How reliable is Lincoln Navigator?

The Lincoln Navigator offers strong performance and luxury appeal, but reliability varies by model year and configuration. In general, it delivers a solid, group-friendly ownership experience with a powerful V6 engine and spacious interior, yet some model years have reported electronics and suspension-related concerns. Prospective buyers should review reliability ratings for the exact year, check for open recalls, and verify maintenance history before purchasing.

Reliability ratings and what they mean for Navigator owners

Independent rating organizations track reliability differently, and results can change from year to year. Below is what analysts and long-running data sets typically show for the Navigator across generations, with notes on where owners tend to encounter the most issues.

• Consumer Reports generally places the Navigator in the mid-to-upper range for reliability within the full-size luxury SUV class, with year-to-year variation tied to electronics and suspension components.


• J.D. Power’s reliability-focused studies often show mixed results for the Navigator’s first-year or early-next-year models when a redesign is fresh, with some years performing better than others on mechanical reliability and long-term ownership issues.


• Automotive press reviews frequently praise the Navigator’s powertrain, ride quality, and interior quality, while noting occasional infotainment glitches, software updates, and air-suspension-related concerns that can affect long-term reliability.

In short, the Navigator tends to be reliable enough for daily driving and family use, but it is not universally flawless. Expect some year-to-year variation and plan for routine maintenance on its sophisticated electronics and suspension systems.

Reliability by generation and model year

Current-generation Navigator (approximately 2022–present)

The latest generation emphasizes technology, comfort, and safety systems. Reliability in this window has generally improved on some metrics compared with earlier generations, thanks to updated electronics, improved infotainment interfaces, and refined powertrain calibration. Nevertheless, owners still report occasional software updates, sensor or camera glitches, and occasional transmission or throttle response quirks that can surface after updates or software reboots.

Earlier generations and facelift years

Earlier Navigator models faced more frequent reports of electronics-related glitches and modular component failures, including infotainment system instability and issues with auxiliary features (such as power tailgates or advanced driver-assistance systems). Suspension components and air-suspension variants also drew attention in several model years, sometimes requiring more frequent service or part replacements to maintain ride quality.

As with any used luxury SUV, the reliability of older Navigator examples is strongly tied to how well they were maintained and how intensively they were used. Potential buyers should scrutinize service records for electronics work, suspension maintenance, and any replacement of major components during the vehicle’s life.

What to check before buying a Lincoln Navigator used or certified

If you’re considering a Navigator, use this practical checklist to gauge reliability risk and avoid surprises after purchase. The following steps help you verify the vehicle’s condition and the likelihood of future maintenance needs.

1. Obtain a complete maintenance and service history, focusing on suspension service, electronics updates, and any software re-flash records.


2. Inspect the air suspension (if equipped) for leaks, sagging, or abnormal ride height, and test ride on varying road surfaces to feel for ride consistency.


3. Check for open recalls via official databases (NHTSA, Lincoln) and confirm all recalls have been completed by a qualified dealer.


4. Have a qualified technician run a pre-purchase diagnostic to review the powertrain, transmission software, battery health, and onboard electronic modules for any fault codes.


5. Review owner-reported reliability data for the specific model year and trim level you’re considering, paying particular attention to electronics, suspension, and infotainment issues reported by others.

Even with a solid purchase plan, consider budgeting for typical depreciation and potential maintenance on a vehicle with advanced luxury features. A current-generation Navigator with complete maintenance history and recent updates tends to offer the best reliability profile in this lineup.

Summary

Overall, the Lincoln Navigator is a capable and comfortable luxury SUV with a reliability profile that sits around the middle of its class, fluctuating by year and trim. It rewards careful maintenance and post-purchase care, while some early generations and certain features have historically introduced electronics and suspension concerns. For a worry-free ownership experience, focus on late-model, well-documented examples, verify recall status, and seek a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific model year or trim (Standard, Reserve, Black Label) and pull up the latest recall and reliability data from sources like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and NHTSA.

Are Lincolns more reliable than Fords?

