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Lincoln · Known Issues

2017 Lincoln Navigator Problems: 5 Known Issues

2017 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator has 5 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure ($700-$2,400 repair), Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch ($1,800-$6,000 repair), Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37) ($0-$850 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 $250 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Navigator Suspension2
  • Navigator Engine1
  • Navigator Brakes1
  • Navigator Exterior1
  • Recalls29
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension2
  • Engine1
  • Brakes1
  • Exterior1
Recalls
29
  • FAQ
  • All 5 Known Issues

    Filter:
    ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998

    On the 2003-2017 Lincoln Navigator all, 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 message "Check Air Suspension." Eventually the compressor burns out from constant duty.

    This issue also affects: Buick Enclave, Dacia Duster, Dacia Sandero

    Common Symptoms

    • rear sag
    • air suspension warning
    • compressor running constantly
    • uneven ride height

    How to Fix

    Replace air bags as a pair (Arnott or Strutmasters aftermarket ~$400-$700 per side; OEM Motorcraft ~$800-$1,200 per side installed). Replace the dryer with the compressor or it will quickly fail again. Some owners convert to coil springs (Strutmasters kit ~$700) — eliminates the leveling feature but is permanent.

    Typical repair cost:$700 - $2,400

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Manually Verified
    High Confidence

    On the 1998-2017 Lincoln Navigator, 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, eventually burning out. Owners wake to a vehicle sitting on the bump stops and a compressor that hums but no longer builds pressure. NOTE: 4th-generation Navigator (2018+) replaced air suspension with coil-spring adaptive damping and is NOT affected.

    Common Symptoms

    • Vehicle sagging or sitting on rear bump stops in the morning
    • Compressor runs continuously or won't shut off
    • Compressor hums but ride height won't rise
    • Nose-dive under braking
    • Air ride fault message on dash

    How to Fix

    Diagnose with soapy water at each air spring upper crimp before replacing the compressor. Replace leaking bags in pairs (front or rear) with Arnott/Suncore units and install a new compressor (Arnott P-2932 for 97-06, P-2937/U326 for 07-13) with dryer. For owners who don't tow, Strutmasters/Arnott coil-conversion kits eliminate the problem permanently for $400-700.

    What you need to fix it

    Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

    • Arnott P-2932 air-suspension compressor with dryer
      OEMArnott P-2932

      Replace a failed compressor after repairing leaks on the 1998-2006 Navigator branch Fitment/availability: Direct retailer item identifies Arnott P-2932 for 1998-2006 Lincoln Navigator and includes a new dryer. The browser received the re…

      O'Reilly Auto Parts
    • Arnott P-2937 air-suspension compressor with dryer
      OEMArnott P-2937

      Replace a failed compressor after repairing leaks on the 2007-2017 Navigator branch Fitment/availability: Direct NAPA item identifies manufacturer number P-2937; Arnott's current catalog and manual specify 2007-2017 Navigator 2WD/4WD. Th…

      NAPA
    • Arnott A-2148 rear air spring, two required
      OEMArnott A-2148

      Confirm drive type and factory air equipm

      AutoZone
    • Arnott A-2153 rear air spring, two required
      OEMArnott A-2153

      Confirm drive type and factory air equipm

      AutoZone
    • Arnott A-2143 front air spring, two required
      OEMArnott A-2143

      Replace leaking front air springs in pairs on a 2003-2006 Navigator Fitment/availability: Live two-in-stock direct page identifies A-2143 as a front left/right single spring for 2003-2006 Navigator/Expedition and recommends pair replacem…

      TruckSpring
    • Arnott A-2735 rear air spring, two required
      OEMArnott A-2735

      Confirm VIN and factory air equipment; do not confuse it with the f

      TruckSpring
    • Arnott A-2647 rear air spring, two required
      OEMArnott A-2647

      Confirm VIN/equipment and or

      PartCatalog

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

    Typical repair cost:$400 - $2,200

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2015-2019 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6, the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 in 2015+ Navigator (and shared F-150, Expedition, Edge ST) suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Symptoms include a rattling noise on cold start, particularly on the passenger-side bank, plus P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019 correlation codes. Causes include extended oil change intervals, low-quality oil, and turbocharger-related oil shear.

    This issue also affects: Ford Aerostar, Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Sport

    Common Symptoms

    • cold start rattle
    • misfire
    • check engine light
    • rough running
    • reduced power

    How to Fix

    Full timing chain kit replacement (primary chain, both secondary chains, tensioners, guides, sprockets, water pump) — typically $2,500-$4,500 at dealer, $1,800-$3,000 at independent. Stick to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with Motorcraft full-synthetic 5W-30. Catastrophic chain failure means head rebuild ($6,000+).

    Typical repair cost:$1,800 - $6,000

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Manually Verified
    High Confidence

    On the 2017-2018 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost V6, consider clarifying: the failing seal is at the rear of the master cylinder (where it mates to the booster), allowing fluid from the front brake circuit to migrate past the seal into the vacuum booster body. Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 covers replacement at no cost.

