2011 Lincoln Navigator problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 9 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2011 Lincoln Navigator has 9 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Navigator | 30 | 0 |
| 2009 Navigator | 10 | 0 |
| 2010 Navigator | 16 | 0 |
| 2011 Navigator (this page) | 9 | 0 |
| 2012 Navigator | 12 | 0 |
| 2013 Navigator | 13 | 0 |
| 2014 Navigator | 17 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 9 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x4. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl*the contact rented a 2011 Lincoln navigator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 70 MPH and when the contact attempted to slow down, it did not respond. The vehicle was able to stop by placing it in low gear and…
When the heating/cooling is in automatic mode, the fan stops working if it calls for high speed of the fan. After several minutes it may work again. I have found that by taking it off automatic and controlling the fan speed manually, the system is more reliable. This has…
On [XXX] during sunny, dry weather conditions I was travelling north bound on [XXX] at 25 mph, 4 to 5 car lengths behind the next driver. Driver ahead stopped for a crosswalk, I immediately braked and the anti-lock brake system erroneously engaged which did not allow the…
While traveling with a full load at 65 MPH on I-95 sb in maryland the driver side rear vent window exploded inward into the cabin. The weather was clear, temp mid 40's, no defrosters were on, no traffic was passing us.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 9 owner complaints have been filed for the 2011 Lincoln Navigator, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2011 Lincoln Navigator?
Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2011 Lincoln Navigator without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Lincoln Navigator?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2011 Lincoln Navigator to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2011 Lincoln Navigator a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 9 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Lincoln Navigator?
No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.
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 2011 Lincoln Navigator?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 9 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.