2020 Lincoln Navigator transmission problems

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Transmission · 103,000 miles · MD · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving toward a red light at 10 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park(P), causing the contact's chest to strike the steering wheel. The engine then shut off. The vehicle was restarted, and the Hill Assist, Pre-Collision, and another unknown warning light were briefly illuminated before turning off. Additionally, the transmission was slipping while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Transmission · TX

On August 20, 2026, while traveling about 45 MPH, I accelerated to merge onto a highway while passing a slow-moving semi, with traffic approaching from behind. The transmission unexpectedly disengaged and the vehicle completely lost propulsion. The gear indicator showed Neutral. The engine rapidly increased RPM/redlined but the vehicle would not accelerate. I pressed the Drive selector to re-engage the transmission. The vehicle lurched/slammed before Drive engaged and propulsion returned. This created a serious collision risk while merging into highway traffic. This is not an isolated incident. For approximately four years the vehicle has intermittently exhibited rough/abnormal shifting or slipping during acceleration, progressively worsening. During a previous loss-of-propulsion incident on a two-lane highway, the failure occurred while passing a semi with oncoming traffic, creating a risk of a head-on collision. We repeatedly discussed the transmission problem with dealership personnel. Because it was intermittent, the dealer said diagnosis required leaving our primary family vehicle for several weeks, without a loaner. The selling dealer, about six hours away, later offered to retrieve the vehicle and provide a loaner, but canceled because no loaner was available. The defect was therefore never successfully diagnosed or repaired. After the August 20 incident, dealer-provided connected-vehicle diagnostics recorded a Powertrain System Fault and TCM codes P27B5 (Transmission Gear Ratio Control Performance), P2796 and P07E6. The vehicle is parked and available for inspection because I consider it unsafe to drive. It is also subject to open the federal safety agency Recall 26V402/Ford 26S48 involving the transmission/parking system; no remedy is currently available.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Transmission · MO

CDF Drum Failure is a known issue to Ford. They have issued a technical service bulletin (TSB 22-2428) to replace poorly designed components that have since been redesigned. The failure mode can cause violent gear shifts (from gear 10 to gear 1) at high speeds, which is a significant safety concern. While driving on the highway, the transmission would not shift between gears and the car lurched. Check engine light came on and I exited the highway immediately. I took my vehicle to be looked at, and they diagnosed the problem as CDF Drum failure. Ford needs to take responsibility for their problematic design in these vehicles.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Transmission · OR

2020 Lincoln Navigator, 10R80 transmission. Following two full transmission replacements, torque converter replacement, valve body replacement, and transmission pump repair, vehicle continues to exhibit hesitation under acceleration, harsh and delayed shifting, loss of power, shaking beginning at approximately 28-30 mph felt through the floorboard, and abnormal fuel consumption. Independent tire shop ruled out tires as cause. Safety Recall O1 for PCM reprogramming remains incomplete on this VIN despite multiple service visits. Vehicle has been at dealership since early-March with no confirmed repair date or Ford engineer visit scheduled

Filed Apr 25, 2026 · Transmission · NY

On [XXX] at or about [XXX]., I was traveling on the highway while going up hill to pass a slow moving vehicle, in the passing lane, suddenly lost total acceleration in which a wrench light appeared as if the transmission disengaged. I was able to coast to the into the driving lane, to get to the shoulder of the road in which the transmission engaged back at about 10mph. I was able to continue slowly, to my destination but at lower speeds the vehicle was shaking and shifting hard. I had just purchased this vehicle, used, only having same for about a month. I had to have the vehicle towed back to the place where I purchase same, due to transmission failure on 04/25/26. To A Better Way Wholesale Auto, 49 Raytkwich Road, Naugatuck CT 06770 I waiting for a service report in what needs to be repaired or replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Transmission · ME

Transmission issue: Not shifting properly while on the highway and almost causing a crash by loosing power and shifted into neutral after attemting to accelerate. The next time it occured the transsmission would not down shift and I was not able to accelerate.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Faulty Transmissions even after replacement. Fluid leaks and abrupt starting / stopping with it. Dealers can't seem to figure it out and have become a safety issue

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Transmission · KY

Category: Power Train -> Automatic Transmission Subject: 2020 Lincoln Navigator – Repeated Missed Warranty Repairs – Transmission Neutral-Out & Violent Downshift at Highway Speed Description: On [XXX], while traveling at approximately 70 mph on [XXX], my 2020 Lincoln Navigator suddenly downshifted, free-wheeled into neutral, then violently re-engaged into a lower gear, chirping the rear tires and nearly causing a collision. The vehicle displayed a "Shift System Fault" warning. This defect matches TSB 23-2120 (momentary neutral-out) and TSB 24-2101 (harsh/delayed engagement) for the Ford/Lincoln 10R80 transmission used in the Navigator. TSB 23-2123 (harsh/delayed engagement/shift) also applies to my model year and transmission. I purchased this vehicle in December 2023 from Performance Lexus RiverCenter (Covington, KY) with the original Lincoln 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty still in effect. According to Carfax, the vehicle was owned by Airport Ford, a Ford/Lincoln dealer, for six months prior. No transmission-related repairs were performed during that period despite applicable TSBs. In March 2024, I reported abnormal shifting to Lincoln of Cincinnati. The concern was dismissed without inspection or repair, even though the TSBs applied to my VIN at that time. The [XXX] incident is the direct result of two separate failures by Lincoln/Ford dealerships to act on a known defect while the vehicle was under warranty. This is a serious safety hazard that can cause sudden loss of power and traction at highway speeds. Vehicle Details: - Year: 2020 - Make: Lincoln - Model: Navigator - Transmission: 10-speed automatic (10R80) - Mileage at Incident: 48000 - VIN: [XXX] - Date of Incident: [XXX] - Dealers Involved: Airport Ford (prior owner), Lincoln of Cincinnati (service visit March 2024) The dealer is working on the car currently will send any repair items when they are in hand INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Transmission · TX · fire

Had transmission problems before this final issue. With that said the dealership ended up replacing the transmission as it was under warranty. Not even 2000 miles later we are coming back from vacation and I lost total power of the vehicle but since I was going around 70 mph we made it to the shoulder of the highway. Once there the vehicle was already smoking so we all got out of the vehicle and that’s when I saw the fire, and not even 3 minutes later it was totally in gulfed in flames.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Transmission · VA

The transmission system failed, causing jerking during acceleration. The original transmission was replaced by the dealer, so it may be available for inspection if retained by the dealer or returned to Ford/Lincoln. Jerking during acceleration can create safety risks including: unpredictable vehicle behavior during merging or passing, potential loss of control in traffic situations, and compromised ability to maintain consistent speed or smoothly accelerate away from hazards. Yes - the dealer confirmed the problem and determined the transmission required replacement, indicating they reproduced and verified the issue. Ted Britt Ford Lincoln, Chantilly, VA inspected the vehicle. No dashboard lights.