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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-LINCOLN-NAVIGATOR
2012 · lincoln

lincoln Navigator problems

0 safety recalls. 12 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.8 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

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Critical
0
Severe
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Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

powertrain
5 reports · avg $2,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Navigator · powertrain
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, (229) 985-6603) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT…
09/18/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11023956.0
2012 Navigator · suspension
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…
09/08/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11022328.0
2012 Navigator · tires
Belts dislodged on all tires. Tires have 70% tread left. My mechanic said it is manufacturing defect of Tires. SUV started shaking badly on highway
08/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11611789.0
2012 Navigator · other
Vehicle randomly downshifts at speed causing sudden and jarring loss of speed. Vehicle will eventually and intermittently flash a service wrench error, speedometer stops working, and displays "000 Miles to Empty" message. Diagnosed at the dealer as a failing Molded Lead Frame.…
08/01/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11476847.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2012 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Lincoln Navigator?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 5 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. 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 2012 Lincoln Navigator?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 12 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with lincoln. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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