2021 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report
2021 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 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 (9) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (26) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Lincoln Navigator | 15 | 12 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Lincoln Navigator | 24 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Lincoln Navigator | 5 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Lincoln Navigator | 57 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Lincoln Navigator | 14 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Lincoln Navigator | 45 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Lincoln Navigator Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 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.
Unknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Lincoln onlyEngine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Lincoln onlyPower Train
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Lincoln onlyBack Over Prevention
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Lincoln onlyVisibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Lincoln onlyExterior Lighting
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Reliability Score
The 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Hesitations And Stalls The vehicle may hesitate or stall during gear changes, posing a safety risk. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System Malfunctions The back over prevention system may malfunction, increasing the risk of accidents. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Exterior Lighting Issues The rear light bar can develop leaks, causing the rear lighting to fail. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Stalling While Parked The vehicle may stall while parked, requiring multiple attempts to start. |
Medium | Occasional | 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator:
Engine hesitations and stalls during gear changes have been reported.
Back over prevention system malfunctions have been reported.
Exterior lighting issues, such as leaks in the rear light bar, have been reported.
The vehicle may stall while parked, requiring multiple attempts to start.
Recall Details for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator
The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
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 2020-2025 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 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 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
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 charg...
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 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
THE REAR LIGHT BAR DEVELOPS LEAKS AND CAN MAKE THE REAR LIGHING GO OUT. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND STATES IT'S NO LONGER A COVERED ITEM.
While driving, the vehicle repeatedly hesitated during gear changes, lost power, and then abruptly jerked back into gear. This occurred intermittently for over a month without any warning messages, creating unpredictable and unsafe driving conditions. As the issue worsened, the vehicle began losing power more frequently. The most serious event occurred at highway speed, where the vehicle suddenly ...
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2021 Lincoln Navigator with factory equipment only. After snowfall, during factory remote start, the vehicle produced a hot/burning smell, and I observed visible melting and bubbling of multiple driver-side and passenger side exterior pillars. The vehicle has a factory sunroof and no aftermarket electronics or modifications. The melting appear...
Navigator transmission goes into neutral when accelerating at speeds of 50+. Trans completely overhauled. Still does it. Almost had 2 accidents when changing lanes on the freeway, trying to accelerate and instead slowing down with cars behind fast approaching . When trying to pass on a 2-lane hwy, this would be deadly.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle w...
I am the owner of a 2021 Lincoln Navigator black label, currently subject to Safety Recall 25S75 concerning the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause engine stalling and increased crash risk. Ford’s recall filing and public reports make clear the hazard and that a remedy is still being developed. My vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation and loss of acceleration consistent with the recall sin...
Car stalls often. Was not able to go through intersection. Held up traffic. Another incident was I was almost rear ended when car lost power. This is dangerous and not just an inconvenience.
They recalled other models for back up camera navigation issues. My vehicle was having same issue and I paid for repair and update on this issue and mine isn’t part of this recall but should be
Car purchased in Feb 2022. November 9, 2023 after a couple of previous complaints about the car riding rough, this time , after telling them the car jumps and throws into the next lane, it was diagnosed as having passenger rear leaking strut, front pinion seal leak, front driveshaft c/v joint torn and leaking grease. These were repaired under warranty. Dec 2024: had noise and had vibration felt th...
LINCOLN HAS NOT PROVIDED THE OWNERS MANUAL ADDENDUM AS DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL.
[XXX] Wednesday we were traveling from Charlotte NC headed westbound on [XXX], a 6 or 8 lane highway, speed limit 70+ mph, when our 2021 Lincoln Navigator suddenly lurched and the engine completely failed. There weren't any warnings by the vehicle prior to the incident. There were two of us in the vehicle at the time, and we suddenly found ourselves in a situation of extreme risk. It was 4 - ...
A grinding noise was noticed during the driver memory function or when manually adjusting the power tilt or telescoping steering column. I took the car to Ford for service and was very surprised to hear that the entire steering column needs to be replaced at the cost of $1700.00. This defect is ONLY covered under the limited warranty. This is obviously a safety hazard if it requires a new motor i...
Panoramic sunroof exploded without anything striking it. Sound like a gun shot. No vehicles in front of us to have thrown any objects at it to strike it.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact was in rev...
When first first entering a hot cabin, the backup camera will not work until the cabin cools down for just a few minutes. Vehicle not moving. ⁸
Passenger windshield wiper arm flew off while driving vehicle in moderate rainy weather.
I was driving about 40 miles per hour on an open road when I heard a very loud popping/explosion sound and falling glass. I immediately pulled over and found my panoramic sunroof had exploded and the glass was dropping into the cabin, most of it being caught by the interior sunroof screen. I immediately drove it to the Lincoln dealer where I bought it. They said they have never heard of such a thi...
Passenger whipper arm is loose especially when you lift the arm to clear snow from the windshield it will not align it its original location without multiple attempts.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become very difficult the turn in either direction. Additionally, the instrument panel display became distorted and unreadable, the brake light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was tak...
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution discon...
Showing 20 of 26 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Has the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 9 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 26 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2021 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 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR involve unknown or other (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints), power train (2 complaints). Other affected components include back over prevention, visibility/wiper, exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR out of 26 total complaints (3.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.
Should I buy a 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is acceptable with caveats. It has 26 complaints, 9 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 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), 2. ENGINE (4 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 4. BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints), 5. VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Be aware of potential engine hesitations and stalls, back over prevention system malfunctions, and exterior lighting issues. Regular maintenance and monitoring are recommended. The 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 26 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 26 owner complaints, 9 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine hesitations and stalls and Back over prevention system malfunctions.
What are the known issues with the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Known issues with the 2021 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR include: Engine hesitations and stalls, Back over prevention system malfunctions, Exterior lighting issues, Stalling while parked. These are based on patterns found across 26 NHTSA complaints. 9 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
Common issues include engine hesitations and stalls, back over prevention system malfunctions, exterior lighting issues, and stalling while parked.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
Yes, recalls have been issued for engine and fuel system issues, back over prevention system malfunctions, and exterior lighting problems.
What should I do if I experience engine hesitations or stalls?
Monitor the issue and consult a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine hesitations and stalls, back over prevention system malfunctions, and exterior lighting issues. Regular maintenance and monitoring are recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Lincoln Navigator
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 9 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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