The 2016 Lincoln Navigator is associated with 25 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Service Brakes, accounting for 4 reports (16% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3.5l 6-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 16 to 18 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 25 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Service Brakes (4 / 16%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 0 crash / 1 fire / 0 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 16–18 MPG (4 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Navigator L 2WD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | — | $3,600 / yr |
| Navigator L 4WD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 15 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG | — | $3,850 / yr |
| Navigator 2WD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
| Navigator 4WD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | — | $3,600 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| Extended SUV 4x4 | | | | | 19.8% |
| SUV 4x2 | | | | | 21.2% |
| SUV 4x4 | | | | | 19.8% |
| Extended SUV 4x2 | | | | | 21.2% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Lincoln Navigator models.
View complete 2016 Lincoln Navigator crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Lincoln Navigator problems & component breakdown (15 categories) →
Affected Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Defect Summary: 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 distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Affected Component: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Defect Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will disconnect the LED light wires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S08.
Affected Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.
View all 2016 Lincoln Navigator recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →