2021 LINCOLN Navigator

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator presents notable concerns due to multiple recalls, particularly regarding critical components like airbags and visibility systems. With a peak failure range under 20,000 miles, these issues could pose significant safety risks for drivers and passengers alike.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

The safety defects associated with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator are particularly alarming because they impact fundamental aspects of passenger protection. The airbag issue related to side impact sensors poses a grave risk, as failure to deploy during an accident can have devastating consequences for all passengers, especially young children in the back seat who rely on these safety features for their protection. Furthermore, the visibility problems stemming from windshield wiper failures can impair a driver's ability to see clearly in adverse weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. With three primary components—visibility, equipment, and back-over prevention—facing recall attention, potential buyers should be acutely aware of the implications these issues carry. Safety is paramount in any vehicle, but it is crucial for families prioritizing child safety in travel situations. A vehicle that compromises on these fronts raises justified concerns among parents seeking dependable transportation for their loved ones.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Acceleration Issues
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (6.2)
    📝
    Summary: Assessing the year-over-year safety trends for the Lincoln Navigator reveals an upward trajectory of concern with multiple recalls introduced in a relatively short timeframe. Given the heightened focus on passenger safety standards today, this model's record indicates a higher risk profile than one might expect from a luxury SUV brand renowned for its quality engineering.

Safety & Reliability Score

12/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-72
Complaint Impact-1.15
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 LINCOLN Navigator

Model Year2021
MakeLINCOLN
ModelNavigator
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

3 complaints (13% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 23 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
4(17%)
🟡Medium
4(17%)
🟢Low
15(65%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that many issues may arise early in ownership. This is particularly troubling for families whose primary concern is ensuring safe and reliable transportation for their children. Parents must be vigilant about monitoring any symptoms related to reported defects within this crucial mileage window.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 2 of 23 complaints (9% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

AIR BAGSVISIBILITYENGINEEQUIPMENTBACK OVER PREVENTIONFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Airbags

Issue: Side impact airbags may fail to deploy due to damaged sensor modules.

Immediately contact your dealer to confirm if your vehicle is affected by this recall and arrange necessary repairs.

🔍

Ask for detailed service history concerning airbag recalls before purchasing; verify repair completion.

Campaigns:21V43700021V43600021V453000
2

Windshield Wipers

Issue: "Wiper arms may break," which can impair visibility during rain or snow conditions.

"Inspect wiper functionality regularly and replace them if any issues arise."

🔍

"Ensure wipers were checked or replaced as part of routine maintenance before buying."

Campaign:21V370000
3

'Engine Safety'

Issue: Risk of engine compartment fire even with ignition off.

Be alert for unusual odors or smoke; report any concerns immediately.

🔍

Request confirmation regarding engine fire recall resolution before finalizing purchase.

Campaign:21V455000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your LINCOLN dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (9)

Campaign: 21V805000

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 22V250000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 22V346000

ENGINE

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 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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 23V420000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 23V598000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V852000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V455000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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 March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V729000

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Navigator.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Navigator performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 11,845
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Navigator performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 9,755
INV-2021-1002🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Navigator performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 10,228

Consumer Complaints

23 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Navigator.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Acceleration Issues13%
Warning9%
Stall9%
Crash/Accident9%
Noise9%
Explode9%
Fire9%
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN

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.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 since I purchased the car in 2021. While driving on the highway with my 10 year old daughter and her friend home from soccer on 495 last Monday 9/29, I tried to pass a car by switching to the left lane and stepped on the accelerator.  The car hesitated, and felt like it was going to cease altogether for a moment, however the accelerator did finally « catch » and I was able to pass the car.  I have had this same sensation while pressing my foot on the accelerator though at low speeds on backroads.  After the incident last Monday I had the car towed to the Lincoln dealer so they could assess the car.  I have been told that the oil was very low. The oil light or check engine light was never on, and it has gone on previously when I’ve been due for an oil change. I’ve been told that the tires also need to be rotated. The dealer who serviced the car said that the car is driving great now and is safe to drive and can be delivered to me or I can pick up. I called Lincoln corporate Friday 10/3/25 and a case was opened and called back on Monday and spoke with a representative who said that there was nothing she could do if the dealer is saying that the car is safe to drive.  I don’t feel safe driving the car with this open safety defect unrepaired. A loaner to use while the process for repurchase of the car would be appreciated, but is being denied while they continue the process of good faith eval /consideration of repurchase of the car.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING,SUSPENSION

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 through floorboard - diagnosed with problem in front differential and found carrier bearing failure and damage to case from bearing failure/spun. The axle housing assembly was replaced. April 2025: transmission shifting hard and clunk noise as well as riding rough again. These transmission assembly will be repaired for known problems on original 10 speeds but they don’t fix until customer complains, the rear differential pinion seal is leaking and the front struts are leaking. Something is very wrong with the suspension, drive train and transmission in this vehicle.

Body/Interior🔵 Low
SEATS

LINCOLN HAS NOT PROVIDED THE OWNERS MANUAL ADDENDUM AS DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

[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 - 5 pm during rush hour traffic. The driver was able to maintain composure and our tires continued rotating long enough to coast and cross over 3 fast moving lanes to get us slightly off the side of the highway. It was a very frightening and unsafe situation, not only during but after the engine failure, as we were on a very busy, noisy highway not knowing where we were or what to do. We live in Ohio and our plans were scheduled only for 8/25/24 (leave Ohio)-8/29/24 (return to Ohio). Our Lincoln was towed the night of the engine failure to Classic Ford Lincoln in Shelby NC, and it's been there for 7 days. The tow driver could not start the engine. He had difficulty (20 minutes trying) getting it into neutral so he could put it on the flatbed. The total engine failure problem isn't yet diagnosed. Classic is the only one to examine it. We had to extend our NC hotel stay for two days waiting for the vehicle to be repaired. On 8/31 we couldn't wait any longer and had to rent a vehicle from Enterprise to return home; leaving our Navigator in NC. Lincoln Roadside Assistance has been very difficult and inattentive to our dire circumstances. We're now faced with a situation of not having our vehicle, not having a diagnosis, and concerns about whether the vehicle will be dependable when/if it's returned to us. We have to travel often and fear Lincoln could leave us in bad circumstances again even if they can find the current problem and repair it. It seems to be something extraordinary or uncommon or a diagnosis would have happened by now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING

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 in the steering column. Upon a quick investigation of the defect, it was learned that this is a KNOWN problem on all Navigators from 2018-2021. Ford KNOWS that this defect exists on certain vehicles and has not issued a recall to correct this. This is not a normal "wear and tear" item that should have anything to do with your warranty. Very dangerous to need a new steering column motor for something that was known by FORD and LINCOLN to have problems in certain production years. Plus $1700.00 is a huge cost for the consumer.

Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

"What are common safety concerns with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?"

Common safety concerns include potential malfunctioning airbags due to sensor issues, compromised visibility from faulty windshield wipers, and risks of engine fires even when parked. These factors necessitate immediate attention from both current owners and prospective buyers.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified LINCOLN service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in LINCOLN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every LINCOLN recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Navigator iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a LINCOLN specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.