2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure ($700-$2,400 repair) and Air Ride Suspension Compressor Burnout from Air Bag Leaks ($400-$2,200 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $2,400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure, Air Ride Suspension Compressor Burnout from Air Bag Leaks, Deployable Power Running Board Motor Failure & Linkage Corrosion. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012 Lincoln Navigator has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure and Air Ride Suspension Compressor Burnout from Air Bag Leaks. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Lincoln Navigator issues range from $100 to $2,400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure, typically costs $700-$2,400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
2003-2017 Navigators with the optional/standard rear air suspension (and the 2003+ Expedition with the same system) develop air-bag leaks at the bag-to-piston seal as the bag rubber ages and cracks. Symptoms: rear of vehicle sagging overnight, compressor running constantly, error… Repairs typically run $700-$2,400. Severity: high.
The air suspension's rubber air springs develop pinhole leaks at the upper crimp ring after 8-12 years. 4WD models use a 4-corner system; 2WD models use rear-only. The OEM Continental/AMK compressor (mounted with integrated dryer) runs continuously trying to maintain ride height,… Repairs typically run $400-$2,200. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
+ 24 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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The Dorman-supplied power running board motors and pivot/swivel brackets on 2007-2014 (3rd-gen) and 2015-2017 (3rd-gen refresh) Navigators corrode and seize from road salt and water exposure, especially in northern states. Boards stop deploying, hang in mid-position, or cycle rep… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.
Second- and third-generation Navigators commonly suffer failed HVAC blend door actuators. The small electric motor that positions the temperature/mode doors strips its internal gears, producing a repetitive clicking or 'whir-click' noise from behind the dash or rear panel and cau… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
Navigators equipped with deployable (power) running boards commonly have boards that stick in the deployed or retracted position, deploy on only one side, or retract and then immediately redeploy. Failures stem from corroded/seized motors (original Dorman-type units on 2007-2014… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: low.
