Is unexpected transmission shifting and gear loss a known issue with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

19 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unexpected transmission shifting and gear loss on the 2019 Lincoln Navigator (2021-12 → 2026-07). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11744182): "On Saturday, June 13th, 2026, while merging on to the I-10 freeway heading east, completly without warning, my transmission dropped completely out of gear cancelling acceleration and acted like I had put the transmission in neutral (I had NOT)" Source: NHTSA.

Is backup camera failure and back-over prevention recall delay a known issue with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about backup camera failure and back-over prevention recall delay on the 2019 Lincoln Navigator (2022-10 → 2026-04). Reported component: BACK OVER PREVENTION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11649575): "After the recall on the backup camera the image processing unit (IPMB) has gone bad and the car does not display any camera information views (back up, front, 360 degree). I believe this is also related to the back up camera recall and should be addressed" Source: NHTSA.

Is seat belt pretensioner deployment and retractor seizure a known issue with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

18 NHTSA complaints have been filed about seat belt pretensioner deployment and retractor seizure on the 2019 Lincoln Navigator (2019-08 → 2026-08). Reported component: SEAT BELTS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11758530): "While a passenger was riding in the company-owned Lincoln Navigator, the front passenger seat belt suddenly tightened with significant force without a collision or other apparent triggering event" Source: NHTSA.

Is dashboard, infotainment, and electrical panel failure a known issue with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about dashboard, infotainment, and electrical panel failure on the 2019 Lincoln Navigator (2022-09 → 2026-06). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11743645): "Around mid XXX got into my vehicle I started it up my navigation screen was black and no music would play did not know why it was not working anymore" Source: NHTSA.

2019 Lincoln Navigator Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is cold start engine rattle from cam phaser or vct failure a known issue with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about cold start engine rattle from cam phaser or vct failure on the 2019 Lincoln Navigator (2021-06 → 2026-06). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11626154): "POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER while on the highway! Low boost power malfunction causing excessive fuel and oil consumption, spinning/timing misfire, and reduced speed! Check engine light and powertrain malfunction lights later indicated P0365 and P0369 error codes" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is loss of steering control while driving a known issue with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about loss of steering control while driving on the 2019 Lincoln Navigator (2023-01 → 2026-08). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11754279): "Yesterday while driving on I-65 my car all of a sudden seemed to by hydroplaning even thought no water on the water and steering was super unstable and not able to control the vehicle. I had to pull off the side and drive with flashers all the way while driving at a slow speed" Source: NHTSA.

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering instrument cluster/panel and rear. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unexpected transmission shifting and gear loss.” Lincoln uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: it tracks how the vehicle is actually driven and calls for oil service when needed — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months on normal duty, much sooner with towing or repeated short trips. EcoBoost-powered Aviators and Nautilus models are turbocharged: heat is their maintenance story, so oil quality and cooling-system health matter more than on the old naturally aspirated V8s. Traditional V8 Navigators and Town Cars are long-interval machines — 100,000-mile plugs — that mostly reward fluid discipline.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #19V076000 · Nov 2, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Risk: A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings. Driving with an inoperative cluster can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC), free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C03.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #19V773000 · Oct 28, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.

Risk: A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust the rear toe alignment, and inspect the rear tires for abnormal tire wear, replacing them if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S36.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Campaign #23V420000 · Sep 6, 2023

Issue: 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."

Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #23V598000 · Aug 25, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #24V099000 · Sep 2, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #24V852000 · Aug 11, 2024

Issue: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #25V197000 · May 23, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will 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 need to have this new recall remedy completed.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #26V344000 · May 27, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 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.

Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #26V372000 · Sep 6, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 19V076. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Risk: A blank instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C27. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #26V402000 · Jun 24, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Lincoln Navigator.

