Most common 2006 Lincoln Navigator problems
Share of the 60 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln Navigator complaints by model year
Best Navigator years: 2011, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021, 2020. Compare all years →
2006 Lincoln Navigator recalls (3)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate. The recall began on November 18, 2005. Owners May contact Lincoln at 1-800-248-0186.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor May have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005.
Tires › Tread/belt
On certain sport utility vehicles, the front and rear tires on the driver's side of affected vehicles May have been damaged at the center tread during production.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect all four tires (to ensure inspection of the left hand side tires that May have been rotated to the other side of the vehicle) for tire tread damage and, if necessary, replace the damaged tire.
What 2006 Lincoln Navigator owners say
Engine & cooling all 22 →
I was driving at about 40 MPH on a two lane road and my Navigator just shut off. I looked at the instruments and it said engine fail safe mode. I pulled over as best I could and placed the vehicle in park and turned it back on. Luckily I was only about 3 minutes away from home. I read the manual and it mentioned coolant. I checked the coolant but it is completely full. I've been reading about this issue and it seems as if there's a flaw. I've read about how people take their cars in and have different diagnosis and the issue does not get fixed. I will be taking my vehicle in to Ford but I'm worried that I'm going to be charged a lot of money and it May not even repair the issue. There are many complaints about the engine fail safe mode with vehicles shutting off on the highway. I'm afraid to drive my car even after I take it in to Ford. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign and attempting to move forward, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The contact also stated that while attempting to park the vehicle on another occasion the vehicle stalled. Additionally, on another occasion while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. (north park Lincoln located at 9207 san pedro avenue, san antonio, tx 78216) was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. …
Suspension
We have had our Navigator in many of times we have had all of the parts in the suspension changed. We have also put in a new compressor. Drove just fine in the summer spring and fall. Once we got our 1 st cold day we have no suspension again. This is my only car and its a family car. Traction does not work when the suspension is out. On slippery roads truck is all over the road. There is nothing the dealer can do they have done everything they can and it still does not wor . I am afraid I will go off the road with my kids in the SUV. Also with no suspension my back is now out just driving it to the store. Something needs to be done or Lincoln should buy all of them back. We have less then 90,000 on the SUV. When asked when this happened it happens every day its cold out.
The motor running boards, the aluminum piece that suppose to hold the running boards to the vehicle, broke off without any warning. How does this happen? I am driving, stop at the light and make a left turn, and all of a sudden I hear these sound like my running board are sliding out. I pull over and the entire running board is hanging out completely away for the vehicle. Luckily there was no other cars beside me. I had to push it back in and drove very slowly so it would not fall back out and hit another car. This is dangerous and could have cause a serious car accident. The running board needs to be checked on all 2006 Lincoln navigators as soon as possible.
Electrical system
Fuel gauge says zero miles to empty and will not take any gas more than a few gallons before kicking pump off. Gauge shows it's over heating but if you turn ignition off and turn right back on it resets and is fine. Codes come back saying nothing about fuel or cooling, but only something about speed control in the hub. Sounds like an electrical issue but no where to be found.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that it was difficult to start the vehicle. Aaa was contacted for assistance. While attempting to jump start the vehicle, the tow truck operator noticed electrical sparks in the rear fuse panel. The battery was disconnected and the contact was informed to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuse panel needed to be replaced because the wires were melted. The fuse box was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
2006 Lincoln Navigator engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Lincoln Navigator a good car?
Based on 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Navigator rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the Navigator at the same age. It is one of the Navigator years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Lincoln Navigator?
The engine & cooling — 22 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the suspension (16) and electrical system (7).
How many recalls does the 2006 Lincoln Navigator have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 Lincoln Navigator, the most recent from November 9, 2005 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln Navigator?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2013 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021 and 2020. See the full Lincoln Navigator years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Lincoln Navigator problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 37% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.