Best and worst Lincoln Navigator years — which to avoid

While the Navigator proved to be one of the most reliable SUVs in the class, drivers complaining about some persistent issues are always looking into Lincoln Navigator years to avoid. Truth being said, there have been a few model years that are best avoided, and our team prepared a comprehensive guide on those to help you with your buying decision.

We’ll not only go over the main NHTSA complaints and service bulletins issued by Lincoln, but we’ll also dive into genuine driving overview and ownership feedback in this one-stop-shop guide.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Lincoln Navigator years

To properly rate Navigator years as best and worst, our team had a lot of checkups to do and we started with NHTSA reports. We were able to find information on common complaints that past and present owners have left on the model, as well as some details on official recalls which we used to pinpoint the common issues of the Navigator as a model.

We also learned a lot about the common issues from ownership reviews and feedback left by other drivers on CR, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds as car review sites that our team trusted with the ratings. Based on all these, we were able to identify the worst model years that are simply not worth your time and money, as well as some model years that are surprisingly reliable for their market value.

Most common Lincoln Navigator problems

After four production generations (the fourth one being still in production), the Lincoln Navigator became the epitome of a reliable and luxurious family SUV. Drivers have mostly complained about the early model years and their common problems, while newer generations are built quite sturdy.

1. Coolant leaks and overheating

The Navigator had a few of these over the years, and they mostly include issues like radiator leaks, bad airbag sensors, and windshield linkages issues.We want you to come at it prepared when thinking about buying a used Navigator, so let’s start with the most serious issues. These are always related to engine operation and the first one can severely damage the 5.4-liter V8 if not treated properly.

It’s the radiator leak that kept occurring throughout the production of the car with this engine type. The solution is to check the coolant pathways and fix the radiator leak to prevent overheating. If done on time, this repair won’t set you back for too much, but it’s always better to buy a used vehicle without coolant leaks.

One piece of advice you may find useful is to always check the radiator cap for leaks since it was often the cause even though the coolant pipes were intact.

2. Problems with the turbocharged EcoBoost engine

Another painful fault that may occur with this model is the engine fault which is commonly found with fourth-gen Navigators that hadn’t been through a recall. Ford Motor Company issued an official recall in 2022 to fix the problem of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that sometimes caused a fire hazard.

This even happened while parked or with the ignition off, so it’s something to have in mind when looking for a used Navigator. This problem was mostly associated with a 2021 model year, and besides the engine and coolant leak flaws, the Navigator is overall quite reliable with some minor faults along the way.

3. Electrical system faults

Besides the engine and cooling issues, the most common type of problem that the Navigator drivers have faced is related to the electrical system. We know it may sound like an easy fix, but that’s not always the case, especially when it comes to faulty airbag sensors.

If you don’t want to wonder why is the airbag light on, we advise you to check the airbag system as well as the battery cables and terminals.

4. Windshield linkages

This one may sound a bit odd at first, but many Navigator models struggled with visibility issues due to broken windshield arms. Because of this, there was an official recall issued by the Ford Motor Company in 2022 and it mostly involved recalls of the 2020 Navigator model.

The company replaced the faulty windshield wiper arms that were prone to damage, so it’s now safe to buy a used Navigator that has gone through a recall.

Worst Lincoln Navigator years to avoid

It helps a lot to know about the most common issues when buying a used Navigator, but some model years proved to be worse than others. Through the four generations of production, drivers have mostly complained about the second-generation models.

So, what are the worst Lincoln Navigator years? The worst Lincoln Navigator years are 2004 and 2006, but you should also avoid all of the following model years:

• 2003
• 2004
• 2006
• 2007
• 2018
• 2020

Second-generation Lincoln Navigator (2003-2004 and 2006 model years)

The second generation of the Navigator made a significant jump from the design of the first gen, but some issues simply need to be addressed here. If you are considering buying the second-gen Navigator, make sure to steer away from the 2003, 2004, and 2006 model years.

These were also the worst model years of the Navigator overall due to a large number of complaints. Drivers have mostly reported electrical issues and car battery corrosion was one of the main reasons behind these problems. Also, there’s the infamous air suspension problem which was quite expensive to fix and deal with.

It helps you get that premium and luxurious floating feeling when operative, but fixes of malfunctioning air suspension for this vehicle often range from around $700 up to $2000.

Third-generation Lincoln Navigator (2007 model year)

Considering all the problems that came with the second-gen Navigator, the third generation was rather well-built and reliable. There’s only one exception and that’s the 2007 Navigator model year which received nearly the same amount of complaints as some previously mentioned years.

There were some issues with the electrical system and some braking system faults, as well as the matter of air springs regarding the suspension that led to frequent repairs.

Fourth-generation Lincoln Navigator (2018 and 2020 model years)

When it comes to the fourth generation of the Navigator, there’s the problematic 2020 model year that suffered from windshield problems, as well as airbag issues caused by faulty passenger side sensors. There were also some issues with the coolant leaks and engine stalling associated with the EcoBoost V6 powertrain.

Overall, the fourth generation is one of the most reliable due to the low amount of complaints that these models received, so as long as you pay attention to the listed issues, you should be fine.

What are the best Lincoln Navigator years to buy?

There are some Navigator production years that you should truly avoid, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the case with all the generations and years. Generally speaking, the Navigator is Ford’s most expensive production car if we remove the famous Ford GT car from the equation.

It’s a full-fledged luxury SUV that’s perfect for a family ride, and it has all the comfy features you could need. So, take a look at the list of the best Lincoln Navigator years that proved to be the most reliable:

• 2000
• 2005
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2017
• 2019
• 2021
• 2022

It’s crucial to avoid the problematic second-gen models and go for the 2005 model since it received the least complaints. Major problems like electrical faults and air suspension issues were solved by the later model years of the third generation, so it’s safe to go with the 2009 to 2014 model years.

2009 Lincoln Navigator

The 2009 Navigator proved to be one of the best models in the entire lineup with more than decent drivetrain and handling for such a large SUV. Although the previous models like the 2007 one had issues with the braking system and suspension, the 2009 model was a lot better.

It also didn’t receive many complaints filed to NHTSA, and there were no major recalls for this model year except for the brake service bulletin. Overall, it’s more than a dependable ride for a 2009 SUV, and its fair market price makes it even more desirable for interested drivers.

2014 Lincoln Navigator

The 2014 Navigator is yet another model that had a low number of complaints with just some interior accessories being the issue reported by drivers. However, it could easily be fixed by visiting an electrician and at least this model year wasn’t affected by any braking system issues or suspension faults.

So, it makes a perfect option for those looking for a reliable, yet relatively modern SUV with a bargain of a market price.

Is the Lincoln Navigator worth buying?

It all comes down to the Navigator’s reliability and comfort when deciding whether it’s worth buying or not. All things considered, our team gives it a positive rating as a reliable and affordable used luxury SUV that allows seating for more than 6 persons.

Make sure to avoid the model years with engine cooling issues or fire hazard possibilities to get the most out of this impressive SUV.

When delving into the realm of full-size SUVs make sure to check out Cadillac Escalade years to avoid, GMC Yukon years to avoid, and Ford Expedition years to avoid. These models are designed to offer supreme comfort, towing capacity, and the ability to handle both paved roads and tougher terrains with ease. However, selecting the right model year is crucial, as variations in reliability, performance, and features can significantly impact your ownership experience.