Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 31% | 2,000 miles |
| 2024 | 2 | 13% | 23,000 miles |
| 2022 | 5 | 24% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2017 | 10 | 31% | 105,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 24% | 75,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2014 | 2 | 12% | 134,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2011 | 2 | 22% | 89,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 31% | 52,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 10% | 31,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 27% | 37,000 miles |
| 2007 | 10 | 22% | 23,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 8% | 15,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 6% | 8,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 8% | 8,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 6% | 30,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2001 | 5 | 6% | 118,000 miles |
| 2000 | 9 | 8% | 82,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% | — |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% | 69,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving in the driveway at approximately 2 - 3 MPH, several brake warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle failed to respond immediately while depressing the brake pedal, which required the contact to exert an excessive amount of pressure on the brake pedal. The messages "Auto-Hold Disabled", "Brake Function Failure" were displayed, and unknown warning lights were temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Brakes failed while driving. I could not stop. Thank goodness I didn't run anyone over. First time it happened I had it towed to the dealership- they said they fixed the problem. These are the warnings I got during the loss of my brakes the 2nd time: Antilock Brake Fault Yesterday at 8:22 PM Anti-lock Brake System Fault Yesterday at 8:22 PM Pre-Collision Assist Not Available Yesterday at 8:22 PM Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power Yesterday at 8:22 PM Electronic Parking Brake Yesterday at 8:22 PM Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced. There was no warning that this would happen. Second time was very terrifying as I was on the beltway.
I was driving and didn't notice this truck ahead of me as I switched lanes. Although fault is questionable since the truck we traveling extremely slow on the highway, my vehicle had plenty of time to stop with the Pre-Collision System. That system is intended to avoid front end collisions and apply emergency breaks if required. IT DIDN'T. I have video of the system failure from my Dash Cam.
No collision warning; completely break failed. Vehicle had some fuel leakage which was fixed on May-21-2026 and break was failed on May-22-2026 which caused due to this repair. It was a major accident and my car got total due to this. I need full refund of my car; same amount when I bought this car.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal due to traffic ahead; however, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact stated he was forced to swerve into the next lane to avoid a crash. The contact stated that the "Check Brakes" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and advised the contact that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and informed to take the vehicle to a local dealer. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. …
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle while the brake fluid message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact replenished the brake fluid; however, the fluid would leak out of the reservoir soon after replacement. The contact called an independent mechanic and upon arrival at the mechanic shop, the brake fluid warning light illuminated as white smoke started coming from the tailpipe. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
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.
Related recalls (6)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Electric › Control module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Electric › Control module › Software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Remedy: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. 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.
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.
Show 1 more recall
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles May have a missing or partially installed retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles to see if the retainer clip was installed, and repair, if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln Navigator years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (10), 2017 (10), 1998 (9), 2000 (9) and 2008 (8) model years. Brake complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Lincoln Navigator brake problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 25V-823 (control module, Dec 1, 2025); 25V-488 (software, Jul 25, 2025); 25V-314 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, May 9, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lincoln Navigator brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions), followed by the foundation components (5).
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.