2011 Lincoln Navigator Problems & Complaints

Better than average69% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Navigator at the same age

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2011 Lincoln Navigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 69% fewer than a typical Navigator model year at the same age, making the 2011 one of the better Navigator years. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (2 complaints, typically around 6,000 miles).

9complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2011 Lincoln Navigator problems

  • Electrical system~6,000 miles
    222%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~150,000 miles
    222%
  • Brakes~89,000 miles
    222%
  • Speed control & acceleration~0 miles
    111%
  • Engine & cooling~89,000 miles
    111%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~112,000 miles
    111%
  • Other / not specified
    111%

Share of the 9 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 →

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Lincoln Navigator:

Unexpected Transmission Downshift

NHTSA investigation RQ17010 · opened Dec 25, 2017 · closed Oct 22, 2019 · led to recall 19V-075

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles.

2011 Lincoln Navigator engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.4L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD14 / 20 / 16
5.4L 8-cyl6-speed automatic4WD13 / 18 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Lincoln Navigator a good car?

Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Navigator rates better than average: 69% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Navigator at the same age. It is one of the best Navigator years by this measure. 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 2011 Lincoln Navigator?

The electrical system — 2 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and brakes (2).

How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln Navigator have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Lincoln Navigator. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2011 Lincoln Navigator problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 33% 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.