2020 Lincoln Navigator

▲ Better than typical
2020 Lincoln Navigator
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:37:04.786Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
30
Recalls
13

Campaigns on file for 2020

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

60% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 192 complaints 1998 1999: 132 complaints 2000: 109 complaints 2001: 81 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 86 complaints 2005: 48 complaints 2006: 60 complaints 2006 2007: 45 complaints 2008: 30 complaints 2009: 10 complaints 2010: 16 complaints 2010 2011: 9 complaints 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 14 complaints 2014: 17 complaints 2014 2015: 21 complaints 2016: 25 complaints 2017: 32 complaints 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 82 complaints 2020: 30 complaints 2020 30 2021: 32 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 7 complaints 2024: 16 complaints 2025: 13 complaints 2026: 1 complaint 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1998: 192 complaints 1998 1999: 132 complaints 2000: 109 complaints 2000 2001: 81 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 86 complaints 2004 2005: 48 complaints 2006: 60 complaints 2006 2007: 45 complaints 2008: 30 complaints 2008 2009: 10 complaints 2010: 16 complaints 2010 2011: 9 complaints 2012: 12 complaints 2012 2013: 14 complaints 2014: 17 complaints 2014 2015: 21 complaints 2016: 25 complaints 2016 2017: 32 complaints 2018: 51 complaints 2018 2019: 82 complaints 2020: 30 complaints 2020 30 2021: 32 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2022 2023: 7 complaints 2024: 16 complaints 2024 2025: 13 complaints 2026: 1 complaint 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1998: 192 complaints 1998 1999: 132 complaints 2000: 109 complaints 2000 2001: 81 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 86 complaints 2004 2005: 48 complaints 2006: 60 complaints 2006 2007: 45 complaints 2008: 30 complaints 2008 2009: 10 complaints 2010: 16 complaints 2010 2011: 9 complaints 2012: 12 complaints 2012 2013: 14 complaints 2014: 17 complaints 2014 2015: 21 complaints 2016: 25 complaints 2016 2017: 32 complaints 2018: 51 complaints 2018 2019: 82 complaints 2020: 30 complaints 2020 30 2021: 32 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2022 2023: 7 complaints 2024: 16 complaints 2024 2025: 13 complaints 2026: 1 complaint 2026 2027: 0 complaints

2020: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19970
1998192
1999132
2000109
200181
200232
2003127
200486
200548
200660
200745
200830
200910
201016
20119
201212
201314
201417
201521
201625
201732
201851
201982
202030
202132
202221
20237
202416
202513
20261
20270

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

60% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Had transmission problems before this final issue. With that said the dealership ended up replacing the transmission as it was under warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-28

On August 20, 2026, while traveling about 45 MPH, I accelerated to merge onto a highway while passing a slow-moving semi, with traffic approaching from behind. The transmission unexpectedly disengaged and the vehicle completely lost propulsion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20

Driving vehicle for an approximately 70 miles highway trip, the vehicle was experiencing some hard shifts/poor shift quality prior to overheating.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-01

Electrical system

13% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

We've had this vehicle for a little less than two months. The app started sending notifications about the car going into deep sleep and needing to conserve battery within a week after purchase. We were unable to use remote unlock or start.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-18

Engine

10% · 3 reports

Seat belts

7% · 2 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns 2020 Lincoln Navigator.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21

Visibility/wiper

3% · 1 report
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

All windows will fog up when the outside air temperature is below 29 degrees Fahrenheit. The dealer says that it is a known condition, but they are not sure how to resolve it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-05-01

Safety timeline

13 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-05-26Electrical system, forward collision avoidance20V262000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with camera-only Pre-Collision Assist feature.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram software for the Body Control Module, Antilock Braking System, Instrument Panel Cluster and Headlamp Control Modules, and reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System, free of charge.

  2. R
    2020-07-08Seats20V366000 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.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began July 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C12.

  3. R
    2022-10-21Visibility22V250000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022.

  4. R
    2023-07-21Equipment23V420000 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.

    Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023.

  5. R
    2023-11-20Back over prevention23V598000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners.

  6. R
    2024-07-08Seat belts24V099000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024.

  7. R
    2024-12-19Equipment24V852000 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.

    Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

  8. R
    2025-06-25Electrical system25V346000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 20V262.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S56.

  9. R
    2025-09-04Back over prevention25V442000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair,...

    Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

  10. R
    2025-10-03Engine25V628000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire.

  11. R
    2025-10-22Seat belts25V197000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31.

  12. R
    Date not on fileSeat belts26V344000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026.

  13. R
    Date not on filePower train26V402000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 3, 2026.

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 26V344000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 26V402000 · Power train
  • Recall 20V262000 · Electrical system, forward collision avoidance
  • Recall 20V366000 · Seats
  • Recall 22V250000 · Visibility
  • Recall 23V420000 · Equipment
  • Recall 23V598000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 24V099000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 24V852000 · Equipment
  • Recall 25V346000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 25V442000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 25V628000 · Engine
  • Recall 25V197000 · Seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Navigator have?
13 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.