Most common 2016 Lincoln Navigator problems
Share of the 25 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 →
2016 Lincoln Navigator recalls (4)
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026.
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will disconnect the LED light wires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S08.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
What 2016 Lincoln Navigator owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, there was smoke coming from the A/C vents and from the defroster. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke persisted; however, there was no flame. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had caused collateral damages to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rearview Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact stated that when the temperature outside was over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer refused to complete the repairs and informed the contact that, since there was no code displayed, the recall repairs were not needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle responded as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would emit abnormally loud sounds intermittently while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder and brake booster were leaking. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while his wife was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost braking functionality. The brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Driver assistance
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rearview Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact stated that when the temperature outside was over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer refused to complete the repairs and informed the contact that, since there was no code displayed, the recall repairs were not needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with APIM failure. The contact was informed that further tests were needed to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
2016 Lincoln Navigator engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Lincoln Navigator a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Navigator rates average: 32% 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 2016 Lincoln Navigator?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 7 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sun/moon roof assembly. Next are the brakes (6) and driver assistance (5).
How many recalls does the 2016 Lincoln Navigator have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator, the most recent from September 3, 2025 (camera). 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 2016 Lincoln Navigator problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 84,000 miles; 14% 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.