Lincoln Navigator hesitation problems

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · MA

I purchased this 2021 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label used on March 22, 2024 with approximately 42,726mi. Beginning around Sept. 2025 (approximately 70,000-75,000 miles), the vehicle developed intermittent transmission failures that have progressively worsened. This is our primary family vehicle and routinely transports our three young children. The transmission hesitates, slips, skips gears, bangs into gear, and frequently delays engagement before suddenly surging forward. Engine RPM increases without corresponding acceleration. Occupants are abruptly thrown forward and backward during normal driving. Several times each month, a yellow wrench/powertrain warning appears instructing the driver to see the owner’s manual. When this occurs, the vehicle loses normal acceleration and throttle response becomes significantly delayed. The defect is intermittent and unpredictable. The condition creates dangerous situations when merging, entering intersections, accelerating from traffic lights, and in stop-and-go traffic. On one occasion, after stopping on an incline, the vehicle would not accelerate and effectively became disabled in traffic. We activated our hazard flashers while vehicles drove around us. The hesitation followed by sudden engagement also creates a rear-end collision risk. I first brought the vehicle to an independent repair shop, but the concern was dismissed. On 6/22/2026, Herb Chambers Lincoln of Norwood road tested the vehicle, confirmed the complaint, and documented that the “transmission is skipping and banging into gears” and recommended complete transmission replacement. The estimated repair cost was approximately $12,560. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive due to repeated loss of propulsion, delayed acceleration, violent shifting, and dealer-confirmed transmission failure. I respectfully request the federal safety agency investigate whether this represents a broader safety defect affecting Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

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 28, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The vehicle is a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The component that failed is the transmission. The vehicle experienced a sudden transmission failure resulting in loss of normal drivability. The issue is currently available for inspection at the repair facility upon request. This failure created a safety concern due to loss of power, hesitation, and unreliable shifting, which can increase the risk of collision, particularly in traffic or during acceleration. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership and independent repair facilities. Multiple repair professionals indicated that this failure is consistent with a known issue addressed by a Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), suggesting this is not an isolated incident. The vehicle has been inspected by the repair facility. The manufacturer has not directly inspected the vehicle to my knowledge. There were no significant prior warning indicators that would suggest imminent failure. Any symptoms prior to failure were minimal or not clearly indicative of a major transmission issue. Based on information from repair facilities, this appears to be a known defect pattern rather than normal wear or maintenance-related failure. The use of a TSB instead of a recall raises concerns that a broader safety-related defect may not be adequately addressed. This failure occurred after proper maintenance and outside any initial waiting period for warranty coverage. The issue appears systemic and warrants further investigation.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Transmission · IL

1. transmission shifts hard and/or seems to shift to neutral and losing forward propulsion 2. or loud clunk followed by shuddering and no control 3. no control means unsafe driving conditions particularly if closer to other vehicles 4. dealer quoted some mumbo/jumbo about jumping into park 5. dealer quoted $10,000 figure for new transmission 6. after clunk event and pulling over wrench light came up with reference to differential 7. super hard shifting or no shift life-threatening lunging and hesitation is unacceptable0

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

While driving, the vehicle repeatedly hesitated during gear changes, lost power, and then abruptly jerked back into gear. This occurred intermittently for over a month without any warning messages, creating unpredictable and unsafe driving conditions. As the issue worsened, the vehicle began losing power more frequently. The most serious event occurred at highway speed, where the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion in the middle of active traffic, nearly causing a stall. This created an immediate safety hazard for myself and surrounding drivers. After several seconds, the vehicle violently re-engaged into gear and surged forward. Only at this point did the vehicle display a warning: “Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power.” I scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC P0734 – Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio, a code associated with internal transmission faults. A dealership inspected the vehicle and reported that the CDF drum had failed. They stated they could not guarantee that replacing the drum would resolve all issues and provided two estimates: $5,600 for a partial internal repair/$8,700 for full transmission replacement. The 10R80 transmission has a documented history of failures, including harsh shifting, slipping, unexpected gear disengagement, and internal component defects. These issues are addressed in multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins involving P0734, harsh/failed shifts, and failures related to the CDF clutch cylinder/drum. Many vehicles of the same make and model are covered under related recalls or service actions for similar problems; however, my VIN is not included, and Lincoln declined to honor the existing recall. This defect presents a serious safety risk due to: Sudden loss of power while driving, including at highway speeds, Unpredictable re-engagement and violent surging, Loss of propulsion without warning, leading to near-stall conditions. This powertrain malfunction is a known, unsafe, repeat issue among these vehicles equipped w/this transmission.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Transmission · TX

