, free-wheeled into neutral, then violently re-engaged into a lower gear, chirping the rear tires an...
Had transmission problems before this final issue. With that said the dealership ended up replacing the transmission as it was under warranty. Not even 2000 miles later we are coming back from vacation and I lost total power of the vehicle but since I was going around 70 mph we made it to the shoulder of the highway. Once there the vehicle was already smoking so we all got out of the vehicle and t...
The transmission system failed, causing jerking during acceleration. The original transmission was replaced by the dealer, so it may be available for inspection if retained by the dealer or returned to Ford/Lincoln. Jerking during acceleration can create safety risks including: unpredictable vehicle behavior during merging or passing, potential loss of control in traffic situations, and compromise...
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V197000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacture...
Was on Interstate when there was a loud bang, the transmission shifted harshly and I lost power where the vehicle would not go faster when i hit the pedal. I was basically pumping the gas for about 3-5 seconds before transmission re engaged. It was a dangerous situation in that I was at highways speeds about 65-70mph and i had no throttle control for several seconds. There was no warning when it...
My car has an unknown electrical issue that causes the car battery to completely drain and the car unable to turn on. It first started in August 2023 and after months of time at the dealership, Lincoln has never determined the cause or been able to fix it and it continues to happen. This is unsafe because it leaves me and my family stranded with no operable car.
Transmission hard shifting when shifting down 3-1 and up 1-3 I see there is a recall for 2020-2024 navigator but mine doesnt show recalls when i looked for it
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted upon pressing the Push to Start button. The contact stated upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, was sluggish, and made an abnormal crackling sound. The vehicle then responded as needed and the contact continu...
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission shifted into neutral(N). The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, w...
When driving, if the accelerator pedal is depressed to merge into the highway or overtake other vehicles, the vehicle abruptly stops accelerating, and the RPM reaches max revs. The vehicle quickly loses momentum until it abruptly slams back into gear, causing a loud bang and startling the driver. This vehicle had a TSB for similar issues that was repaired by our dealer 2 times previously. We ha...
Frequently while traveling at 35 mph to highway speeds, while needing to accelerate slightly to avoid traffic, change lanes, pass, etc. the Navigator needs to downshift. It drops out of gear and seems to fail to find a lower gear resulting in a neutral like gear, loss of power, engine revving sometimes to redline. This was happening frequently during a family Thanksgiving trip in 2023. It is ver...
Driving vehicle for an approximately 70 miles highway trip, the vehicle was experiencing some hard shifts/poor shift quality prior to overheating. Temperature in vehicle for the transmission was reading 237 degree Fahrenheit when we stopped at a light after exiting the highway. We noted smoke and saw oil on the exhaust, which is a concern for fire. We noted a burning smell as well. Rear hatch of v...
Vehicle set on adaptive cruise control, car accelerated to get back up to set speed and had a hard "clunk" sound. Driver turned off cruise control and attempted to accelerate vehicle. Vehicle tachometer revved up, transmission didn't shift properly, still shifting hard or not shifting at all. Once stopped, driver of vehicle found the back of the car covered in what appeared to be ATF and what appe...
Vehicle will abruptly lose power when accelerating to pass. Typically when travelling between 40 and 60 miles an hour and while accelerating to merge or pass. Vehicle basically stalls. Creates extremely dangerous situation.
On June 28, 2023 I was driving my 2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label and pull over due to smoke coming out from under my car. I turned the car off and went to open up the hook and seen black smoking pouring out of my car. I immediately called 911 and reported my car on fire. My car burned to the ground and Lincoln says there was not recalls. I have loss a significant amount of money on this car t...
Showing 20 of 24 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Lincoln Navigator
Has the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 11 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 24 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2020 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 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR involve power train (12 complaints), engine (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,lane departure,forward collision avoidance, seat belts, power train,vehicle speed control.
How many crash reports does the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR out of 24 total complaints (8.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR out of 24 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.
Should I buy a 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is acceptable with caveats. It has 24 complaints, 11 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 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR are: 1. POWER TRAIN (12 complaints), 2. ENGINE (3 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 5. SEAT BELTS (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 12 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Be cautious of potential engine and transmission issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid unexpected failures. The 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 24 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 24 owner complaints, 11 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Failure and Transmission Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Known issues with the 2020 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR include: Engine Failure, Transmission Issues, Seat Belt Pretensioner, Electrical System. These are based on patterns found across 24 NHTSA complaints. 11 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
Yes, there are recalls for engine and transmission issues, as well as electrical system problems.
What are the most common issues reported?
The most common issues are transmission problems, engine failures, and electrical system issues.
How can I prevent transmission issues?
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent transmission issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential engine and transmission issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid unexpected failures.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Lincoln Navigator
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 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