LINCOLN NAVIGATOR · model year

2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

32 NHTSA complaints, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016LINCOLNNAVIGATOR carries 32 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 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 2016 NAVIGATOR is visibility with 5 filings, followed by service brakes (4) and back over prevention (4). 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. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2016 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.

32
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

32 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

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

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VISIBILITY5
SERVICE BRAKES4
BACK OVER PREVENTION4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
POWER TRAIN2
AIR BAGS1
SEAT BELTS1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
ENGINE1
TIRES1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1

Recalls (4)

22V64800026/08/2022

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.

25V09100014/02/2025

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.

22V15000011/03/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

25V57200004/09/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distort

Recent Complaints

20260121ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The power running boards do not go up and down, and are locked in the down position. During the winter snow and ice collects on the running board while driving and makes it incredibly slippery to step on for the driver and passengers. There is a setting to change the position of the running board but it does not move the running board. It has been inoperable for the past 6-8 months now.

20260121UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The power running boards do not go up and down, and are locked in the down position. During the winter snow and ice collects on the running board while driving and makes it incredibly slippery to step on for the driver and passengers. There is a setting to change the position of the running board but it does not move the running board. It has been inoperable for the past 6-8 months now.

20260120BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rearview Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact stated that when the temperature outside was over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer refused to complete the repairs and informed the contact that, since there was no code displayed, the recall repairs were not needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20260120VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rearview Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact stated that when the temperature outside was over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer refused to complete the repairs and informed the contact that, since there was no code displayed, the recall repairs were not needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20251201BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20250904SERVICE BRAKES

There was a recall on the brake system before and that they fixed it and the same thing that it was a recall before is doing the same thing again with my brake system

20250806BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with APIM failure. The contact was informed that further tests were needed to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20250707BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted. The contact stated that message “Camera Unavailable” was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had become more frequent. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

20250410VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure; however, the contact stated she paid extra for the upgrade and was not satisfied with the remedy. Parts distribution disconnect.

20250325VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20250305VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a ball joint replacement, there was smoke coming from the driver’s side exterior mirror. The mechanic disconnected the mirror and determined that the mirror had short-circuited. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V091000 (Visibility); however, the contact had not yet received the notification. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

20240709FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was driving driving down the road at 45 MPH, and then the rear object sensor came on the dash. Then the Check engine light and about not reading a sensor. Then the vehicle locked up all 4 wheels squealed tires and came to complete stop, and then started moving forward again. Then I got scared and stopped the vehicle, put it in park and then put it back in drive, driving slower until the sensors flashed back on, I pulled over cut the vehicle to re start it and it would not cut back on, but never shut completely off. The AC fans were still blowing full blast, but the motor was not running and we could not get it to re start. We ended up disconnecting the ECM and Plugged it back in and it started back up. We have Driven it Since with no other issues but today the sensors started flashing today.

20240709BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

I was driving driving down the road at 45 MPH, and then the rear object sensor came on the dash. Then the Check engine light and about not reading a sensor. Then the vehicle locked up all 4 wheels squealed tires and came to complete stop, and then started moving forward again. Then I got scared and stopped the vehicle, put it in park and then put it back in drive, driving slower until the sensors flashed back on, I pulled over cut the vehicle to re start it and it would not cut back on, but never shut completely off. The AC fans were still blowing full blast, but the motor was not running and we could not get it to re start. We ended up disconnecting the ECM and Plugged it back in and it started back up. We have Driven it Since with no other issues but today the sensors started flashing today.

20240709FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I was driving driving down the road at 45 MPH, and then the rear object sensor came on the dash. Then the Check engine light and about not reading a sensor. Then the vehicle locked up all 4 wheels squealed tires and came to complete stop, and then started moving forward again. Then I got scared and stopped the vehicle, put it in park and then put it back in drive, driving slower until the sensors flashed back on, I pulled over cut the vehicle to re start it and it would not cut back on, but never shut completely off. The AC fans were still blowing full blast, but the motor was not running and we could not get it to re start. We ended up disconnecting the ECM and Plugged it back in and it started back up. We have Driven it Since with no other issues but today the sensors started flashing today.

20231101FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, there was smoke coming from the A/C vents and from the defroster. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke persisted; however, there was no flame. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had caused collateral damages to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20231101FireVISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, there was smoke coming from the A/C vents and from the defroster. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke persisted; however, there was no flame. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had caused collateral damages to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20230925ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While going approximately 55 mph, the speedometer dropped out to zero. After a moment, the transmission dropped into first gear (it felt like) and the rear tires made loud screeching noises as if they locked up for about one second. The speedometer remained at zero and the whole thing happened again in a few seconds. I was barely able to maintain directional control and if this condition would have persisted for longer, directional control would probably have been impossible to maintain. This happened on an interstate in a middle lane with a lot of traffic and within a construction zone with no good option for maneuvering. Upon further research, I found that this has been a common problem with the Ford 6R80 transmission (which is in this vehicle) and that at least one recall has been sent out, but for a different model vehicle (the Ford F-150, I believe). I cannot believe that the same known defect in a transmission which just happens to be in a different model vehicle is a acc

20230925POWER TRAIN

While going approximately 55 mph, the speedometer dropped out to zero. After a moment, the transmission dropped into first gear (it felt like) and the rear tires made loud screeching noises as if they locked up for about one second. The speedometer remained at zero and the whole thing happened again in a few seconds. I was barely able to maintain directional control and if this condition would have persisted for longer, directional control would probably have been impossible to maintain. This happened on an interstate in a middle lane with a lot of traffic and within a construction zone with no good option for maneuvering. Upon further research, I found that this has been a common problem with the Ford 6R80 transmission (which is in this vehicle) and that at least one recall has been sent out, but for a different model vehicle (the Ford F-150, I believe). I cannot believe that the same known defect in a transmission which just happens to be in a different model vehicle is a acc

20230924TIRES

P285/45R22 tires have defect on bubbles. No damage to tires but bubbles appear. Tires are only 6,000 miles driven.

20230824SERVICE BRAKES

My brake system failed while driving. I had just left a parking lot when the braking system warning light came on. Coinciding with this the brake pedal pressure got much lighter with each press. Since I was within a mile of home I drove there and by the time I got home the pedal was going to the floor. I checked under the hood and there was no fluid in the brake reservoir. I did not see any leaks. I refilled the reservoir and let it sit overnight. The next day the fluid was gone again from the reservoir, no leaks around the vehicle. I had it towed to Lincoln dealership for repair and they said the reservoir leaked into the the brake booster. I had researched on NHTSA that this was a known problem for Ford/Lincoln and there was a recall, but my vehicle's VIN# was not included in the recall. The dealership replaced the master cylinder and the brake booster.

Compare 2016LINCOLNNAVIGATOR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 32 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Yes, the 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most-complained component for the 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is VISIBILITY with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and BACK OVER PREVENTION.
Is the 2016 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 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. 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.