Verdict
2011 Lincoln Navigator: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2011 Lincoln Navigator — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 9 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 89% of 2011 SUVs. Electrical System leads the reports (22%). No safety recalls on record.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2011 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
9
Reports to NHTSA, 2011
Safety recalls
0
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
15
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 89% of 2011 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2011 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (22% of 9 reports), followed by power train (22%).
Share of all 9 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11058407, ODI 10934386.
Recalls
0 recalls — none issued for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change as NHTSA publishes new campaigns.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
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. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Crash-test ratings
2011 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x2 NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2011 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x4 NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| Navigator 4WD FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| Navigator Limo. 2WD FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 11 | 16 | 13 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2011 Lincoln Navigator: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2011 Lincoln Navigator?
Owners filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the 2011 Lincoln Navigator — fewer complaints than 89% of comparable 2011 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2011 Lincoln Navigator?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (22% of complaints) and power train (22%).
How many recalls does the 2011 Lincoln Navigator have?
No safety recalls are on record for the 2011 Lincoln Navigator as of Jul 2026.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Lincoln Navigator get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Lincoln Navigator between 13 and 16 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.