Most common 2012 Lincoln Navigator problems
Share of the 12 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 →
2012 Lincoln Navigator recalls (3)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016.
Exterior lighting › Back up lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford f-150, 2012 expedition and Lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 11, 2012.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 expedition and Lincoln navigator vehicles, manufactured from November 19, 2011, through December 2, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 21, 2012.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Lincoln Navigator:
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
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.
What 2012 Lincoln Navigator owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Recall# 16V248000 powertrain automatic transmission. My 2012 Lincoln Navigator was taken to champion Ford in katy, tx for service due to intermittent transmission issue where we experienced a downshift at speed, speedometer failure, odometer and mpg error and tire pressure warning. The symptoms correct upon restart. The dealer advised that the problem was due to output shaft speed sensor failure that would require replacement of lead frame unit at a cost of $1,366. I asked to have the replacement completed under recall 16V248000 because the repair involves the same symptoms, repair procedure, and is the same year, make, model, and transmission outlined in the recall but was declined because my VIN was not included in that recall because the build date does not fall within the recall dates. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Lincoln Navigator. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle downshifted from second to first gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to robert hudson Ford Lincoln Mercury (2316 1st ave se, moultrie, ga 31788, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the PCM needed recalibaration. The vehicle was repaired; however, the software update failed to correct the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to shift from park to the drive gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently being repaired again for both failures. On several occasions while driving, the electrical system failed and caused the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the instrument cluster, interior lighting, and exterior lighting failed. …
2012 Lincoln Navigator engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Lincoln Navigator a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Navigator rates better than average: 59% 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 2012 Lincoln Navigator?
The transmission & drivetrain — 5 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (2) and seat belts (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Lincoln Navigator have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator, the most recent from April 27, 2016 (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 2012 Lincoln Navigator problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 30,000 miles; 57% 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.