Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Lincoln Navigator powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Navigator | 5 |
| 2018 Navigator | 16 |
| 2019 Navigator (this page) | 19 |
| 2020 Navigator | 16 |
| 2021 Navigator | 5 |
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Lincoln Navigator we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 19.
Powertrain accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2132. Reason for update: update the Part List Description and Labor Times Description Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) This may be due to axial mo
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 24-2046 to update the Service Procedure LTIS statement. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that are stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Lincoln Navigator's powertrain is riddled with transmission problems that owners describe as safety hazards. The 10-speed automatic transmission slips, jerks violently into gear (sometimes 20+ seconds late), gets stuck in high gears at low speeds, and in extreme cases drops into neutral without warning while driving on the highway. Several owners report the transmission shuddering, hesitating during acceleration, and refusing to downshift at intersections—situations where they nearly got rear-ended. One owner's service department was backlogged 4–5 weeks handling transmission repairs alone.
Complicating matters, some transmission failures happen without triggering check engine lights or diagnostic codes, leaving drivers unwarned of imminent failure. When transmission fluid is added or modules are replaced, the problems persist. At higher mileage (114,000+), full transmission rebuilds are required, costing roughly $8,000 out of pocket.
Separately, owners report timing chain and VCT solenoid malfunction causing powertrain reduced-power warnings, cold-start rattling, excessive oil and fuel consumption, and poor acceleration—issues Lincoln acknowledged via technical service bulletins for 2018–2020 Navigators but refused to help pay for.
Dealership repair records show multiple visits without resolution on some vehicles. Owners cite class-action litigation and note that Ford and Lincoln knew about these problems but did not issue recalls.
Same Lincoln Navigator powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission slipping, jerking, and delayed engagement
The 10-speed automatic transmission slips between gears, jerks violently into gear (20+ seconds after it should), struggles to accelerate, and gets stuck in wrong or excessively high gears. Owners report mild slipping that escalates to extreme shifting problems. Transmission fluid additions do not resolve the issue.
When: Ranging from 20,000 miles to 114,000+ miles; one owner reports the problem worsening since 2022 with increased frequency in 2026.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping like neutral engagement; Violent jerking into correct gear after 20+ seconds delay; Hesitation and reduced acceleration during gear changes; Vehicle stuck in high gears (6-7-8) at low speeds (17-23 mph); Shuddering and vibrating transmission; Transmission jumps out to neutral during acceleration on highway; Unable to pass other vehicles due to coasting in neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission rebuild cost approximately $8,000 (paid out of pocket); leaky transmission coolant lines replaced; multiple dealership visits (5-6+ times) without resolution in some cases; one dealer backed up 4-5 weeks due to transmission repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing the issue instead of recall; TSBs 24-2254 and 25-2429 mentioned regarding CDF Clutch Drum problem in 10R80 transmission; dealership technicians acknowledged this as a known and recurring problem in 2019 Navigators; Lincoln refused to provide assistance with repair costs.
Timing chain and VCT solenoid malfunction
Owners report powertrain malfunction and reduced power caused by timing chain issues and variable camshaft timing (VCT) solenoid problems. Symptoms include rattling on cold start, excessive oil and fuel consumption, spinning/timing misfires, and slow acceleration. Check engine light illuminates with related diagnostic codes.
When: One owner reported initial check engine light in October; repair cost quote of $5,400 provided at dealership.
Symptoms owners cite: Powertrain malfunction light illuminated; Reduced power on highway; Rattling during cold start; Excessive oil consumption; Excessive fuel consumption; Spinning/timing misfires during gear changes; Slow acceleration; Low fuel economy
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $5,400 for VCT solenoid and timing chain replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln issued TSB Bulletins regarding timing chain and VCT issues for 2018-2020 Navigators; dealership confirmed this is a known issue; Lincoln refused customer assistance despite acknowledged knowledge of the problem.
Power control module and electrical control failures
Vehicle experiences stalling, seizing, and power loss with powertrain warning lights. Dealership diagnosis cycles through multiple module replacements (battery, power control module, another control module) without resolving the underlying issue.
When: Failure mileage approximately 54,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls and seizes while turning; Powertrain warning light illuminated; Vehicle continues to fail after each repair attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; power control module replaced; another control module replaced; vehicle continued to experience failure after each repair and was not diagnosed or repaired on final visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure; no resolution provided.
Accelerator depression and jerking on acceleration
Vehicle jerks when accelerator pedal is depressed at various speeds or from a stop. Some owners report inability to accelerate and loss of power during acceleration attempts, creating safety hazards when merging or passing.
When: Occurring from 20,000 miles onward; one owner reports the vehicle would not accelerate on road, avoiding accidents by turning on hazards.
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking upon accelerator pedal depression; Vehicle will not accelerate properly; Inability to merge on highway; Inability to pass other vehicles; Sudden RPM increase without corresponding speed increase; Speed drastically reduced after RPM spike
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid added at dealership without resolving the issue; one mechanic diagnosed and rebuilt transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes that Ford is aware of the 10-speed transmission issue but continued to use it in vehicles.
Transmission failures with missing diagnostic trouble codes
Transmission slipping and failure occur without generating diagnostic trouble codes or illuminating check engine light, masking serious drivability and safety issues. This represents a fundamental failure of the vehicle's diagnostic system to alert the driver to transmission problems.
When: During transmission slipping and eventual full rebuild; one owner experienced this without warning signs at any point.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping and failure without check engine light; No diagnostic trouble codes generated; No warning indicators before failure; Extreme safety concern due to lack of warning
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission rebuild required; mechanic confirmed check engine light and DTCs should have been generated but were not.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln service confirmed that with leaks and transmission slipping, DTCs should be generated and check engine lights should activate, but failed to do so in this case.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I purchased this car used. The local lot did not disclose this well-documented history with the Navigator's transmission. I had recall work done a few months ago at an authorized Ford dealership. No warning. The vehicle stalls and pauses during acceleration (the engine does not die). This transmission issue is both dangerous and alarming, as I am unable to complete a pass. The car coasts in…
POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER while on the highway! Low boost power malfunction causing excessive fuel and oil consumption, spinning/timing misfire, and reduced speed! Check engine light and powertrain malfunction lights later indicated P0365 and P0369 error codes. Dealership says I need a new timing chain and VCT selenoid. I found out this is a KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2018-2020 LINCOLN…
No warning light on dash. Issues engaging in gears. Avoided a few accidents by throwing on hazards when car wouldn't accelerate on road. When turning into oncoming traffic it wouldn't engage in gear but thankfully they braked to avoid hitting me. After that I would only drive in the neighborhood to take kids to school. When reading Ford knows this issue but still put this 10 speed transmission in…
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and costly transmission issue with my 2019 Lincoln Navigator. At approximately 114,000 miles, the vehicle’s transmission failed and required a full rebuild. The total repair cost was around $8,000, which I had to pay out of pocket. When I brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis and repair, the technicians…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 Lincoln Navigator?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2019 Lincoln Navigator?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 45,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Lincoln/Navigator.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.