LINCOLN NAVIGATOR · model year

2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

17 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013LINCOLNNAVIGATOR carries 17 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 NAVIGATOR is power train with 5 filings, followed by electrical system (3) and structure:body (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 2013 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.

17
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

17 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
AIR BAGS1
SEAT BELTS1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
ENGINE1

Recent Complaints

20260102ENGINE

While driving at approximately 65-70 mph on a major interstate, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure without warning. This caused an immediate loss of power and power steering/braking assist, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control in high speed traffic. This sudden stall endangered my life and the lives of nearby motorists. A certified mechanic inspected the engine internals (via borescope) and identified that a valve seat had dropped in the #4 cylinder, causing it to impact and destroy the piston. This 'dropped valve seat' failure is a known defect in Ford/Lincoln 5.4L engines. It occurred despite my meticulous maintenance history and constitutes a latent manufacturing defect that creates an unreasonable safety risk on public highways.

20250625VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

My truck on a few occasions suddenly down shift hard and on its own without warning, it could very much have cause an accident and could have been deadly at highway speeds, at the same time the speedometer would go to 0 and quit working, as well as multiple warning messages would pop up on message display. IE out of fuel, air system failure, orange wrench, Etc. Then after some time everything would go back to normal operation until it randomly did it again. This is a major safety issue for drivers and passengers as well as other vehicles around. At the dealer they gave me a print out from 2019 that states it was a safty recall 19S07 but the dealership said it was only a technical bullet not a safty recall and dealers not responsible for the cost but will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated calibration -Requires using IDS software release 113.06A or newer (internet connection needed) -No replacement parts needed—this is a software fix But in truth, this dose

20250625POWER TRAIN

My truck on a few occasions suddenly down shift hard and on its own without warning, it could very much have cause an accident and could have been deadly at highway speeds, at the same time the speedometer would go to 0 and quit working, as well as multiple warning messages would pop up on message display. IE out of fuel, air system failure, orange wrench, Etc. Then after some time everything would go back to normal operation until it randomly did it again. This is a major safety issue for drivers and passengers as well as other vehicles around. At the dealer they gave me a print out from 2019 that states it was a safty recall 19S07 but the dealership said it was only a technical bullet not a safty recall and dealers not responsible for the cost but will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated calibration -Requires using IDS software release 113.06A or newer (internet connection needed) -No replacement parts needed—this is a software fix But in truth, this dose

20250625ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My truck on a few occasions suddenly down shift hard and on its own without warning, it could very much have cause an accident and could have been deadly at highway speeds, at the same time the speedometer would go to 0 and quit working, as well as multiple warning messages would pop up on message display. IE out of fuel, air system failure, orange wrench, Etc. Then after some time everything would go back to normal operation until it randomly did it again. This is a major safety issue for drivers and passengers as well as other vehicles around. At the dealer they gave me a print out from 2019 that states it was a safty recall 19S07 but the dealership said it was only a technical bullet not a safty recall and dealers not responsible for the cost but will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated calibration -Requires using IDS software release 113.06A or newer (internet connection needed) -No replacement parts needed—this is a software fix But in truth, this dose

20240625CrashPOWER TRAIN

As per Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs 19B05 and 19N01 down shift and molded lead frame. My truck was brought into the dealership to verify the problem. Codes revealed that the molded lead frame and output sped sensor went bad. My 2013 Navigator has 62,000 miles. It was determined that my vehicle was 60 something days over the time limit for the repair and I would have to pay the $1500 to cover the repair! Now I see Ford is issuing a recall! I had the vehicle at the dealer waiting for weeks to get the part. I took the vehicle back as the service advisor told me they did not know when the parts would arrive. I was driving the vehicle several days after picking it up and the rear wheels locked up doing 45 mph. The vehicle behind me hit the back right of my vehicle causing $1900 worth of damage!

20240205POWER TRAIN

I have had this issue happen 3 times the last couple of months.this last time I was driving in traffic and all of a sudden, the motor started humming like it was in neutral. In just a second or two I thought maybe I hit the gear shift, but I had not. I pulled over and turned the car off. waited a couple of minutes, then started it again. As I pulled onto a busy street, I pushed the gas to go and it happened again. this time i am in traffic where I cannot pull over, pressed the gas again hoping it would go as traffic was coming behind me. The car then jumped and started to act like it was getting to much gas. so i let off the gas again, it then was rolling and i barely pressed on the gas and it seemed to be normal. I drove it to my mechanic and he kept it for a week drove everywhere, no problem. i pick it up and it did the same thing sounding like it was in neutral, then was ok.