Recent studies show Ford and Lincoln have made improvements in reliability, with Ford placing slightly ahead of Lincoln in the 2025 J.D. Power dependability study. However, reliability rankings can vary by model and year, so it is best to research specific vehicles and consult different rating sources for the most accurate comparison. 
Recent study findings

• The 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study showed Ford improved by 10 spots to 13th place, while Lincoln moved up six places to 19th.
• Despite Ford's higher overall ranking, Lincoln's year-over-year improvement was one of the best in the industry. 

Other factors to consider

• Model-specific performance: Some individual Ford and Lincoln models have received high reliability ratings, but this doesn't guarantee reliability across the entire brand. 
• Older models: Older studies have sometimes shown Lincoln outperforming Ford in reliability, while other reports have been less favorable for both brands. 
• Cost of ownership: While Lincoln vehicles may be more expensive to maintain due to luxury components, the average difference in yearly cost compared to Ford is relatively small, according to MSN. 

What's the best year to buy a Lincoln Navigator?

The best year for a Lincoln Navigator depends on your priorities, but the 2022 model is frequently cited as a great balance of modern features and value, while 2015-2017 models are praised for affordability combined with the turbocharged V6 engine. For the latest technology, 2022 introduced a significant refresh with upgraded tech, and 2024 models offer the most advanced available features. 
Best for value and technology: 2022 

• Features a major refresh with a sleek new look and an updated 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4.
• Includes advanced driver-assist technologies like the hands-free ActiveGlide system.
• Offers the extended-length "L" model for more cargo space. 

Best for affordability: 2015–2017 

• These models still provide modern luxury and performance, as they are the first to feature the powerful 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine.
• They are a more affordable entry point into the fourth generation of the Navigator. 

Best for the latest features: 2024

• This is the most recent model year in the 2018-2024 generation, offering the most advanced version of the infotainment system and driver-assist features.
• However, it will have the highest price tag among these options. 

Is Lincoln Navigator a reliable vehicle?

Lincoln Navigator reliability is considered average to good, with many owners reporting a long lifespan of 200,000 to 300,000 miles, but some common issues have been reported, particularly with certain model years. Owners of models from 2018–2019 should be aware of potential cam phaser and transmission problems, while later models improved in these areas, though some users still report minor glitches like electrical issues.
 
Reliability highlights 
You can watch this video to learn about the performance and features of the Lincoln Navigator: 54sTheTopherYouTube · Oct 21, 2025

• Overall: The Lincoln Navigator has an average or slightly above-average reliability rating depending on the source, with some models getting higher marks than others. 
• Lifespan: With proper care, a Navigator can be a long-lasting vehicle, potentially lasting for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or 15 to 20 years. 

Potential issues by model year

• 2018-2019: These models are known for potential cam phaser issues, which can cause rattling noises. The transmission may also have hard shifting issues. However, many 2019 models had the cam phaser fix, and Ford offered an extended warranty for it, so checking service records is crucial. 
• Older models (1998-2010): Some older models had issues with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, especially in dusty conditions. 
• 2020 and newer: Reliability generally improved, with Ford implementing fixes for the cam phaser issue in the 2020 model year and newer. However, some users still report minor glitches and issues, such as with the infotainment system, seat squeaks, or other electrical components. 

How to improve reliability

• Perform regular maintenance: Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle in top condition. 
• Check service records: Before buying a used model, especially a 2018-2019, carefully review its service records to see if the cam phaser and transmission have been addressed. 
• Look for updated parts: If you are considering a model that is known to have an issue, try to find one that has had the updated parts installed. 
• Drive with care: Avoid aggressive driving and towing, especially in harsh conditions, to reduce stress on the vehicle's components. 
• Check for recalls: Make sure there are no open recalls on the vehicle you are considering. 
• Consider extended warranty: If you are not confident in the vehicle's history, consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential repairs. 

What is the life expectancy of a Lincoln Navigator?

around 200,000 to 300,000 miles
Typically, with proper care, a Lincoln Navigator can last between 15 to 20 years, or around 200,000 to 300,000 miles. This makes the Navigator not only a luxury vehicle but also a long-term investment that can provide years of enjoyment and reliability.