2020 LINCOLN Navigator Problems & Complaints

Category: Power Train -> Automatic Transmission Subject: 2020 Lincoln Navigator – Repeated Missed Warranty Repairs – Transmission Neutral-Out & Violent Downshift at Highway Speed Description: On [XXX], while traveling at approximately 70 mph on [XXX], my 2020 Lincoln Navigator suddenly downshifted, free-wheeled into neutral, then violently re-engaged into a lower gear, chirping the rear tires and nearly causing a collision. The vehicle displayed a "Shift System Fault" warning. This defect matches TSB 23-2120 (momentary neutral-out) and TSB 24-2101 (harsh/delayed engagement) for the Ford/Lincoln 10R80 transmission used in the Navigator. TSB 23-2123 (harsh/delayed engagement/shift) also applies to my model year and transmission. I purchased this vehicle in December 2023 from Performance Lexus RiverCenter (Covington, KY) with the original Lincoln 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty still in effect. According to Carfax, the vehicle was owned by Airport Ford, a Ford/Lincoln dealer, for six months prior. No transmission-related repairs were performed during that period despite applicable TSBs. In March 2024, I reported abnormal shifting to Lincoln of Cincinnati. The concern was dismissed without inspection or repair, even though the TSBs applied to my VIN at that time. The [XXX] incident is the direct result of two separate failures by Lincoln/Ford dealerships to act on a known defect while the vehicle was under warranty. This is a serious safety hazard that can cause sudden loss of power and traction at highway speeds. Vehicle Details: - Year: 2020 - Make: Lincoln - Model: Navigator - Transmission: 10-speed automatic (10R80) - Mileage at Incident: 48000 - VIN: [XXX] - Date of Incident: [XXX] - Dealers Involved: Airport Ford (prior owner), Lincoln of Cincinnati (service visit March 2024) The dealer is working on the car currently will send any repair items when they are in hand INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Had transmission problems before this final issue. With that said the dealership ended up replacing the transmission as it was under warranty. Not even 2000 miles later we are coming back from vacation and I lost total power of the vehicle but since I was going around 70 mph we made it to the shoulder of the highway. Once there the vehicle was already smoking so we all got out of the vehicle and that’s when I saw the fire, and not even 3 minutes later it was totally in gulfed in flames.

The transmission system failed, causing jerking during acceleration. The original transmission was replaced by the dealer, so it may be available for inspection if retained by the dealer or returned to Ford/Lincoln. Jerking during acceleration can create safety risks including: unpredictable vehicle behavior during merging or passing, potential loss of control in traffic situations, and compromised ability to maintain consistent speed or smoothly accelerate away from hazards. Yes - the dealer confirmed the problem and determined the transmission required replacement, indicating they reproduced and verified the issue. Ted Britt Ford Lincoln, Chantilly, VA inspected the vehicle. No dashboard lights.

Was on Interstate when there was a loud bang, the transmission shifted harshly and I lost power where the vehicle would not go faster when i hit the pedal. I was basically pumping the gas for about 3-5 seconds before transmission re engaged. It was a dangerous situation in that I was at highways speeds about 65-70mph and i had no throttle control for several seconds. There was no warning when it happened and it re engaged and I was able to drive the vehicle home. Ford did replace the CDF drum under warranty but there should be a recall on this transmission. The the same thing happened in my other truck, an f150 which uses the same tranmission and engine combo.

Transmission hard shifting when shifting down 3-1 and up 1-3 I see there is a recall for 2020-2024 navigator but mine doesnt show recalls when i looked for it

Catastrophic engine failure on 2020 Lincoln Navigator at 93,000 miles. Oil contamination in cylinder 6 caused complete compression loss due to piston ring failure. The engine suffers from failed cam phases and excessive carbon build up which are known failure points of this engine. Ford Technical Service Bulletins 20-2423 and 23-2143 document this as a known manufacturing defect for vehicles in my build timeframe, proving Ford was aware of this problem before production. This is premature engine failure requiring complete engine replacement on a 5-year-old vehicle. The failure pattern matches ongoing class-action lawsuits against Ford for EcoBoost engine defects. Safety concern: Catastrophic engine failure without warning while driving creates risk of sudden loss of power and potential accidents. Lincoln customer service has admitted these vehicles have this issue but refused escalation despite documented manufacturing defect and broken multiple callback promises. Request NHTSA investigation into 2020 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost engines for premature piston ring/compression failures related to carbon buildup and failed cam phasers as documented in Ford's own service bulletins.

