← All Lincoln Navigator years

2019 Lincoln Navigator VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator has mixed reliability. There are 4 recalls and 58 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (14), Seat Belts (10), Electrical System (7).

Navigator reliability snapshot

59/100
Latest model-year reliability score
2.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$1,089
Avg annual repair cost vs $1,127 category avg
#5/19
Ranking in luxury fullsize SUVs · better than 74% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Lincoln Navigator before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 Lincoln Navigator issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Power Train14
  • Seat Belts10
  • Electrical System7
  • Engine7
  • Unknown Or Other5
  • Steering2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test transmission for slipping or jerking during acceleration
  • Inspect seat belts for proper retraction and pretensioner function
  • Listen for engine rattling or ticking sounds during cold start
  • Check for any dashboard warning lights or error messages
  • Verify backup camera functionality and image display
  • Ensure steering feels responsive and connected
  • Inspect sunroof for any signs of damage or previous replacement

What owners reported

2019 Lincoln Navigator owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 3 crashes and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints14

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator frequently report issues with the 10-speed automatic transmission, including symptoms such as jerking into gear, slipping, stalling, and delayed acceleration. Complaints often mention the transmission getting stuck in high gears, causing hesitation during acceleration, and some owners describe the vehicle coasting in neutral unexpectedly. These issues are reported across a wide range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 20,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as several owners describe near-miss accidents due to sudden power loss or failure to engage gears, particularly during highway driving or when attempting to pass other vehicles. Buyers considering a used 2019 Navigator should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the potential for costly repairs.

Owner complaints10

SEAT BELTS

Owners report that the 2019 Lincoln Navigator frequently experiences seat belt malfunctions, particularly with the seat belt pretensioners and retractors. Complaints frequently mention seat belts seizing, failing to retract, or deploying unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by loud noises and smoke-like smells. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from approximately 46,000 to 110,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash and two injuries due to seat belt pretensioner explosions, with some owners expressing difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, as parts for repairs are often unavailable, leading to delays in addressing these safety concerns.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints7

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the electronic dashboard and camera functions. Multiple complaints describe the electronic dashboard going blank, leaving drivers without critical information such as speed and fuel levels; this issue appears to occur intermittently and can resolve itself without intervention. Additionally, several owners mention problems with the backup camera not displaying images consistently, even after recall-related repairs. Other reported electrical issues include malfunctioning vehicle emblem lighting, brake lights, and heated seats. These problems arise at various points of ownership, with some occurring shortly after purchase. While no crashes or injuries are directly reported, the inability to access essential vehicle information may pose safety concerns.

Owner complaints7

ENGINE

Owners report frequent issues with the cam phasers in the 2019 Lincoln Navigator, often leading to engine rattling and ticking sounds, particularly during cold starts. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle shaking and failing to shift gears properly, with some engines eventually failing entirely. These issues are noted at mileages ranging from approximately 75,000 to 83,000 miles. Several owners mention that their vehicles are not covered under existing recalls or customer satisfaction programs, despite experiencing similar symptoms. No crashes or fires are reported, but the drivability concerns and engine failures could impact vehicle safety.

Owner complaints5

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator report issues with windows opening unexpectedly, with some complaints indicating that all windows open without prompting and others specifically mentioning the driver-side second-row window descending on its own. Additionally, complaints frequently mention hard shifting and forceful lunging of the vehicle, which can result in the vehicle slowing down unexpectedly and creating potential safety risks. Some owners also express concerns about carbon monoxide entering the passenger compartment when the rear trunk gate is open while the vehicle is running. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, and multiple owners describe difficulties in obtaining timely recall service for rear camera issues from dealerships. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and exposure to carbon monoxide, especially when children are present in the vehicle.

Owner complaints2

STEERING

Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator report experiencing a complete loss of steering control, with descriptions indicating the steering wheel feels disconnected from the vehicle's wheel control. Another complaint describes a series of issues culminating in a loss of steering control, accompanied by a loud noise, smoke, and a burning rubber smell. This incident reportedly caused the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic, highlighting significant safety implications. Complaints do not provide consistent mileage data but mention issues occurring soon after vehicle acquisition. These patterns suggest potential safety risks related to steering, which prospective buyers should consider.

Owner complaints2

VISIBILITY

Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator report issues with the sunroof shattering unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention a loud explosion sound followed by discovering shattered sunroof glass, often without any apparent external cause. These incidents typically occur while driving, with one report noting the issue at approximately 45,000 miles. Safety implications include potential distractions from the noise and the risk of shattered glass entering the vehicle if the sunroof cover is open. Used car buyers should be aware of these visibility-related concerns, as they could impact safety and require attention from a dealer.

Owner complaints2

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator report issues related to the availability of parts necessary for a recall repair concerning back over prevention. Complaints frequently mention that the recall repair parts are unavailable, leading to delays in addressing the issue. Despite the recall notification, no owners have reported experiencing any failures or symptoms related to back over prevention at the time of the complaints. The timeline for resolving these issues is not specified, as the parts are still pending distribution. Buyers should be aware of potential delays in completing recall repairs due to parts distribution challenges.

Owner complaints2

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator report issues with the airbag system, specifically noting airbag non-deployment during a collision and a persistent restraint system warning light. In one instance, a crash occurred at approximately 5,000 miles where the airbags did not deploy, resulting in three injuries due to seatbelt-related bruising. Another complaint describes a warning light that activates whenever a passenger is seated and buckled, which remains unresolved despite dealer intervention. These issues highlight potential safety implications, particularly concerning airbag functionality in accidents.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

2019 Navigator recalls (4)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Navigator. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 25V197000May 23, 2025

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 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.

    Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor date codes and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.

  2. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V598000Aug 25, 2023

    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.

  3. SUSPENSIONNHTSA 19V773000Oct 28, 2019

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.

    Consequence: A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust the rear toe alignment, and inspect the rear tires for abnormal tire wear, replacing them if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S36.

  4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 19V076000Feb 11, 2019

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

    Consequence: A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings. Driving with an inoperative cluster can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Ford has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC), free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C03.

2019 Lincoln Navigator on the road

18,656 2019 Lincoln Navigator units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 Lincoln Navigator stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator presents an elevated reliability risk, scoring below the segment average with a score of 59 out of 100. Complaints are broadly distributed across several key areas, including the power train, seat belts, and electrical system, indicating no single dominant issue but a range of potential concerns. The presence of four recalls further suggests an elevated level of caution may be warranted.

While the vehicle is only in its second year of the current generation, the spread of complaints across critical systems like the engine and power train raises questions about overall dependability. Although the recall count is not excessively high, it is significant enough to merit consideration. In summary, potential buyers should be aware of the elevated reliability risk associated with the 2019 Lincoln Navigator.

What you get in a 2019 Lincoln Navigator report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2019 Lincoln Navigator now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2019 Lincoln Navigator — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator presents an elevated reliability risk, scoring below the segment average with a score of 59 out of 100. Complaints are broadly distributed across several key areas, including the power train, seat belts, and electrical system, indicating no single dominant issue but a range of potential concerns. The presence of four recalls further suggests an elevated level of caution may be warranted.

How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln Navigator have?

4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Lincoln Navigator. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Lincoln Navigator problems?

The most-reported 2019 Lincoln Navigator problem areas are: Power Train (14), Seat Belts (10), Electrical System (7).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Lincoln Navigator?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Lincoln Navigator, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.