2021 Lincoln Navigator Problems: 3 Known Issues
2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442 and Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls26 recalls
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The attachment bracket for the driver's side second-row seat headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with camera-only Pre-Collision Assist feature. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected. Due to incorrect coding of interfacing modules, the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the Pre-Collision Assist feature.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
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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 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 3 documented issues. Documented issues include: Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442, Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123, Power liftgate opens or cycles on its own (owner reports). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442 and Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123. 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.
What is the 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator Rearview image may go blank or remain displayed — recall 25S72 / 25V442?
A SYNC software error can cause a blank rearview image in reverse or leave the image displayed after reversing ends, increasing crash risk. It affects certain 2020–2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles built October 14, 2019 through December 12, 2021 with SYNC 3.2 R10 RC1 software, cov… Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator Harsh or delayed 10R80 shifting — bulletin 23-2123?
On a qualifying Navigator, transmission adaptation may not accommodate hardware break-in, contributing to harsh engagement or shifting, or delayed shifts. Ford bulletin 23-2123 covers 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator SUVs with the 10R80 10-speed automatic that show the harsh or delaye… Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator Power liftgate opens or cycles on its own (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation (2018 and later) Navigators describe the power liftgate opening, or opening and closing, without anyone pressing a button. Some found it open after parking, or after a remote start. Others say it happened when a door was opened or shut, when the alarm… 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.