2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
15
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
4
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
The 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has received a total of 15 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (5 complaints), Unknown Or Other (3 complaints), and Suspension (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, potentially affecting up to 175,150 vehicles.
Recall 16V248000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 153,581 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
View full details →Recall 12V190000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
| 10,500 vehicles affected
Defect: 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. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS)...
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
View full details →Recall 12V190000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
| 10,500 vehicles affected
Defect: 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. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS)...
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
View full details →Recall 12V034000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 569 vehicles affected
Defect: 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. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
15 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tirestreadbelt | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
Belts dislodged on all tires. Tires have 70% tread left. My mechanic said it is manufacturing defect of Tires. SUV started shaking badly on highway
Vehicle randomly downshifts at speed causing sudden and jarring loss of speed. Vehicle will eventually and intermittently flash a service wrench error, speedometer stops working, and displays "000 Miles to Empty" message. Diagnosed at the dealer as a failing Molded Lead Frame. There was extended warranty coverage to 150,000 miles due to this being a know faulty part but my vehicle was over the mileage. I learned from the dealer servicing the vehicle that a software update--rather than replacement of the faulty part--under TSB 13-6-8 was performed by another dealership that I purchased the vehicle from. This "software update" was not disclosed to me nor did it show up on carfax or any service records for the vehicle. The software update merely masked the problem until the problem gets worse. Thankfully, I didn't experience violent downshifting at highway speeds that others have reported but have had the violent downshifting at 45mph and below, which still is a major safety issue. When I searched the VIN prior to purchasing the vehicle, no recalls were open because the software update closed it. I contacted Lincoln to report that violent downshifts occurred eventually even after the software update and the part should have been replaced in 2019. I was told by the Lincoln rep that there was nothing Lincoln would do because it was just a "Customer Satisfaction Program" rather than an all out recall and it was outside the extended coverage.
GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2012 NAVIGATOR AUTOMATICALLY DOWN SHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TRIED TO START IT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. AFTER I SHUT THE CAT DOWN AGAIN I TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED NORMAL BUT IT WOULD NOT GO OUT OF 1ST GEAR. I DROVE HOME AND CALLED PORTSMOUTH FORD IN PORTSMOUTH NH TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE MALFUNCTION EVALUATED WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE ON 4/1/2021 TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE RESET ITSELF AND THE TRANSMISSION WORKED CORRECTLY. ONCE AT THE GARAGE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A MOLDED LEAD IN THE TRANSMISSION COVERED BY RECALL 19N01 (RECALL# 16V248000 POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND WOULD BE FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY. ONCE I GOT HOME I GOT A CALL FROM THE GARAGE THAT LINCOLN WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CODE. I CALLED LINCOLN MYSELF AND THEY TOLD ME IN SO MANY WORDS 'NO CODE NO FIX" I STATED TO THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WASN'T A CODE AND WHY DID THE VEHICLE RESET ITSELF AND THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE CALLED THE GARAGE IF THERE WASN'T A PROBLEM. I ALSO MENTIONED THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THINGS HAPPENED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION FOR THE REASON FOR THE CODE NOT SHOWING UP BUT THE TECHNICIAN FROM PORTSMOUTH FORD, WITH 35 YRS EXP., DOES THINK THE PROBLEM IS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THAT DOESN'T MATTER NO CODE NO FIX . IT IS CLEAR THAT FORD IS INTENTIONALLY LIMITING THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO MITIGATE THEIR LOSSES AT THE EXPENSE OF MY FAMILY'S SAFETY
MY 2012 NAVIGATOR STARTED TO ACT WEIRD THE WRENCH SIGNAL APPEARED,MY SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING,THE RPM WENT VERY HIGH,NO POWER ON MY SUV,MAYBE 5MPH THE MOST,AND THE INFORMATION SCREEN SHOWS NO GAS,WHILE I HAVE 1/2 TANK,CHECKED AMD RECALLS AND SHOWS NOTHING,BUT A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE IS A TBS RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION MODELS,HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU THANKS. *TR
MY 2012 NAVIGATOR STARTED TO ACT WEIRD THE WRENCH SIGNAL APPEARED,MY SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING,THE RPM WENT VERY HIGH,NO POWER ON MY SUV,MAYBE 5MPH THE MOST,AND THE INFORMATION SCREEN SHOWS NO GAS,WHILE I HAVE 1/2 TANK,CHECKED AMD RECALLS AND SHOWS NOTHING,BUT A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE IS A TBS RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION MODELS,HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU THANKS. *TR
Safety Rating for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
The 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
Ford Motor Company has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SSM 46085 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM...
SSM-45815 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) INOPERATIVE - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0645
ASI-32270 — WHEELS:HUB
FORD: THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT HUB INTEGRATED WHEEL END (IWE) AREAS AND WHEN SHIFTED INTO 4X4 MODE, THE NOISE WILL CEASE. MODELS 2008-2013 F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, MARK LT. *PE
TSB-13-5-7 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
LINCOLN/FORD: THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ILLUMINATED IN SOME VEHICLES, DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0135, P0155, AND POSSIBLE P0030, P0050, P0053, P0059, P0141, P0161. MODEL 2012 EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR. *PE
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
- 2007 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 56 complaints
- 2008 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 40 complaints
- 2009 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 10 complaints
- 2010 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 22 complaints
- 2011 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 9 complaints
- 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR (current)
- 2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 17 complaints
- 2014 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 25 complaints
- 2015 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 30 complaints
- 2016 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 32 complaints
- 2017 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR — 40 complaints
Other LINCOLN Models
- LINCOLN TOWN CAR — 4,328 total complaints
- LINCOLN CONTINENTAL — 2,542 total complaints
- LINCOLN MKZ — 1,957 total complaints
- LINCOLN MKX — 1,702 total complaints
- LINCOLN LS — 1,366 total complaints
- LINCOLN MARK VIII — 984 total complaints
- LINCOLN AVIATOR — 650 total complaints
- LINCOLN MKC — 644 total complaints