Is 10-speed transmission slipping and loss of propulsion a known issue with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about 10-speed transmission slipping and loss of propulsion on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator (2021-07 → 2026-08). Reported component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11749445): "The transmission hesitates, slips, skips gears, bangs into gear, and frequently delays engagement before suddenly surging forward. Engine RPM increases without corresponding acceleration. Occupants are abruptly thrown forward and backward during normal driving" Source: NHTSA.

Is backup camera failure and recall parts delay a known issue with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about backup camera failure and recall parts delay on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator (2023-10 → 2026-08). Reported component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11754317): "My screen intermittently goes black, I have had it repaired/ updated once prior and it still does this..as a result I backed into a mailbox. It was very dark and I couldn’t see out of my windows" Source: NHTSA.

Is panoramic sunroof spontaneous shattering a known issue with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about panoramic sunroof spontaneous shattering on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator (2023-04 → 2024-06). Reported component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11516225): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is passenger windshield wiper arm detachment a known issue with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about passenger windshield wiper arm detachment on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator (2023-03 → 2023-05). Reported component: VISIBILITY/WIPER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11522277): "Passenger windshield wiper arm flew off while driving vehicle in moderate rainy weather" Source: NHTSA.

2021 Lincoln Navigator Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is recall 25v455000 fuel system parts unavailability a known issue with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about recall 25v455000 fuel system parts unavailability on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator (2025-10 → 2026-07). Reported component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11747916): "The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is recall 22v346000 engine repair parts unavailability a known issue with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about recall 22v346000 engine repair parts unavailability on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator (2022-06 → 2022-12). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11480120): "The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted after receiving the recall notification and the contact was informed that parts were not available because the…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is power tilt/telescoping steering column grinding noise a known issue with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about power tilt/telescoping steering column grinding noise on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator (2022-12 → 2024-06). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11593637): "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" Source: NHTSA.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator carries 12 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering side impact and linkages. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “10-speed transmission slipping and loss of propulsion.” 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.

12 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT

Campaign #21V805000 · Oct 15, 2021

Issue: 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."

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #22V250000 · Apr 14, 2022

Issue: 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.

Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE

Campaign #22V346000 · May 17, 2022

Issue: 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.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for vehicles equipped with heavy-duty radiator fan motors, and those letters were mailed July 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.

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.

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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V442000 · Jun 27, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #25V455000 · Jul 7, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #25V729000 · Oct 24, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #26V204000 · Mar 31, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.

Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.

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.

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 2021 Lincoln Navigator.

Reported to NHTSA

10-speed transmission slipping and loss of propulsion

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2026-08

“The transmission hesitates, slips, skips gears, bangs into gear, and frequently delays engagement before suddenly surging forward. Engine RPM increases without corresponding acceleration. Occupants are abruptly thrown forward and backward during normal driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749445

“Within one week of delivery of this new vehicle, the transmission began slipping out of gear and the car loses power for 30-40 seconds in the middle of driving. Shift System Fault, Transmission failure, and PowerTrain Malfunction are the errors coming up on the screen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424748

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700366

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall 25V455000 fuel system parts unavailability

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-10 → 2026-07

“The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747916

“The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the recall was initiated for more than a year; however, the part…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747413

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall 22V346000 engine repair parts unavailability

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2022-12

“The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted after receiving the recall notification and the contact was informed that parts were not available because the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480120

“The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 22V250000 (Visibility) and 22V346000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11468033

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera failure and recall parts delay

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2026-08

“My screen intermittently goes black, I have had it repaired/ updated once prior and it still does this..as a result I backed into a mailbox. It was very dark and I couldn’t see out of my windows”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754317

“The contact was in reverse (R) and backing up at approximately 2 MPH into her garage when the camera failed she crashed into the side of the garage entrance with the outer edge of the left rear bumper”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11568951

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548820

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof spontaneous shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2024-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11516225

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592737

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power tilt/telescoping steering column grinding noise

STEERING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2024-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11593637

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496268

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger windshield wiper arm detachment

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2023-05

“Passenger windshield wiper arm flew off while driving vehicle in moderate rainy weather”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522277

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11510155

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 2021 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.

Check another vehicle →