2021 Lincoln NavigatorRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

“I am reporting a serious intermittent transmission and loss-of-propulsion problem with my 2021 Lincoln Navigator, VIN 5LMJJ3LT6MEL05416. While driving, including at highway speeds, the transmission will unpredictably behave as though it has shifted into Neutral even though the vehicle remains in Drive. When I press the accelerator, the engine responds, but the vehicle temporarily has little or no propulsion. The transmission may then suddenly re-engage and slam or bang forcefully back into gear. This can also happen under very light throttle. I may gently press the accelerator expecting normal acceleration, but instead the vehicle acts as though it is in Neutral before suddenly engaging again. The condition is intermittent and cannot be reliably reproduced on demand, which makes it especially dangerous and unpredictable. I am concerned about losing propulsion while merging, passing, entering traffic, or attempting to accelerate away from another vehicle at highway speeds. The vehicle has previously had transmission adaptive learning/reset procedures performed, but the problem continues. I am aware that Ford/Lincoln has issued technical service information…”

“The transmission control assembly and park valve circuit failed, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lose drive power and experience a momentary neutral-out condition while moving in traffic, which almost caused a rear-end collision. The vehicle also exhibits harsh gear engagement and severe transmission fluid leaks. The authorized Lincoln dealership inspected the vehicle and stated that the transmission cannot be repaired and must be completely replaced due to the severity of the internal hardware failure (CDF cylinder and park system defect). However, because the dealership refused to accept any responsibility for this defect—even failing to address the active fluid leak—I had to take the vehicle back from them so I can show it to independent transmission shops for secondary inspections. Furthermore, I previously took the vehicle to the dealership back in January for this exact same transmission issue. At that time, before the official safety recall was issued, the dealership performed a repair. However, that repair completely failed, the exact same symptoms and codes have returned, and now the dealer is telling me the entire transmission must be replaced.…”

“I purchased this 2021 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label used on March 22, 2024 with approximately 42,726mi. Beginning around Sept. 2025 (approximately 70,000-75,000 miles), the vehicle developed intermittent transmission failures that have progressively worsened. This is our primary family vehicle and routinely transports our three young children. 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. Several times each month, a yellow wrench/powertrain warning appears instructing the driver to see the owner’s manual. When this occurs, the vehicle loses normal acceleration and throttle response becomes significantly delayed. The defect is intermittent and unpredictable. The condition creates dangerous situations when merging, entering intersections, accelerating from traffic lights, and in stop-and-go traffic. On one occasion, after stopping on an incline, the vehicle would not accelerate and effectively became disabled in traffic. We activated our hazard…”