Power train: automatic transmission
Free remedy
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2006 Lincoln NavigatorRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 60 owner complaints for the 2006 Lincoln Navigator. Most complaints involve suspension (16) and engine and engine cooling (13). The EPA rates it 13 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
13mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Nov 2005
Owner complaints
60
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$5,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Visibility: windshield wiper
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Tires: tread
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT AND REAR TIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AT THE CENTER TREAD DURING PRODUCTION.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
60 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2005 – Sep 2022
- Suspension16
- Engine and engine cooling13
- Engine9
- Electrical system7
- Power train6
- Air bags6
- Vehicle speed control4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Structure3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Navigator model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 138 |
| 2000 | 133 |
| 2001 | 92 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 127 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 48 |
| 2006 | 60 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 30 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2019 | 85 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Suspension
16 reports
“THE SUSPENSION ON THIS SUV IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS I HAVE REPLACED THE SUSPENSION AIRBAGS OH RINGS COMPRESSORS MULTIPLE TIMES AND EACH TIME IT TURNS COLD AND I LIVE IN ARIZONA THE CAR DROPS AND ON ABLE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO EXTREME VIOLENT SHAKING TO WEAR THE CAR SEEMS LIKE IT'S GOING TO ROLL OVER SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH THE SUSPENSION ON THIS VEHICLE LINCOLN NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS MISTAKE”
Engine and engine cooling
13 reports1 crash1 fire
“ENGINE WAS MISSING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE OR PASS VEHICLES. DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN TRYING TO PASS ON HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES. TOOK 2006 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR IN FOR NEW SPARK PLUGS. DEALER SAID ALL 8 PLUGS BROKE OFF AND ONE DAMAGED THE HEAD AND NOW NEED NEW HEAD DUE TO BROKEN SPARK PLUG. COST WILL EXCEED $3,000. SPOKE WITH 6 LOCAL MECHANICS AND ALL AGREED THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR FORD'S FAULTY DESIGN? *TR”
Engine
9 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FORWARD, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. (NORTH PARK LINCOLN LOCATED AT 9207 SAN PEDRO AVENUE, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78216) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,400.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 5.4L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,950 | 684 |
- 13mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Lincoln Navigator as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 1749
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2006 Navigator questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Lincoln Navigator have?
3 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2006 Lincoln Navigator problems?
Owners filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (16), engine and engine cooling (13), engine (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2006 Lincoln Navigator get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Lincoln Navigator at 13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026