Lincoln Navigator jerking problems

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Transmission · IL

Vehicle: 2019 Lincoln Navigator (equipped with 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission). Incident Description: While operating the vehicle in normal traffic conditions, the transmission experiences severe internal hydraulic failure, resulting in a violent jolt/jerk. Immediately following this event, the vehicle’s Powertrain Malfunction Indicator (Wrench Light) illuminates, and the vehicle enters a fail-safe "limp mode." Once in this state, the transmission suffers a complete loss of gear engagement, effectively locking the driver out of acceleration. The vehicle actively resists or completely refuses to engage Drive (D) or Reverse (R), causing an unexpected loss of propulsion while navigating heavy public roadways. To temporarily regain vehicle control, the ignition must be cycled completely off and on. A certified franchise dealership diagnostic scan confirmed severe internal mechanical degradation with heavy metal debris suspended in the transmission fluid, destroying the transmission assembly and damaging the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Present: P0868:00 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low), P2701:00 / P2703:00 (Clutch Friction Element Apply Time Faults), P07E6:00 (Transmission Park Valve Circuit Stuck), and P1674:00 (Control Module Software Corrupted). Safety Hazard: The sudden and unpredictable loss of forward propulsion and gear engagement forces the vehicle into an immobilized state without warning, creating an imminent risk of a rear-end collision or leaving the driver stranded in live, high-speed traffic. This is a known systemic component defect (addressed in Ford TSB 23-2120) that poses a severe, active safety hazard to occupants and surrounding motorists. The vehicle has experienced intermittent jerking for over a year, but experienced a complete powertrain failure and loss of gear engagement on 10/6/2026.

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 1, 2026 · Driver assistance · 500 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Navigator L. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked violently while accelerating and while reversing on a hill. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Transmission · CO

After 3 failed diagnoses with various vehicle repair shops that could not fix our problem, we took our 2019 Lincoln Navigator to the Phil Long Ford/Lincoln dealership 26 days ago. After expressing my concerns about our vehicle jerking into gear and intermittently losing accelerator power during driving, the dealership diagnosed it as a problem with the cam phasers. Upon picking up the vehicle and asking the CSR if a test drive had been done multiple times beforehand, we arrived, paid our bill, and took the vehicle for less than 30 seconds before realizing the same issue was persisting. My wife and child are the primary occupants at most times, and losing power on the highway and on side roads is most concerning. As of two weeks ago today, I was called by the CSR at Phil Long Ford to let me know that calls and reports were made to Lincoln specifically and that the General Managers would be pooling money together to find a resolution and eventually fix my vehicle. The CSR also said that by the following day (Tues), I would know about a resolution. 2 weeks later (today), I called and requested a manager call me to discuss the situation. No call was made. I also reached out to the CSR and was told that my case was still in a holding pattern. We have now had to rent a vehicle 3 times to help us get around, with no assistance from the dealership except for 2 out of the 26 days we've been without a vehicle. After doing more digging, there is a large class action lawsuit in motion that covers exactly what we are going through. As of 8 days ago, Ford's request to dismiss the suit was denied. We believe at this time there is gross negligence by Ford & Lincoln and have first hand accounts of how scary these vehicles can become while on the road. To top it off during my visit to the dealership this evening, the service manager gave me two options when asking about a possible loaner or rental vehicle: approve the repairs needed on my own dime or continue driving the vehicle.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

The vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical failures involving the engine, cooling system, drivetrain, and electronic systems. Documented failures include the navigation/APIM module, transmission jerking and drivability issues, transmission valve body concerns, cam phaser failure, driveshaft repair, front wheel bearing/IWE failure, coolant leaks from heater core hoses, and engine vibration requiring extensive diagnostic work including a short block engine repair. The vehicle has also experienced multiple overheating incidents despite prior repairs. Overheating occurred in May 2025, December 2025, and February 2026. During these events the engine temperature rose abnormally and coolant had to be added to the reservoir. Drivetrain problems including transmission jerking, vibration, and driveshaft repair also created drivability concerns while operating the vehicle at highway speeds. These issues have been inspected and confirmed by an authorized Lincoln dealership service department. Numerous repairs and diagnostics have been performed including APIM replacement, cam phaser repair, heater hose replacement, wheel bearing/IWE replacement, driveshaft repair, and engine diagnostic work approved through warranty processes. Symptoms prior to failures included overheating, vibration, excessive fan noise, whining while driving, and transmission jerking. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. The repeated overheating events combined with drivetrain and engine failures raise concern that this vehicle may have an underlying safety-related defect that could result in sudden loss of power or engine failure while operating in traffic.

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 Dec 30, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · TN

Well, the problem is with the transmission. The transmission will lurch, and it also will go into neutral while you are driving down the road, the other thing with the suspension I had repaired. But it said the drive modes were disabled and kept on throwing. Check engine lights. Not to mention, I had to have the cam. Phasers fixed last year, that was another $5000 repair.

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.

Filed May 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

About 5 weeks ago, our Navigator's transmission had a mild slip, like it was accidentally put in neutral. Since there was no visible warning sign, check engine light, or clear indicator of transmission issues, we thought it may just be a fluke. Within weeks, the transmission slipping escalated from mild to extreme, causing major safety concerns. When in drive, it would struggle to accelerate, get stuck in the wrong gear, then overcompensate, violently jerking into the correct gear 20+ seconds after it should have. A few times, we narrowly avoided getting rear-ended or rear-ending others. Lincoln service confirmed the 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2019 Navigator is problematic and will likely need a full rebuild, yet there is no transmission recall. They also stated their service department was backed up 4-5 weeks due to transmission repairs. Over the last 2 weeks, we've had a full vehicle diagnostic and repair. The mechanic replaced both leaky transmission coolant lines and completely rebuilt the transmission. He confirmed the check engine light never activated and diagnostic trouble codes never generated. That is an extreme safety problem. According to Lincoln, with leaks and transmission slipping, DTCs should be generated, and check engine lights should come on, but it didn't happen in either case. Please investigate both the transmission failures and the trouble code generation!