20220302UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the rear wheels seized and the vehicle made a screeching sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with wheel speed sensor failure. The contact was informed that the wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the defect and directed the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20200927ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING ON ACCESS ROAD ABOUT 45 MPH THE CAR JOLTED VERY HARD CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL COMPLETELY. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO AND IT SEEMED LIKED THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR THEN IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER AND ALL AROUND CAR AND TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT SEEMED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THEN DID SAME THING. I TURNED CAR OFF AND CALLED TOW GUY TO TAKE IT HOME.

Mileage: 102,000

20200927POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING ON ACCESS ROAD ABOUT 45 MPH THE CAR JOLTED VERY HARD CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL COMPLETELY. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO AND IT SEEMED LIKED THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR THEN IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER AND ALL AROUND CAR AND TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT SEEMED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THEN DID SAME THING. I TURNED CAR OFF AND CALLED TOW GUY TO TAKE IT HOME.

Mileage: 102,000

20200927VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING ON ACCESS ROAD ABOUT 45 MPH THE CAR JOLTED VERY HARD CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL COMPLETELY. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO AND IT SEEMED LIKED THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR THEN IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER AND ALL AROUND CAR AND TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT SEEMED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THEN DID SAME THING. I TURNED CAR OFF AND CALLED TOW GUY TO TAKE IT HOME.

Mileage: 102,000

20160829ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE WARNING INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35.

Mileage: 35

20160829SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE WARNING INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35.

Mileage: 35

20151028POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE PARKED AND ATTEMPTING TO ENTER, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS KNOCKED BY THE VEHICLE AS IT CONTINUED TO ROLL AWAY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED ADJUSTED THE TIMING IN THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 41,000

20150917CrashAIR BAGS

HEAD ON COLLISION ON DRIVERS SIDE OF FRONT OF NAVIGATOR; HOWEVER, ONLY THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, ONLY I WAS DRIVING, BUT MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT SEEM ODD TO ME...UPDATED 10/15/15 *BF

Mileage: 20,000

20150917CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

HEAD ON COLLISION ON DRIVERS SIDE OF FRONT OF NAVIGATOR; HOWEVER, ONLY THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, ONLY I WAS DRIVING, BUT MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT SEEM ODD TO ME...UPDATED 10/15/15 *BF

Mileage: 20,000

20140625VISIBILITY/WIPER

I HAVE A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR THAT HAS SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT'S RAIN SENSING WIPERS. THEY WILL STOP COMPLETELY DURING A RAIN OR RAIN/SNOW STORM. OTHER TIMES THEY WON'T COME ON BY THEMSELVES. THEY INSTEAD HAVE TO BE TURNED ON MANUALLY. THEY HAVE COME ON AND STAYED ON FOR AT LEAST TWO MINUTES WHEN THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO RAIN OR MOISTURE IN THE AIR. I AM SURE YOU WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT THIS CAN PROVE TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE ALSO HAVE DOCUMENTATION ON THE DEALER'S WORK ORDERS SHOWING THE TIMES WE HAD BROUGHT OUR VEHICLE IN FOR THE PROBLEMS. WE HAVE PICTURES PROVING OUR PROBLEM BUT THESE PICTURES HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY IGNORED BY BOTH THE LINCOLN REPS THEMSELVES AND THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE FROM NEW LAST MAY' WILLIAMS AUTO GROUP IN SAYRE, PA. FROM THEIR TESTS THE WIPERS 'WORK AS THEY WERE DESIGNED TO'. I AM GOING THROUGH THE PA LEMON LAW NOW BUT I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF THERE HAD BEEN OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS, FORD OR

Mileage: 8,000

20140428STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER'S FOOT BECAME TRAPPED IN THE RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5500.

Mileage: 5,500

Compare 2013LINCOLNNAVIGATOR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 17 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most-complained component for the 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is POWER TRAIN with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2013 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. The 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. 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.