2012 Lincoln Navigator

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Lincoln Navigator
Pictured: 2019 Lincoln Navigator 'Reserve', front 8.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD /Ultimate, L 4dr SUV 4WD
Engines
5.4L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
Length
208.3–223.2 in
Curb weight
6,005–6,246 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 23% below the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Lincoln Navigator is a SUV - offered with a 5.4L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 208 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,005 lb (4dr SUV 4WD /Ultimate).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 23% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Navigator — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Navigator →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD /Ultimate208.3 in78.7 in74.4 in118.9 in66.5 / 66.5 in6,005 lb51/49
L 4dr SUV 4WD223.2 in78.7 in78 in131.1 in66.5 / 66.5 in6,246 lb51/49

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Navigator 2WD FFV FFV5.4L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-23%$4,200555
Navigator 4WD FFV FFV5.4L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-21%$4,450592
Spend $9,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Lincoln Navigator (this car)16 MPGNot rated3
2012 Cadillac Escalade21 MPGNot rated3
2012 Audi Q720 MPGNot rated4
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class15 MPGNot rated0
2012 Lincoln MKT20 MPGNot rated1
2012 Infiniti QX5616 MPGNot rated3
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class20 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 27, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V248000 · 153,581 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights · May 3, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V190000 · 10,500 vehicles

Problem
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) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Risk
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 VEHICLE’S 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 VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Fix
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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Feb 2, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V034000 · 569 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Lincoln Navigator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

11Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
30,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train5
Unknown Or Other3
Seat Belts1
Suspension1
Electrical System1
Service Brakes1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Tires › Tread/Belt1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/05: 116/06: 117/09: 218/01: 118/02: 118/06: 120/06: 121/04: 122/08: 124/08: 116/0517/0918/0220/0622/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Lincoln Navigator buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Seat Belts — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Navigator years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Navigator18–Not rated10
2026 Navigator17209.8 inNot rated20
2025 Navigator17209.8 in★★★★★613
2024 Navigator18209.8 inNot rated716
2023 Navigator19209.8 inNot rated87
2022 Navigator19209.8 inNot rated1421
2021 Navigator18209.8 in★★★★★1233
2020 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1332
2019 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1085
2018 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1252
2017 Navigator17207.5 in★★★★★532
2016 Navigator18207.5 inNot rated425

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →