2021 Lincoln Navigator

Other Systems

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has generated 8 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “They recalled other models for back up camera navigation issues. My vehicle was having same issue and I paid for repair and update on this issue and mine isn’t part of this recall but should be” (NHTSA Complaint #11671037)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 8 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “[XXX] Wednesday we were traveling from Charlotte NC headed westbound on [XXX], a 6 or 8 lane highway, speed limit 70+ mph, when our 2021 Lincoln Navigator suddenly lurched and the engine completely failed. There weren’t any warnings by the vehicle prior to the incident. There were two of us in the vehicle at the time, and we suddenly found ourselves in a situation of extreme risk. It was 4 – 5 pm during rush hour traffic. The driver was able to maintain composure and our tires continued rotating long enough to coast and cross over 3 fast moving lanes to get us slightly off the side of the highway. It was a very frightening and unsafe situation, not only during but after the engine failure, as we were on a very busy, noisy highway not knowing where we were or what to do. We live in Ohio and our plans were scheduled only for 8/25/24 (leave Ohio)-8/29/24 (return to Ohio). Our Lincoln was towed the night of the engine failure to Classic Ford Lincoln in Shelby NC, and it’s been there for 7 days. The tow driver could not start the engine. He had difficulty (20 minutes trying) getting it into neutral so he could put it on the flatbed. The total engine failure problem isn’t yet diagnosed. Classic is the only one to examine it. We had to extend our NC hotel stay for two days waiting for the vehicle to be repaired. On 8/31 we couldn’t wait any longer and had to rent a vehicle from Enterprise to return home; leaving our Navigator in NC. Lincoln Roadside Assistance has been very difficult and inattentive to our dire circumstances. We’re now faced with a situation of not having our vehicle, not having a diagnosis, and concerns about whether the vehicle will be dependable when/if it’s returned to us. We have to travel often and fear Lincoln could leave us in bad circumstances again even if they can find the current problem and repair it. It seems to be something extraordinary or uncommon or a diagnosis would have happened by now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)” (NHTSA Complaint #11613736)

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 4 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “Navigator transmission goes into neutral when accelerating at speeds of 50+. Trans completely overhauled. Still does it. Almost had 2 accidents when changing lanes on the freeway, trying to accelerate and instead slowing down with cars behind fast approaching . When trying to pass on a 2-lane hwy, this would be deadly.” (NHTSA Complaint #11700366)

Backup Camera

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has generated 4 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact was in reverse (R) and backing up at approximately 2 MPH into her garage when the camera failed she crashed into the side of the garage entrance with the outer edge of the left rear bumper. The contact stated that the damage was minor and there were scratches on the left rear bumper edge only. The failure mileage was approximately 19,700. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available.” (NHTSA Complaint #11568951)

Visibility/Wiper

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has generated 4 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “Passenger windshield wiper arm flew off while driving vehicle in moderate rainy weather.” (NHTSA Complaint #11522277)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator by the NHTSA or Lincoln. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Lincoln Navigator:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Lincoln to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Lincoln must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Lincoln Navigator qualifies as a lemon under California law, Lincoln may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Lincoln pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Lincoln willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Lincoln Navigator Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Lincoln a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Lincoln dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Lincoln pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Lincoln a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Lincoln Navigator Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Lincoln Navigator as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Lincoln pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Lincoln is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Lincoln Navigator?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.