2005 Lincoln Navigator
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 132 |
| 2000 | 109 |
| 2001 | 81 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 127 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 48 |
| 2006 | 60 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 30 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 77 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: suspension — 12 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
13% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH IN THE LINCOLN, ANOTHER DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN ILLEGAL LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF THE NAVIGATOR RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE SEVERE COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180511
I TURNED MY IGNITION TO START MY CAR AND THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL HITTING ME IN THE HEAD CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS BRIEFLY FROM THE IMPACT. THE AIRBAG POPPED IN MY EAR AFTER HITTING MY HEAD AND STARTED SMOKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081105
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. ALL THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVERS AIRBAG. PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO PASSENGER IN SEAT. DRIVER SUFFERED CRUSHED SPINE AND LEGS, ALONG WITH HEAD AND FACIAL INJURIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080330
10% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Fire inside of the motor, behind the engine computer.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240420
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AS I WAS MERGING ON FREEWAY, I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN FATALITIES SINCE IT WAS AT RUSH HOUR. AS I PULLED OVER, THE ENGINE WAS BUCKING BUT REGAINED POWER WITH SPORADIC BOUTS OF LOSS DURING MY DRIVE HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180912
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Lincoln Navigator is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lincoln Navigator?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Lincoln Navigator have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.