2021 Lincoln Navigator

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Lincoln Navigator
Pictured: 2019 Lincoln Navigator 'Reserve', front 8.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD, L 4dr SUV 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
310 hp
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
Length
209.8–222 in
Curb weight
5,856–6,056 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 310 hp, versus about 612 hp for similar 2021 models.
  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 20.8% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 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 210 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,856 lb (4dr SUV 4WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 8% worse than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Navigator — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Navigator →

Trims, performance & features

Engine310 hp3.5L turbo 6-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

ReserveBL

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Jefferson County, Kentucky

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Navigator configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD209.8 in79.9 in76.4 in122.4 in67.7 / 67.3 in5,856 lb50/50
L 4dr SUV 4WD222 in79.9 in76.4 in131.5 in67.7 / 67.3 in6,056 lb50/50

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 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-8%$3,700486
Navigator L 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-8%$3,700494
Navigator 4WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 17-10%$3,950508
3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
3/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.6 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.3%
2021 Lincoln Navigator SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★20.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Lincoln Navigator (this car)18 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Lexus LX14 MPGNot rated0
2021 BMW X721 MPGNot rated9
2021 Infiniti QX8016 MPG★★★★★3
2021 Lincoln Aviator23 MPG★★★★★28
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class23 MPGNot rated0
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class21 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (12)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 24, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V402000 · 741,195 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · May 27, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V344000 · 419,967 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Mar 31, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V204000 · 422,613 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Oct 24, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V729000 · 174,853 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 7, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 8, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V598000 · 177,402 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jun 9, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V420000 · 691,133 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Risk
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Engine · May 17, 2022 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 22V346000 · 66,221 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for vehicles equipped with heavy-duty radiator fan motors, and those letters were mailed July 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Apr 14, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V250000 · 652,996 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Risk
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact · Oct 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V805000 · 777 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Lincoln Navigator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

33Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
19,700 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine8
Power Train6
Unknown Or Other4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Visibility/Wiper3
Steering3
Electrical System3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/06: 422/08: 122/10: 122/12: 123/03: 123/04: 123/05: 123/10: 124/01: 124/06: 224/09: 124/12: 125/04: 125/07: 125/09: 125/10: 225/11: 126/01: 126/02: 126/03: 126/06: 126/07: 326/08: 226/09: 122/0622/1223/0524/0625/0425/1026/0226/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Lincoln Navigator buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 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
2020 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1332
2019 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1085
2018 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1252
2017 Navigator17207.5 in★★★★★532
2016 Navigator18207.5 in★★★★★425
2015 Navigator18207.5 in★★★★★421

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