2009 Lincoln Navigator Problems & Complaints

Better than average63% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Navigator at the same age

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2009 Lincoln Navigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 63% fewer than a typical Navigator model year at the same age, making the 2009 one of the better Navigator years. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (3 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

10complaints
1recalls
0crashes
0fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2009 Lincoln Navigator problems

  • Engine & cooling~91,000 miles
    330%
  • Electrical system~93,000 miles
    330%
  • Other / not specified~75,000 miles
    220%
  • Wheels & tires~24,000 miles
    110%
  • Brakes~31,000 miles
    110%

Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lincoln Navigator complaints by model year

’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’261921321098132127864860453010169121417212532528532332171613
Owner complaints per model year, Lincoln Navigator. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Navigator years: 2011, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021, 2020. Compare all years →

2009 Lincoln Navigator recalls (1)

Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

NHTSA recall 09V-232 · Jun 24, 2009 · 1,357 vehicles

Ford is recalling 1,357 my 2009 expedition and navigator vehicles for failing to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the brake stop lamp switch May be improperly adjusted.

Remedy: Dealers will adjust the brake stoplamp switch free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2009. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or www.ownerconnection.com.

What 2009 Lincoln Navigator owners say

Engine & cooling

While unloading the back of my truck, I was burned by the tail pipe that protrudes from the back right side of the truck. The burn is a 1/2 round shape on my right leg. Took the truck in for service and Lincoln dealership said that is how it was designed for my model year and no fix was available. I have reported the problem to Lincoln but have not heard back from them as of this writing.

Exhaust system · 23,000 miles · Jun 2011 · 1 injury

My son,[redacted], got a second degree (I'm a physician) burn on his right lateral calf by the tail pipe when he was standing at the back end of our 09 Lincoln Navigator SUV. The tail pipe is points backwards and, although it doesn't protrude, it is just flush with the rear bumper, thus when he was leaning in to grab his tennis gear his right calf touched the tail pipe. He now has a "crescent moon" shaped burn wound with some blistering on his right calf that we are working to prevent from getting infected. The dealership parts department tells me there's no plastic cap or a shorter tail pipe that they can install to prevent this problem.

Exhaust system · Sep 2010 · 1 injury

Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact horn failed to respond when engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the wires connected to the horn needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in any recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 57,114.

57,000 miles · Dec 2012

When air condition is set below 72, passenger front side is making loud clicking noise for about 1 minute then goes away.

93,000 miles · Feb 2015

2009 Lincoln Navigator engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.4L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD14 / 20 / 16

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Lincoln Navigator a good car?

Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Navigator rates better than average: 63% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Navigator at the same age. 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 2009 Lincoln Navigator?

The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the electrical system (3) and wheels & tires (1).

How many recalls does the 2009 Lincoln Navigator have?

There is 1 recall for the 2009 Lincoln Navigator, the most recent from June 24, 2009 (switch). 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 2009 Lincoln Navigator problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 38% 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.