2021 Lincoln Navigator: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Lincoln Navigator? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 26 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2021 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. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.3% 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 26 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Navigator
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 26
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 22
- 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2021 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine and transmission service history.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and visibility components.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine and transmission service history.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and visibility components.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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 26 complaints for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, issues are concentrated in the engine, transmission/drivetrain, and steering components. One crash was reported. The data is limited and consumer-submitted, so it does not confirm defects.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints (7).
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the second most reported (4).
- Steering Defects and Visibility/Wiper issues each have 3 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission/Drivetrain
- Steering Defects
All 2021 Lincoln Navigator Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2021 Lincoln Navigator. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
THE REAR LIGHT BAR DEVELOPS LEAKS AND CAN MAKE THE REAR LIGHING GO OUT. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND STATES IT'S NO LONGER A COVERED ITEM.
While driving, the vehicle repeatedly hesitated during gear changes, lost power, and then abruptly jerked back into gear. This occurred intermittently for over a month without any warning messages, creating unpredictable and unsafe driving conditions. As the issue worsened, the v…
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2021 Lincoln Navigator with factory equipment only. After snowfall, during factory remote start, the vehicle produced a hot/burning smell, and I observed visible melting and bubbling of multiple driver-side and passenger side e…
Navigator transmission goes into neutral when accelerating at speeds of 50+. Trans completely overhauled. Still does it. Almost had 2 accidents when changing lanes on the freeway, trying to accelerate and instead slowing down with cars behind fast approaching . When trying to p…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light i…
I am the owner of a 2021 Lincoln Navigator black label, currently subject to Safety Recall 25S75 concerning the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause engine stalling and increased crash risk. Ford’s recall filing and public reports make clear the hazard and that a remedy is still…
Car stalls often. Was not able to go through intersection. Held up traffic. Another incident was I was almost rear ended when car lost power. This is dangerous and not just an inconvenience.
They recalled other models for back up camera navigation issues. My vehicle was having same issue and I paid for repair and update on this issue and mine isn’t part of this recall but should be
Car purchased in Feb 2022. November 9, 2023 after a couple of previous complaints about the car riding rough, this time , after telling them the car jumps and throws into the next lane, it was diagnosed as having passenger rear leaking strut, front pinion seal leak, front drivesh…
LINCOLN HAS NOT PROVIDED THE OWNERS MANUAL ADDENDUM AS DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL.
[XXX] Wednesday we were traveling from Charlotte NC headed westbound on [XXX], a 6 or 8 lane highway, speed limit 70+ mph, when our 2021 Lincoln Navigator suddenly lurched and the engine completely failed. There weren't any warnings by the vehicle prior to the incident. There w…
A grinding noise was noticed during the driver memory function or when manually adjusting the power tilt or telescoping steering column. I took the car to Ford for service and was very surprised to hear that the entire steering column needs to be replaced at the cost of $1700.00.…
Panoramic sunroof exploded without anything striking it. Sound like a gun shot. No vehicles in front of us to have thrown any objects at it to strike it.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
When first first entering a hot cabin, the backup camera will not work until the cabin cools down for just a few minutes. Vehicle not moving. ⁸
Passenger windshield wiper arm flew off while driving vehicle in moderate rainy weather.
I was driving about 40 miles per hour on an open road when I heard a very loud popping/explosion sound and falling glass. I immediately pulled over and found my panoramic sunroof had exploded and the glass was dropping into the cabin, most of it being caught by the interior sunro…
Passenger whipper arm is loose especially when you lift the arm to clear snow from the windshield it will not align it its original location without multiple attempts.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become very difficult the turn in either direction. Additionally, the instrument panel display became distorted …
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall re…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. 10 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.
2021 Lincoln Navigator Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 26 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator?▾
#1: Engine Problems (7 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 26 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT. 10 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator?▾
The 2021 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 Engine Problems 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 2021 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.