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and costly transmission issue with my 2019 Lincoln Navigator. At approximately 114,000 miles, the vehicle’s transmission failed and required a full rebuild. The total repair cost was around $8,000, which I had to pay out of pocket. When I brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis and repair, the technicians expressed surprise that no recall had been issued, noting that they have seen this same transmission issue in other 2019 Lincoln Navigators. They acknowledged that this appears to be a known and recurring problem among vehicles of this make and model. Before the transmission failed completely, I experienced slipping gears, hesitation, and delayed acceleration, which posed a serious safety risk while driving. These symptoms could have easily caused loss of power or unexpected shifting at highway speeds or during traffic maneuvers, putting myself, my passengers, and others on the road in danger. Sudden power loss or gear malfunction in such situations could lead to an accident or loss of control. The repair process also left me without a vehicle for over three weeks, creating significant inconvenience and hardship. Given the high repair cost, the time without transportation, and the well-documented pattern of similar failures among this model, I believe this issue points to a defect in the transmission’s design or manufacturing. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter further to determine whether a recall or manufacturer reimbursement should be issued for affected owners. A recall or refund program would help address the substantial financial burden and potential safety hazards caused by this widespread transmission problem. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Fuel system · MA

I am the owner of a 2021 Lincoln Navigator black label, currently subject to Safety Recall 25S75 concerning the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause engine stalling and increased crash risk. Ford’s recall filing and public reports make clear the hazard and that a remedy is still being developed. My vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation and loss of acceleration consistent with the recall since I purchased the car in 2021. While driving on the highway with my 10 year old daughter and her friend home from soccer on 495 last Monday 9/29, I tried to pass a car by switching to the left lane and stepped on the accelerator. The car hesitated, and felt like it was going to cease altogether for a moment, however the accelerator did finally « catch » and I was able to pass the car. I have had this same sensation while pressing my foot on the accelerator though at low speeds on backroads.  After the incident last Monday I had the car towed to the Lincoln dealer so they could assess the car. I have been told that the oil was very low. The oil light or check engine light was never on, and it has gone on previously when I’ve been due for an oil change. I’ve been told that the tires also need to be rotated. The dealer who serviced the car said that the car is driving great now and is safe to drive and can be delivered to me or I can pick up. I called Lincoln corporate Friday 10/3/25 and a case was opened and called back on Monday and spoke with a representative who said that there was nothing she could do if the dealer is saying that the car is safe to drive. I don’t feel safe driving the car with this open safety defect unrepaired. A loaner to use while the process for repurchase of the car would be appreciated, but is being denied while they continue the process of good faith eval /consideration of repurchase of the car.

Filed Mar 28, 2023 · Transmission · MA

The 10 speed transmission in our car shudders and vibrates badly and gets stuck in very high gears. The problem happens most often between 17-23 miles per hour, and is most noticeable on inclines. instead of downshifting to a lower gear at lowers speeds, the car is stuck in 6-7-8 gear. This causes a long hesitation where we are worried we could get rear ended or hit at an intersection. We have been shifting the car manually with the paddle shifters to drop into a lower gear, but this also takes time and causes a delay. We have been to the dealer at least 5 times for this issue and no luck on a repair. the problem has been ongoing for over a year now. Thank You.

Filed Jan 31, 2020 · Engine · 120,400 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 lincoln navigator. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign and attempting to move forward, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The contact also stated that while attempting to park the vehicle on another occasion the vehicle stalled. Additionally, on another occasion while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. (north park lincoln located at 9207 san pedro avenue, san antonio, tx 78216) was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,400.

Filed Jan 4, 2011 · Engine · 81,025 miles · WA

Water, vapor, condensation keeps getting on to the coil on plug assembly on the passenger side of my engine causing water build up, electrical failure, misfires and spark plug explosions in to my engine, causing fragments of metal and plastic to fire in to my engine. This has happened to me several times now, been repaired, and continues to happen. Despite 6 separate technical service bulletins, ford / lincoln have not recalled this problem with the 1999 to 2006 5.4l v8 engine, leading to thousands of people like me having to continually fix this problem, which is caused by a design / safety flaw in the engine / component construction. I was nearly killed today on the freeway because the truck hesitated and misfired while I was going up a large hill, stuck between two semi-trucks and I couldn't move out of the way due to failure to accelerate.