Reported to NHTSA

Unexpected transmission shifting and gear loss

POWER TRAIN

19 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2026-07

“On Saturday, June 13th, 2026, while merging on to the I-10 freeway heading east, completly without warning, my transmission dropped completely out of gear cancelling acceleration and acted like I had put the transmission in neutral (I had NOT)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744182

“To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and costly transmission issue with my 2019 Lincoln Navigator. At approximately 114,000 miles, the vehicle’s transmission failed and required a full rebuild”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692611

“The 10 speed transmission in our car shudders and vibrates badly and gets stuck in very high gears. The problem happens most often between 17-23 miles per hour, and is most noticeable on inclines”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11514140

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cold start engine rattle from cam phaser or VCT failure

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2026-06

“POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER while on the highway! Low boost power malfunction causing excessive fuel and oil consumption, spinning/timing misfire, and reduced speed! Check engine light and powertrain malfunction lights later indicated P0365 and P0369 error codes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626154

“My vehicle fits all criteria for CSP 21B10 and CSP 21N03. The vehicle has 75714 miles whereas 21N03 covers up to 79,999 on this vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619643

“the engine rattles and knocks with cold start. in reviewing online, this is a very common problem. The dealership told me their service lot is full of navigators needing to have CAM? replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607366

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera failure and back-over prevention recall delay

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10 → 2026-04

“After the recall on the backup camera the image processing unit (IPMB) has gone bad and the car does not display any camera information views (back up, front, 360 degree). I believe this is also related to the back up camera recall and should be addressed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11649575

“The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11575948

“Back up camera does not work all the time most of the time, camera does not come on when in reverse or when camera button is pressed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489383

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of steering control while driving

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-08

“Yesterday while driving on I-65 my car all of a sudden seemed to by hydroplaning even thought no water on the water and steering was super unstable and not able to control the vehicle. I had to pull off the side and drive with flashers all the way while driving at a slow speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754279

“complete loss of steering control while driving , after a turn or without a turn. It feels like the steering wheel completely disconnected from the wheel control”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693893

“1.13.23 hearing a sound when turning left. No warning 1.13.23 drove off a mountain where we live to take my daughter to her basketball game. Approximately 7:10 p.m my daughter and I heard a loud sound. The suv pulled us left into oncoming traffic!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502626

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt pretensioner deployment and retractor seizure

SEAT BELTS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-08

“While a passenger was riding in the company-owned Lincoln Navigator, the front passenger seat belt suddenly tightened with significant force without a collision or other apparent triggering event”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11758530

“I was driving the car at approximately 10 miles/hr (slowly accelerating after stopping at a traffic light), when I heard a loud bang / explosion. This was accompanied by a feeling like I had been struck in the chest. However, there was no collision to the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682077

“THE PASSENGER SIDE SECOND ROW SEATBELT RETRACTOR PRETENSIONERS DEPLOY AND MY KIDS CAN’T LOOSEN THE SEATBELT TO PUT IT ON. WE HAVE TO THEN PUT OUT KIDS IN THE THIRD ROW OR MESS WITH IT FOR 10 minutes TO GET IT TO RELEASE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608534

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard, infotainment, and electrical panel failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-06

“Around mid XXX got into my vehicle I started it up my navigation screen was black and no music would play did not know why it was not working anymore”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743645

“The entire electrical panel went out and therefore I was unable to see the speed I was going, how much gas I had, etc. This happened after I turned my truck back on at the gas station. It was working fine prior to turning vehicle off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11572663

“Vehicle dies while in Drive. Message shows "AUTO STARTSTOP SHIFT TO P, THEN RESTART ENGINE". Dealer advised low battery voltage causing it, but vehicle starts without issue when shifting to P. Battery is only 2.5 years old”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11483353

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 14, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 14, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil-Life Monitor)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the Oil-Life Monitor calls it — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months. EcoBoost engines (Aviator 3.0T): use the specified synthetic and don't stretch the monitor; turbos cook marginal oil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Heavy Navigators shift a lot of weight — even wear is a ride-quality item, not just a tire-budget item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil service. Town Car livery duty and Navigator towing both count as severe service for brakes.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped. (2004-era Town Cars predate cabin filters; modern Lincolns locate it behind the glovebox.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (OAT) on modern models: first change around 10 years / 200,000 miles per Ford, though shops commonly refresh by 100,000. Older green-coolant V8s: every 5 years. Never mix chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Feature-heavy Lincolns (air suspension compressors, power everything) expose weak batteries as electrical gremlins first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

4 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator reflects Lincoln's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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