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Here Are The Lincoln Navigator Years To Avoid

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Lincoln Navigator headlamp
Source: Pixabay

Introduced for the 1998 model year, the Lincoln Navigator created an entirely new category: the large luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV).  There were upscale SUVs up this point, but none from a premium marquis (the Cadillac Escalade first appeared a year later).  If transporting the family around in an opulent and spacious hauler is on your mind, then checking out a previously owned Navigator is likely on your shopping list.  But, before your sign for a new set of wheels, learn what Lincoln Navigator years to avoid.

We’ll look at what’s been reported to carcomplaints.com and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) about each Navigator model year. 

What Know About Lincoln Navigator Years To Avoid

To provide a year-by-year overview of Lincoln Navigator reliability, we’ll check out owner reports as well official manufacturer recalls and technical service bulletins (TSB).  TSBs are sometimes called hidden or secret recalls but don’t have the same legal consequences as a recall.  Instead, these actions involve manufactured-provided guidance to correct a specific issue, change how a repair is performed, or update information.  Keep in mind that it’s not unusual for a single model year car to have dozens or even hundreds of TSBs.  

Lincoln Navigator Generations

Lincoln has produced four generations of the Navigator:

  • First-generation: 1998–2002
  • Second-generation: 2003–2006
  • Third-generation: 2007–2017
  • Fourth-generation: 2018–present

Information is limited on the newest Navigators, so our review will only go up to the 2019 model year.

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Lincoln Navigator Years To Avoid: Problem Counts By Model Year

Here are Lincoln Navigator owner complaints as reported to carcomplaints.com and NHTSA.


First-generation Lincoln Navigator

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 1998: n/a
  • 1999: 265
  • 2000: 173
  • 2001: 128
  • 2002: 90

1998 Lincoln Navigator

Interestingly, there is little published information about issues with the debut model year for the Lincoln Navigator. Instead, we’ll look at data for the 1998 Ford Expedition (which shares its platform with the Navigator).  Complaints about the Ford exceed 1,000 reports. So given these details and the idea that it’s good to skip the first model year for an all-new model, we say take a pass on the 1998 Navigator.

1999 Lincoln Navigator

Data for the 1999 Navigator reveal many reported engine problems (the same troubles that plagued the 1998 Expedition). Given this information and the number of TSBs, tread carefully if you’re considering a Navigator from this year. 

2000 Lincoln Navigator

Complaints drop a bit for the 2000 Navigator, but there’s an increase in reported electric issues. Be sure to have any Navigators from this year checked out by a mechanic for this and other problems.

2001 Lincoln Navigator

Owner-reported issues decline somewhat, but complaints still come in about the engine and electrical system (although at a reduced amount).  Before considering a 2001 Navigator, make sure the recall for a possible engine fire has been addressed.

2002 Lincoln Navigator

Keeping in mind that a 2002 Navigator is still a 20-year-old car, models from this year show a significant drop in owner complaints. So, if an older Navigator is on your shopping list, begin with a 2002.

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Second-generation Lincoln Navigator

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 2003: 152
  • 2004: 118
  • 2005: 104
  • 2006: 54

2003 Lincoln Navigator

2003 sees an uptick in complaints that are common with the first year of a vehicle redesign.  While reports cite engine and electrical issues, problems with the suspension are the most mentioned trouble.  Given the newness of the 2003 Navigator, consider another model year.

2004 Lincoln Navigator

Suspension problems continue with the 2004 Navigator, but complaints about other systems decline.  So, the 2004 model year is worth checking out (following a thorough mechanical inspection).

2005 Lincoln Navigator

Complaints about the Navigator drop significantly for 2005, making this model year a worthy choice to add to your shopping list. 

2006 Lincoln Navigator

Owner reports and TSBs are down with the 2006 Navigator. But carcomplaints.com cites numerous problems with the air suspension as a reason to make 2006 as one of the Lincoln Navigator years to avoid.

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Third-generation Lincoln Navigator

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 2007: 49
  • 2008: 49
  • 2009: 50
  • 2010: 57
  • 2011: 60
  • 2012: 81
  • 2013: 88
  • 2014: 82
  • 2015: 94
  • 2016: 101
  • 2017: 154

2007 Lincoln Navigator

Even with an all-new third-generation, complaints and TSBs about the 2007 Navigator are modest.  But, be sure to have a mechanic check things out to reduce the chance of new-model gremlins.

2008 Lincoln Navigator

Except for some reports of brake problems, there is no dominant trouble area with the 2008 Naviator. Given this and minimal complaints, this model year is one to look for.

2009 Lincoln Navigator

For 2009, the Navigator continues a trend of nominal owner-reported problems.  If you’re considering an older Navigator, be sure to add a 2009 to your possible choices.

2010 Lincoln Navigator

Not to sound like a broken record, but a 2010 Navigator is a safe bet for a used SUV, according to the reports sent to carcomplaints.com. 

2011 Lincoln Navigator

The streak continues with the 2011 Navigator as owner-reported issues are minimal.  This is another model year to add to your used SUV shopping list.

2012 Lincoln Navigator

A handful of transmission problems are reported for the 2012 model year, but otherwise, these Navigators have few complaints.

2013 Lincoln Navigator

Similar to the previous model year, a couple of transmission problems are cited for the 2013 Navigator. So, this model year can make a worthwhile choice.

2014 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator continues for 2014 with only a minor record of issues.  A small number of engine and drivetrain problems are noted, but apart from these complaints, this model year is uneventful.  

2015–2017 Lincoln Navigator

For 2015, Lincoln refreshes the Navigator with a new look and additional features.  But, the mechanicals stay mostly the same, which means the third-generation’s mostly positive reliability records continue through the 2017 model year.  Looking for a newer Navigator with minimal reliability issues? Then dive into a 2015-2017 Navigator.   

Fourth-generation Lincoln Navigator

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 2018: 141
  • 2019: 110

2018 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator gets a redesign for the 2018 model year, so it’s no surprise to see complaints about Lincoln’s all-new SUV.  Think about shopping for a different model year to avoid potential first-year “teething” problems, despite the low number of reliability grievances.

2019 Lincoln Navigator

With a low number of reported problems and the likelihood of a 2019 Navigator still being under factory warranty, mark this model year as an SUV to look up.

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