LINCOLN NAVIGATOR · model year

2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

22 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010LINCOLNNAVIGATOR carries 22 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 NAVIGATOR is service brakes with 4 filings, followed by electrical system (4) and engine (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2010 NAVIGATOR. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

22
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

22 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
ENGINE2
POWER TRAIN2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
PARKING BRAKE1
STRUCTURE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
SEATS1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1

Recent Complaints

20250523SERVICE BRAKES

Brake lines started leaking and spewing fluid everywhere leaving me with out brakes on the highway. I just put new rotors, and brake pads on and they suddenly start grinding again yet have full pads on them.

20250523ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The headlights will suddenly shut off. I have to turn the dial to make them come back on. We have replaced every bulb in the headlight assembly with OEM recommended bulbs which are $75 a piece for the main headlight and this still happens. There is no cause we can find and I have read about other cases in my area. With the same year as my navigator. I almost recieved a ticket until I showed the officer my lights work that they just keep doing this. The electrical issues on this year is ridiculous and I guess someone needs to die for Ford to fix it.

20250523EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The headlights will suddenly shut off. I have to turn the dial to make them come back on. We have replaced every bulb in the headlight assembly with OEM recommended bulbs which are $75 a piece for the main headlight and this still happens. There is no cause we can find and I have read about other cases in my area. With the same year as my navigator. I almost recieved a ticket until I showed the officer my lights work that they just keep doing this. The electrical issues on this year is ridiculous and I guess someone needs to die for Ford to fix it.

20220105ENGINE

Coolant leaking

20210118ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

STALLED WHILE DRIVING. DOES NOT START. WHILE ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS ARE WORKING INCLUDING BATTERY. CAR HAS BEEN IN LINCOLN DEALER'S SHOP SINCE 12/30/2020. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE FO DETECT THE PROBLEM.

Mileage: 131,500

20190807UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REAR LIFT GATE HYDRAULIC LIFTER ON DRIVER SIDE EXPLODED WHILE CAR WAS JUST PARKED. PART OF IT WENT THROUGH THE REAR OF THE CAR AND LANDED ON MY PATIO COVERING. THE LARGER PART REMAINED INSIDE THE TAILGATE AREA. THIS COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. ABOUT 30 MINUTES PRIOR WHEN I USED A BUTTON TO OPEN THE AUTOMATIC HYDRAULIC TAILGATE IT.KEPT CLOSING AND WOULDNT STAY OPEN. SO WE USED THE GLASS WINDOW HATCH UPON ARRIVAL TO MY HOME IT EXPLODED AND SHOT UP INTO THE AIR. THE CAR WAS STAIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. I JUST TURNED IT OFF MY SON WENT TO THE BACK OF THE CAR TO GET THE GROCERIES. I HAVE VIDEO AND PHOTOS IT WONT LET ME UPLOAD THEM

Mileage: 98,570

20171205SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, WHICH MADE IT HARDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING FAILURE EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED SEVEN YEARS AGO. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES APPROXIMATELY EVERY 4,000 MILES. AUTONATION FORD FORT LAUDERDALE (1333 N FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 (954) 644-5015) STATED THAT THE ROTORS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE WITH FORD VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

20161217EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ONE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. CYCLING THE SWITCH IMMEDISTELY TURNS IT BACK ON

Mileage: 125,000

20160830POWER TRAIN

THE 2010 SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION AT 73K MILES. IT IS NOT USED AS A DELIVERY TRUCK OR FOR DIRT ROADS. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS VEHICLE IS IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL FOR RECALL NUMBER 12V190000 RECALL DATE 05/03/2012 COMPONENT POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) READ MORE AT HTTPS://WWW.CARS.COM/RECALLS/LINCOLN-NAVIGATOR/#KJUVZSWOQGETUOI2.99 JUDI WAS DRIVING HOME FROM OKLAHOMA AT NIGHT,ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 AROUND 10:30 PM AND HER VEHICLE 'SEIZED UP' AND SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. SHE WAS DRIVING AT 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHEN ALL FOUR BRAKES LOCKED UP AS TO THROW THE VEHICLE INTO PARK GOING HIGHWAY SPEED DOWN INTERSTATE 35 AROUND 30 MILES NORTH OF DALLAS WHERE THEY HAVE MAJOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION. SHE HAD THE WHERE-WITH-ALL TO PUT ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS, BARELY KEEPING THE CAR ON THE ROAD FROM THE SKID IT WAS SENT INTO, AND BARELY AVOIDING BEING HIT BY OTHER ONCOMING VEHIC

Mileage: 72,000

20160720ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEATED/COOL SEAT MODULE BURNING, IGNITION COIL, 4X4 (4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) , WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE TRANSMISSION , ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , HEATED HEAT STOPPED WORKING , CHANGED ENTIRE 4X4 SYSTEM AND IT STILL GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE BY ITSELF

20160720SEATS

HEATED/COOL SEAT MODULE BURNING, IGNITION COIL, 4X4 (4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) , WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE TRANSMISSION , ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , HEATED HEAT STOPPED WORKING , CHANGED ENTIRE 4X4 SYSTEM AND IT STILL GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE BY ITSELF

