Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Lincoln Navigator problems

Owners filed 34 complaints about the 2021 Lincoln Navigator with NHTSA between Jul 2021 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (8).

Complaints
34
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine8
  2. Power train7
  3. Fuel/propulsion system4
  4. Fuel system, gasoline4
  5. Electrical system3
  6. Back over prevention3
  7. Steering3
  8. Visibility/wiper3
  9. Carry handle, shell, base1
  10. Exterior lighting1
  11. Vehicle speed control1
  12. Suspension1
  13. Seats1
  14. Visibility1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20211
20227
20234
20245
20256
202611

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

8 reports1 related recall
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11760540

Power train

7 reports1 related recall
“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.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026Power trainODI 11775719

Fuel/propulsion system

4 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11749445

Fuel system, gasoline

4 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. 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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that vehicle failed to accelerate as needed due to a lack of fuel going to the engine. The contact stated that that the engine seized with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 70,300.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2026Fuel system, gasolineODI 11747916

Electrical system

3 reports1 crash
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2026Electrical system, Back over preventionCrash reportedODI 11754317

Back over prevention

3 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. 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. The contact stated that the damage was minor and there were scratches on the left rear bumper edge only. The failure mileage was approximately 19,700. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 31, 2024Back over preventionCrash reportedODI 11568951
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.