2021 Lincoln Navigator VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (4), Unknown Or Other (4), Engine (4).

Navigator reliability snapshot

60/100

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.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2021 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 Train4
Unknown Or Other4
Engine4
Steering3
Visibility Wiper3
Back Over Prevention2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator

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

Inspect transmission for slipping or harsh shifting during test drive
Check for panoramic sunroof integrity and signs of previous glass replacement
Test power steering for ease of movement and listen for grinding noises
Verify backup camera functionality in various temperatures
Ensure windshield wipers are secure and operate smoothly
Confirm recall repairs are completed, especially for engine and visibility issues

What owners reported

2021 Lincoln Navigator owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 1 crash to NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints4

POWER TRAIN

Owners report that the 2021 Lincoln Navigator frequently experiences powertrain issues, particularly with the transmission. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle slipping out of gear, losing power, and entering neutral unexpectedly, especially during acceleration at speeds over 50 mph. Multiple owners describe instances where the vehicle loses propulsion without warning, leading to potential safety hazards such as near-stalls in traffic or while changing lanes. The issues often surface shortly after purchase, sometimes within the first week, and persist despite repairs like transmission overhauls or valve system replacements. These problems pose significant safety risks, including the potential for accidents due to sudden deceleration or loss of control.

Owner complaints4

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator report issues primarily related to the panoramic sunroof and safety recalls. Multiple owners describe incidents where the panoramic sunroof explodes without any apparent external impact, often while driving, resulting in loud noises and falling glass into the cabin. This defect is noted to potentially pose safety risks, especially if passengers are present without the sunroof screen closed. Additionally, one owner reports dissatisfaction with the handling of a safety recall related to fire risks, indicating a delay in resolution from the manufacturer. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with no specific pattern emerging regarding when they occur.

Owner complaints4

ENGINE

Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator report issues related to engine failure and delayed recall repairs. One owner describes a sudden engine failure while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a hazardous situation without prior warning signs. Other complaints frequently mention receiving recall notifications for engine-related issues, but parts for repairs are unavailable, leading to extended wait times. Although some owners have not experienced engine failures, the lack of available parts for the recall repair is a common concern. Safety implications include the risk of engine failure at high speeds, which poses a significant safety risk during driving.

Owner complaints3

STEERING

Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator frequently report issues related to the steering system, with symptoms including grinding noises during power tilt or telescoping adjustments and sudden power steering malfunctions that make the steering wheel difficult to turn. These problems often emerge around 19,000 miles, with one owner noting a required steering column replacement costing $1,700. Additionally, complaints mention distorted instrument panel displays and persistent brake light illumination during steering issues. Safety implications are noted, as the difficulty in steering could potentially lead to loss of vehicle control. These concerns are reported alongside drivetrain and suspension issues, highlighting a pattern of mechanical failures in various systems within the vehicle.

Owner complaints3

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners report issues with the windshield wiper arms on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, particularly with the passenger side. Common symptoms include the passenger wiper arm detaching during use in rainy conditions and difficulty in realigning the wiper arm after lifting it to clear snow. Additionally, one owner notes that the driver’s side wiper arm failure is linked to a recall, though parts for the repair are unavailable. These issues occur without specific mileage data provided, but the potential for impaired visibility during inclement weather is a safety concern. Buyers should be aware of these wiper arm problems and check for completed recall repairs.

Owner complaints2

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator report issues with the back over prevention system, particularly involving the backup camera. One owner describes the camera failing while reversing into a garage, resulting in a minor crash and scratches on the vehicle at around 19,700 miles. Another owner notes that the backup camera does not function properly in a hot cabin until the interior cools down slightly. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, especially in scenarios where visibility is compromised during reversing maneuvers. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly in warmer climates or when the vehicle has been parked in the sun.

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

2021 Navigator recalls (10)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Navigator. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

VISIBILITYNHTSA 26V204000Mar 31, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
Consequence: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 25V729000Oct 24, 2025
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 25V455000Jul 7, 2025
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 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, 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.
EQUIPMENTNHTSA 24V852000Nov 8, 2024
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.
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.
EQUIPMENTNHTSA 23V420000Jun 9, 2023
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.
ENGINENHTSA 22V346000May 17, 2022
Park outside until repaired
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.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V250000Apr 14, 2022
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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V805000Oct 15, 2021
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.

2021 Lincoln Navigator on the road

15,631 2021 Lincoln Navigator units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 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.

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Reliability: 72/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator demonstrates mixed reliability, scoring slightly below the segment average. The vehicle has ten recalls, an elevated count that suggests potential systemic issues. Complaints are distributed across several categories, with power train, engine, and other issues equally represented, indicating no single dominant problem area but rather a broad spread of concerns.

Given its position in the fourth year of this generation, one might expect more refinement. However, the Navigator's reliability data suggests persistent challenges. The combination of a moderate score and a higher recall count raises questions about long-term dependability.

Overall, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator presents an elevated reliability risk compared to its peers.

What you get in a 2021 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

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2021 Lincoln Navigator — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have?

10 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Lincoln Navigator problems?

The most-reported 2021 Lincoln Navigator problem areas are: Power Train (4), Unknown Or Other (4), Engine (4).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Lincoln Navigator, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.