20160720VISIBILITY/WIPER

HEATED/COOL SEAT MODULE BURNING, IGNITION COIL, 4X4 (4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) , WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE TRANSMISSION , ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , HEATED HEAT STOPPED WORKING , CHANGED ENTIRE 4X4 SYSTEM AND IT STILL GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE BY ITSELF

20160209CrashPOWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN ENTERING BACK INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD GROUNDING NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A CREEK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS HAULED OUT OF THE CREEK BY A LARGE TRUCK AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 108,000

20151206STRUCTURE:BODY

THE RUNNING BOARDS OF THE 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR MALFUNCTIONED AT 78000 MILES. THE AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARDS BEGAN RETRACTING AND LOWERING UP AND DOWN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (AT SPEEDS FROM TO 70 MPH) AND WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED WITH ENGINE OFF, MAKING LOUD GRINDING SOUNDS. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE RUNNING BOARD RETRACTED WHILE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BOARD, LOCKING MY FOOT IN BETWEEN THE RUNNING BOARD AND THE LOWER BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO FALL FORWARD ON THE PAVEMENT IN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS ON A SEMI-STEEP INCLINE. THE RUNNING BOARD LOWERED AND I PULLED MY FOOT FREE AND IT BEGAN TO LOWER AND RAISE MULTIPLE TIMES MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. I THEN HAD TO MANUALLY RAISE THE BOARD AND SHUT OFF THE AUTO FUNCTION OF THE RUNNING BOARDS TO KEEP THIS ISSUE FROM REOCCURRING. I NOTIFIED THIS INCIDENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY OPTION I HAD WAS TO REPLACE THE MOTORS. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHY THIS MAY HAVE OCCURRED NOR WAS I GI

Mileage: 78,000

20151206ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

THE RUNNING BOARDS OF THE 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR MALFUNCTIONED AT 78000 MILES. THE AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARDS BEGAN RETRACTING AND LOWERING UP AND DOWN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (AT SPEEDS FROM TO 70 MPH) AND WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED WITH ENGINE OFF, MAKING LOUD GRINDING SOUNDS. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE RUNNING BOARD RETRACTED WHILE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BOARD, LOCKING MY FOOT IN BETWEEN THE RUNNING BOARD AND THE LOWER BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO FALL FORWARD ON THE PAVEMENT IN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS ON A SEMI-STEEP INCLINE. THE RUNNING BOARD LOWERED AND I PULLED MY FOOT FREE AND IT BEGAN TO LOWER AND RAISE MULTIPLE TIMES MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. I THEN HAD TO MANUALLY RAISE THE BOARD AND SHUT OFF THE AUTO FUNCTION OF THE RUNNING BOARDS TO KEEP THIS ISSUE FROM REOCCURRING. I NOTIFIED THIS INCIDENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY OPTION I HAD WAS TO REPLACE THE MOTORS. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHY THIS MAY HAVE OCCURRED NOR WAS I GI

Mileage: 78,000

20151206ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE RUNNING BOARDS OF THE 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR MALFUNCTIONED AT 78000 MILES. THE AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARDS BEGAN RETRACTING AND LOWERING UP AND DOWN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (AT SPEEDS FROM TO 70 MPH) AND WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED WITH ENGINE OFF, MAKING LOUD GRINDING SOUNDS. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE RUNNING BOARD RETRACTED WHILE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BOARD, LOCKING MY FOOT IN BETWEEN THE RUNNING BOARD AND THE LOWER BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO FALL FORWARD ON THE PAVEMENT IN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS ON A SEMI-STEEP INCLINE. THE RUNNING BOARD LOWERED AND I PULLED MY FOOT FREE AND IT BEGAN TO LOWER AND RAISE MULTIPLE TIMES MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. I THEN HAD TO MANUALLY RAISE THE BOARD AND SHUT OFF THE AUTO FUNCTION OF THE RUNNING BOARDS TO KEEP THIS ISSUE FROM REOCCURRING. I NOTIFIED THIS INCIDENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY OPTION I HAD WAS TO REPLACE THE MOTORS. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHY THIS MAY HAVE OCCURRED NOR WAS I GI

Mileage: 78,000

20140218CrashSERVICE BRAKES

IN REVERSE. IN A PARKING LOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT BRAKE OR MOVE OUT OF REVERSE. HIT F250 TRUCK, REFRIGERATOR, JUMPED CURB AND AIRBORNE INTO DITCH WHICH STOPPED CAR. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

20140218CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

IN REVERSE. IN A PARKING LOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT BRAKE OR MOVE OUT OF REVERSE. HIT F250 TRUCK, REFRIGERATOR, JUMPED CURB AND AIRBORNE INTO DITCH WHICH STOPPED CAR. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

20131029SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE ROTOR AND BRAKE BECAME WORN PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 52,000

20121205ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE UNDER BODY OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE AUXILIARY SUPPLY TUBE WHICH LAYS ON TOP OF A STEEL BRACKET WAS LEAKING COOLANT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEEL BRACKET HAD RUBBED A HOLE ONTO THE AUXILIARY SUPPLY TUBE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AUXILIARY SUPPLY TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Mileage: 76,000

Compare 2010LINCOLNNAVIGATOR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 22 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most-complained component for the 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is SERVICE BRAKES with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.