    This issue also affects: Ford Flex, Ford Transit, Ford Expedition

    Common Symptoms

    • Soft or low brake pedal
    • Brake fluid reservoir level dropping with no visible leak
    • Brake warning light
    • Reduced front brake performance
    • Fluid pooling inside booster

    How to Fix

    Recall 25S37 - dealer replaces master cylinder (and booster if contaminated) free of charge. Check VIN at lincoln.com/support/recalls or NHTSA.gov. Do not drive if pedal goes to the floor; have the vehicle towed.

    Typical repair cost:$0 - $850

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2007-2024 Lincoln Navigator, 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 repeatedly. Brackets with dissimilar-metal mounting can crack and drop the board. On 2018+ (4th-gen) trucks the failures are more often electrical/settings-related (boards switching from AUTO to OFF, one-side-only operation) rather than pure mechanical corrosion.

    Common Symptoms

    • Running board stuck open or closed
    • Board cycles in/out repeatedly while driving
    • Grinding/whining noise on deploy
    • Visible corrosion at pivot brackets
    • One side works, the other doesn't

    How to Fix

    Pull the affected board, free the linkage with PB Blaster, lube all pivots with marine grease. If motor is dead, OE replacement (Ford 9L7Z-16A507-A family) is ~$500/side, aftermarket Dorman motor+bracket assemblies run $150-300. On 2018+ trucks, first verify board mode is set to AUTO and check battery health before replacing hardware. Scan the BCM for B-codes to confirm which side before ordering.

    What you need to fix it

    Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

    • A-Premium APRBM011 left/right running-board motor pair
      OEMA-Premium APRBM011

      Replace both failed motor drives on a 2007-2014 standard-wheelbase Navigator Fitment/availability: Direct item path; indexed live retailer card showed APRBM011, 2007-2014 Navigator, driver and passenger pair, 119.0-inch wheelbase only, l…

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM025 left running-board motor/bracket
      OEMA-Premium APRBM025

      Confirm L wheelbase, connect

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM022 right running-board motor/bracket
      OEMA-Premium APRBM022

      Confirm L wheelbase,

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM014 left running-board motor/bracket
      OEMA-Premium APRBM014

      Confirm wheelbase, side and connector

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM012 right running-board motor/bracket
      OEMA-Premium APRBM012

      Confirm wheelbase, side and co

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM048 left running-board motor
      OEMA-Premium APRBM048

      Replace a diagnosed driver-side motor on a 2018-2024 standard-wheelbase Navigator Fitment/availability: Indexed live card identified APRBM048, driver/left, 2018-2024 Navigator and 122.5-inch wheelbase with Add to Cart. Direct navigation …

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM046 right running-board motor
      OEMA-Premium APRBM046

      Replace a diagnosed passenger-side motor on a 2018-2024 standard-wheelbase Navigator Fitment/availability: Indexed live card identified APRBM046, passenger/right, 2018-2024 Navigator and 122.5-inch wheelbase with Add to Cart. Direct navi…

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM049 left running-board motor
      OEMA-Premium APRBM049

      Replace a diagnosed driver-side motor on a 2018-2024 Navigator L Fitment/availability: Indexed live Navigator listing identified APRBM049, driver/left and 2018-2024 fitment with Add to Cart; pair it only with the 131.6-inch L branch afte…

      A-Premium
    • A-Premium APRBM047 right running-board motor
      OEMA-Premium APRBM047

      Replace a diagnosed passenger-side motor on a 2018-2024 Navigator L Fitment/availability: Indexed live card identified APRBM047, passenger/right, 2018-2024 Navigator and 131.6-inch wheelbase with Add to Cart. Direct navigation was bot-ch…

      A-Premium

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

    Typical repair cost:$250 - $1,400

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
    NHTSA Recalls29 recalls

    POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.

    Campaign #23V12800024/02/2023

    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.

    Campaign #25V31400009/05/2025

    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.

    Campaign #25V31500009/05/2025

    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."

    Campaign #24V85200008/11/2024

    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

    Campaign #23V42000009/06/2023

    + 24 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

    Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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    Other Lincoln Models

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the most common Lincoln Navigator problems?

    According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure, Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch, Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

    Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?

    The 2017 Lincoln Navigator has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure and Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch and Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37) 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.

    How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Navigator problems?

    Repair costs for known Lincoln Navigator issues range from $0 to $6,000, 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.

    What is the 2003-2017 Lincoln Navigator Navigator Rear Air Suspension Bag/Compressor Failure?

    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.

    What is the 2015-2019 Lincoln Navigator Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch?

    The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 in 2015+ Navigator (and shared F-150, Expedition, Edge ST) suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Symptoms include a rattling noise on cold start, particularly on the passenger-side bank, plus P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019 c… Repairs typically run $1,800-$6,000. Severity: high.

    What is the 2017-2018 Lincoln Navigator Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37)?

    Consider clarifying: the failing seal is at the rear of the master cylinder (where it mates to the booster), allowing fluid from the front brake circuit to migrate past the seal into the vacuum booster body. Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 covers replacement at no cost. Repairs typically run $0-$850. Severity: high.

    What is the 1998-2017 Lincoln Navigator Air Ride Suspension Compressor Burnout from Air Bag Leaks?

    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.

    What is the 2007-2024 Lincoln Navigator Deployable Power Running Board Motor Failure & Linkage Corrosion?

    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.

    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.

    Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.