2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder ($600-$8,700 repair), 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder ($300-$4,000 repair), Backup Camera Blanks Out or Lingers on the Display — Recall 25S72 (NHTSA 25V442) and 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure ($2,800-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $8,700. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder, 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder, Backup Camera Blanks Out or Lingers on the Display — Recall 25S72 (NHTSA 25V442). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder and 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder and Backup Camera Blanks Out or Lingers on the Display — Recall 25S72 (NHTSA 25V442) and 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure. 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 $0 to $8,700, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder, typically costs $600-$8,700 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 10R80 transmission paired with the 3.5L EcoBoost suffers axial movement of the CDF clutch drum sleeve, causing internal hydraulic leaks. Owners report harsh 1-2 and 2-3 engagements, clunking on coast-down, shudder at 20-32 mph cruise, and unexpected hard downshifts. Subject o… Repairs typically run $600-$8,700. Severity: high.
The 10-speed 10R80 automatic in 2018+ Navigators is widely reported to shift harshly, clunk, jerk, hesitate, or shudder between gears. Causes include a sticking torque converter clutch (TCC) regulator valve causing TCC shudder, valve body issues, CDF drum/bushing failure, and con… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: high.
The 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Navigator is included in Ford's rearview camera software recall 25S72, filed with NHTSA as campaign 25V442000. A software error in the Navigator's rearview camera system can produce either of two faults: the camera image comes up blank when the driver se… Severity: high.
Fourth-generation Navigators with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 commonly develop a loud rattle or diesel-like clacking from the front of the engine, most noticeable for 2-5 seconds on cold startup. The internal locking pin inside the variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers fails… Repairs typically run $2,800-$4,000. Severity: high.
The SYNC 3 (2018-2020) and SYNC 4 (2021+) head unit in the 4th-generation Navigator freezes, reboots mid-drive, displays a black screen with spinning loader, loses touch response, drops Bluetooth pairing, or fails to show the backup camera. Issue is typically an APIM (Accessory P… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.
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.
Fourth-gen Navigator owners frequently report the hands-free power liftgate opening or cycling by itself, sometimes while parked or triggered by opening a driver door or even nearby beeping sounds. The root cause is typically a faulty liftgate release switch, hands-free kick sens… Repairs typically run $200-$900. 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.