Vehicle will abruptly lose power when accelerating to pass. Typically when travelling between 40 and 60 miles an hour and while accelerating to merge or pass. Vehicle basically stalls. Creates extremely dangerous situation.

My car has an unknown electrical issue that causes the car battery to completely drain and the car unable to turn on. It first started in August 2023 and after months of time at the dealership, Lincoln has never determined the cause or been able to fix it and it continues to happen. This is unsafe because it leaves me and my family stranded with no operable car.

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. JAN 10, IT WAS DEAD AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT AND NEEDED TO BE JUMP STARTED. AFTER THAT, THE RUNNING BOARDS WERE STUCK ONE UP AND ONE DOWN ALL DAY. THE NEXT DAY IT NEEDED TO BE JUMPED AGAIN BUT AFTER THAT TIME, ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON, RUNNING BOARDS DID NOT WORK AT ALL. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT CHARGED IT UP. WHEN WE CAME TO RETRIEVE IT, IT WOULDN'T START. IT'S BEEN SEVEN DAYS AND THEY ARE STILL UNABLE TO FIND AN ACTUAL ISSUE.

The collision warning doesn't warn sometimes. Nothing goes off when Im approaching and or have slammed on my breaks to avoid a collision. Sometimes it goes off at a great distance when it doesn't make sense to go off. I just bought the car used and have noticed this a lot. Also sometimes lane departure corrects and sometimes it doesn't. Something is off.

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V197000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

When driving, if the accelerator pedal is depressed to merge into the highway or overtake other vehicles, the vehicle abruptly stops accelerating, and the RPM reaches max revs. The vehicle quickly loses momentum until it abruptly slams back into gear, causing a loud bang and startling the driver. This vehicle had a TSB for similar issues that was repaired by our dealer 2 times previously. We have experienced this 2 times since the repair (A total of 4 times). One time, while attempting to accelerate onto a merge lane into traffic, the car stopped accelerating, causing a large 18 wheeler to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting us as we were running out of onramp space. The dealer performed a transmission rebuild after the 3rd time this occurred. The day after we got the car back from service, it happened again. We have video footage of the transmission slipping after the event. The dealer is unable to replicate the condition, and therefore, don't have anything they can fix without a code or system fault- apparently not even the over-revs triggered a fault. I don't trust this vehicle to be safe for my family or other motorists. I have asked for a completely new transmission and other components but am told that without their ability reproduce the issues, there is no repair. They are unable to guarantee the car's safety, but expect for me to take it back. This puts me in an impossible situation - I'm being forced to drive a car that I know is unpredictably unsafe, and am unable to ethically/morally dispose of the vehicle knowing it will be back on the road and driven by someone else. Lincoln needs to do the right thing for their customers, other motorists, and my family. Their solution was to give me an extended warranty - a nice gesture, but clearly not addressing the safety issue at hand. Note: I am unable to upload the email chain with Lincoln because the upload button below does not work. I'm happy to share any communication you need.

On June 28, 2023 I was driving my 2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label and pull over due to smoke coming out from under my car. I turned the car off and went to open up the hook and seen black smoking pouring out of my car. I immediately called 911 and reported my car on fire. My car burned to the ground and Lincoln says there was not recalls. I have loss a significant amount of money on this car that I purchased only 1 year & 3 months ago and my insurance company is only paying me what the most current sales are. I hope something can be done since other Navigators has been recalled due to fires. I would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thank You, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

These tires have become uncontrollable in the rain. At 45 mph in light rain the vehicle slides all over the place. Traction control is going off and the vehicle is near impossible to stop and it slid sideways. I have been driving for 40 years including in the rain with a motorcycle even. I have never experienced anything like this. I asked other lincoln owners on facebook and quickly got a lot of comments on how dangerous they are. Tires came from the Lincoln factory and have 29,000 miles on them with good tread. I dont beleive its a tread depth issue - possibly a tire compound issue. Very dangerous and people will die. This issue is with all 4 tires.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side seat would move forward and backward without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 500.