2012 Lincoln NAVIGATOR: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
12 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
30,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 12 complaints (41.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 25.0% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 8.3% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 8.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 8.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
Power Train: 5; Unknown Or Other: 3; Suspension: 2; Electrical System: 1; Seat Belts: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Tires:Tread/Belt: 1; Vehicle Speed Control: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2014: 1; 2016: 2; 2017: 2; 2018: 3; 2020: 1; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10568367 · 2014-03-11 (March 11, 2014)
THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE CAR BOTTOMED OUT MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER EVEN THE SMALLEST OF BUMPS. TIRES AND THE STRUCTURE AROUND TIRE WHEEL WHEEL MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DUE TO THE BOTTOMING OUT. DEALER REPLACED PUMP FOR $1,267.53, BUT WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE OR INSPECT FOR RESIDUAL DAMAGE. CLAIMED OUT OF WARRANTY ISSUE AND ALSO THIS DAMAGE IS OUT OF SCOPE OF WARRANTY.
Owner-reported narrative. 56,018 miles reported. Look up ODI 10568367 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10865626 · 2016-05-18 (May 18, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE ROW CENTER SEAT BELT INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,569.
Owner-reported narrative. 16,569 miles reported. Look up ODI 10865626 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10876482 · 2016-06-24 (June 24, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATEL…
Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10876482 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11022328 · 2017-09-08 (September 8, 2017)
THE REAR SUSPENSION ISSUED A WARNING TO CHECK REAR SUSPENSION. THE CAR BOTTOMED OUT MULTIPLE TIMES, COMING TO BARELY A FEW INCHES FROM THE REAR TIRES. I TOOK THIS TO THE DEALER IN 2015, WHILE IT WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, NOT SURE OF WHAT WAS FOUND AT THAT TIME, HAVE REQUESTED A REPAIR TICKET FROM THE DEALER. NOW AUG/SEPT 2017 HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND THEY PUT IT ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, MACHINE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DEALER SAID THE CAR HAD A CODE STORES IN IT SHOWING A LEFT READ LEVEL…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11022328 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11023956 · 2017-09-18 (September 18, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROBERT HUDSON FORD LINCOLN MERCURY (2316 1ST AVE SE, MOULTRIE, GA 31788, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM NEEDED RECALIBARATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SOFTWARE UPDATE FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO THE DRIVE GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BU…
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11023956 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11061421 · 2018-01-09 (January 9, 2018)
RECALL# 16V248000 POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MY 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR WAS TAKEN TO CHAMPION FORD IN KATY, TX FOR SERVICE DUE TO INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHERE WE EXPERIENCED A DOWNSHIFT AT SPEED, SPEEDOMETER FAILURE, ODOMETER AND MPG ERROR AND TIRE PRESSURE WARNING. THE SYMPTOMS CORRECT UPON RESTART. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR FAILURE THAT WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF LEAD FRAME UNIT AT A COST OF $1,366. I ASKED TO HAVE THE REPLACEMENT COMPLETED UNDER RECALL 16V248000 BECAUSE THE…
Owner-reported narrative. 114,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11061421 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11074163 · 2018-02-21 (February 21, 2018)
SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR I HAVE FEELING NAUSEOUS, TIRED, HEADACHES, AND ON SOME OCCASIONS DIZZINESS ALWAYS WHEN I'M IN CAR AND THE CAR IS ON. ALSO MY DAUGHTER ALWAYS THROWS UP WHEN SHE IS IN CAR LONGER THAN 15 MINS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11074163 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11099583 · 2018-06-04 (June 4, 2018)
BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER NO GOOD. BRAKE FLUID COSTENTLY DISAPPEARING, NO LEAKS UNDER TRUCK BUT ONCE EMPTY OR CLOSE TO LOW LINE HAVE TO PRESS BREAKS TO THE FLOOR JUST TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN TO STOP... BOTH IN CITY AND HIGHWAY, IN MOTION AND WHILE PARKED
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11099583 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
12V034000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly
Reported: 2012-02-02 (February 2, 2012)
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V190000 · Exterior Lighting:Back Up Lights | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Reported: 2012-05-03 (May 3, 2012)
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V248000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2016-04-27 (April 27, 2016)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Consequence: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
NHTSA campaign record ↗