Lincoln Navigator problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 10 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Lincoln navigator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact horn failed to respond when engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the wires connected to the horn…
My son,[xxx], got a second degree (I'm a physician) burn on his right lateral calf by the tail pipe when he was standing at the back end of our 09 Lincoln navigator SUV. The tail pipe is points backwards and, although it doesn't protrude, it is just flush with the rear bumper,…
While unloading the back of my truck, I was burned by the tail pipe that protrudes from the back right side of the truck. The burn is a 1/2 round shape on my right leg. Took the truck in for service and Lincoln dealership said that is how it was designed for my model year…
When driving from up grade at about 1200 RPM, there is a rattle noise coming from engine
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Lincoln Navigator is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Lincoln Navigator?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Lincoln Navigator does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Lincoln Navigator?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,605 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 81,605 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lincoln Navigator has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Lincoln Navigator?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 10 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.