2012 Lincoln Navigator
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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 | 13 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 30 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2019 | 69 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 12 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
RECALL# 16V248000 POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180109
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160624
2 of 12 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE CAR BOTTOMED OUT MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER EVEN THE SMALLEST OF BUMPS. TIRES AND THE STRUCTURE AROUND TIRE WHEEL WHEEL MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DUE TO THE BOTTOMING OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140311
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Belts dislodged on all tires. Tires have 70% tread left. My mechanic said it is manufacturing defect of Tires. SUV started shaking badly on highway
NHTSA ODI report, 20240830
1 of 12 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER NO GOOD. BRAKE FLUID COSTENTLY DISAPPEARING, NO LEAKS UNDER TRUCK BUT ONCE EMPTY OR CLOSE TO LOW LINE HAVE TO PRESS BREAKS TO THE FLOOR JUST TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN TO STOP...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180604
SAFETY TIMELINE
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FED
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELAT
Campaign 12V034000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE S
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Campaign 12V190000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 16V248000 — check if this car was fixed
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V034000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V190000 (exterior lighting, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V248000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln Navigator?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln Navigator have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.