2017 Lincoln Navigator: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Lincoln Navigator? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 29 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2017 Lincoln Navigator Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2017 Lincoln Navigator trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2017 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested β showing 2017 Lincoln Navigator Extended SUV 4x4Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator has 29 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Navigator
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 29
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Lincoln Navigator Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Back Over Prevention
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Back Over Prevention, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Lincoln Navigator
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and hydraulic components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and back-over prevention systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and hydraulic components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and back-over prevention systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Lincoln Navigator, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 29 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator, the brake system accounts for the largest share of reported issues. Other notable complaint areas include back-over prevention and hydraulic components. With only two crash-related reports and a low confidence level, these data points suggest areas for pre-purchase inspection rather than confirming widespread defects.
- Brake system complaints are the most frequently reported issue for the 2017 model year.
- Back-over prevention and hydraulic components each account for five complaints.
- Electrical faults and visibility issues are also reported, with four complaints each.
- Brake system: 10 complaints reported.
- Back-over prevention: 5 complaints reported.
- Hydraulic components: 5 complaints reported.
All 2017 Lincoln Navigator Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 10 | 1 | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | β | 1 | β | |
| Visibility | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | β | 1 | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
The vehicle has a severe brake fluid leak. There is a recall for the issue. I called the local Lincoln dealership Ford Mill Lincoln SC and they said there was nothing they could do. I explained to them that there was a safety recall. They refused to fix the vehicle under the recaβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank or distortβ¦
problem is when you go to check the oil do you think youβre gonna find a low oil situation and what happens is the oil is actually overfilled however itβs not overfilled because you put too much oil in it. Itβs overfilled because gasoline is leaking into the oil pan. So the oil iβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted while reversinβ¦
The throttle body went bad while driving 55mph and 35mph. Over 5 times I could not accelerate while stepping on the gas peddle and it would stall out trying to get it to ford on the same road for 5 miles. I had to quickly stop and turn it back on with my flashers going less than β¦
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that there was an unknown fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notifieβ¦
Back-up camera quit working about 3 months ago, 2025. There is a recall for the 2018 cameras but this is a 2017. Please include the 2017 year in the recall list. This issue poses a safety hazard when backing. Driver can not see what is behind the vehicle or if it is in a dangeβ¦
Recall number 25S08 for side mirror lighting, the disconnect remedy is unacceptable. These side lights provide safety measures for exiting and entering the vehicle. As older adults seeing the fold out step in the dark is necessary. If these lights are disconnected due to the reβ¦
the rearview camera does not always come on when the vehicle is put in reverse. It appears to be the same issue as the newer Lincoln navigators and other fords for which a recall was just issued. The recall number for Ford is 25S49. The recall needs to include the 2017 navigatβ¦
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (Visibility); and the remedy was available, and the vehicle was scheduled for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed that the contact that the rβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY); however, the contact was concerned that the recall repair was not an adequate fix. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of theβ¦
Iβm a snowbird and in the past 18 months, of which I was in Iowa for 12 months of this time, the dealership has replaced the fuel pump five times. Iβm scared to take this vehicle out on the highway. The module that controls the fuel pump has been replaced once. The third replaβ¦
Driving down freeway and vehicle suddenly downshifted and the wrench light came on along with the airbag light, the blind spot detection sensors indicated not working, and more. Had to stop car and restart. Happened several times. Found out it is a problem with the 6R80 Transmβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera image was blue. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear-view camera β¦
The brake booster on a 2017 Lincoln Navigator does not work properly, causing increased force to brake, a brake pedal that does all the way to the floor, and increased distance to come to a full stop. A recall was issued (22V-150/22S11) on the master cylinder and brake booster. β¦
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal due to traffic ahead; however, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact stated he was forced to swerve into the next lane to avoid a β¦
My vehicle is a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The Backup Camera works maybe 50% of the times that I attempt to back up. I understand that Lincoln has a recall on other Lincoln vehicles for this issue, but not for the Navigator. The Cross Traffic Alert does not work. In combination, atβ¦
Driver side sideview mirror caught on fire twice. Once 30 min after the car wash with the engine running. Second time immediately after the car wash upon using a power seat button and turning engine off. Mirror replaced after second incident. Wires insulation melted inside of theβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was conβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator.
2017 Lincoln Navigator Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Lincoln Navigator Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Lincoln Navigator reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 29 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Lincoln Navigator shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?βΎ
#1: Brake System (10 complaints). #2: Back Over Prevention (5 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Lincoln Navigator, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 29 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Lincoln Navigator. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Lincoln Navigator?βΎ
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Navigator reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Lincoln Navigator based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.