2020 Lincoln Navigator
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 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.
60% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
FIREShow 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, 20250728
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, 20260820
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, 20240101
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
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, 20210118
10% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns 2020 Lincoln Navigator.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
3% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 1 distinct report on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20220501
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 20V262000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V366000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V250000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V420000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V598000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V099000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V852000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V346000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V442000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V628000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V197000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V344000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V402000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V344000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V402000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V262000 (electrical system, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V366000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V250000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V420000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V598000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V099000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V852000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V346000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V442000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V628000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V197000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.