DecodedCars2016 Lincoln Navigator
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD, L 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 310 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 207.5–222.4 in
- Curb weight
- 6,069–6,296 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 21.2% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Lincoln Navigator is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl turbo 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 6,069 lb (4dr SUV 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 6% worse than the 2016 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Navigator — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Navigator →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Jefferson County, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Navigator configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD | 207.5 in | 78.7 in | 78.3 in | 118.9 in | 66.9 / 67.3 in | 6,069 lb | 50/50 |
| L 4dr SUV 4WD | 222.4 in | 78.7 in | 78.3 in | 131.1 in | 66.9 / 67.3 in | 6,296 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -6% | $3,700 | 491 |
| Navigator L 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 532 |
| Navigator 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -9% | $3,950 | 536 |
| Navigator L 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -14% | $4,200 | 543 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator Extended SUV 4x4 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x2 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.2% |
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x4 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator Extended SUV 4x2 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.2% |
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator (this car) | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2016 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
| 2016 Lexus LX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Infiniti QX80 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Lincoln MKT | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 3, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V572000 · 1,456,417 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Feb 14, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V091000 · 35,328 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit in the exterior mirror increases the risk of fire.
- Fix
- 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 · Aug 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V648000 · 198,482 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
- Fix
- 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Mar 11, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V150000 · 195,864 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
Not every 2016 Lincoln Navigator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Lincoln Navigator buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility — 6 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Back Over Prevention — 4 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Navigator years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Navigator | 18 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 Navigator | 17 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 Navigator | 17 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 13 |
| 2024 Navigator | 18 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 16 |
| 2023 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 7 |
| 2022 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 14 | 21 |
| 2021 Navigator | 18 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 33 |
| 2020 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 32 |
| 2019 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 85 |
| 2018 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 52 |
| 2017 Navigator | 17 | 207.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 32 |
| 2015 Navigator | 18 | 207.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 21 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →