Lincoln Navigator slipping 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 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 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 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!

Filed Jan 9, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · FL

When driving, if the accelerator pedal is depressed to merge into the highway or overtake other vehicles, the vehicle abruptly stops accelerating, and the RPM reaches max revs. The vehicle quickly loses momentum until it abruptly slams back into gear, causing a loud bang and startling the driver. This vehicle had a TSB for similar issues that was repaired by our dealer 2 times previously. We have experienced this 2 times since the repair (A total of 4 times). One time, while attempting to accelerate onto a merge lane into traffic, the car stopped accelerating, causing a large 18 wheeler to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting us as we were running out of onramp space. The dealer performed a transmission rebuild after the 3rd time this occurred. The day after we got the car back from service, it happened again. We have video footage of the transmission slipping after the event. The dealer is unable to replicate the condition, and therefore, don't have anything they can fix without a code or system fault- apparently not even the over-revs triggered a fault. I don't trust this vehicle to be safe for my family or other motorists. I have asked for a completely new transmission and other components but am told that without their ability reproduce the issues, there is no repair. They are unable to guarantee the car's safety, but expect for me to take it back. This puts me in an impossible situation - I'm being forced to drive a car that I know is unpredictably unsafe, and am unable to ethically/morally dispose of the vehicle knowing it will be back on the road and driven by someone else. Lincoln needs to do the right thing for their customers, other motorists, and my family. Their solution was to give me an extended warranty - a nice gesture, but clearly not addressing the safety issue at hand. Note: I am unable to upload the email chain with Lincoln because the upload button below does not work. I'm happy to share any communication you need.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

While driving at a speed of 55-60mph, I tried to pass slower vehicles on three different occasions during the same trip on a two lane road. I pushed the accelerator to the floor and pulled the car into the lane to my left. I felt and heard a very loud clunk, revving up of the engine, and total loss of power at the wheels. I quickly moved backinto my original lane and let up on the accelerator. After a 5-10 seconds, power returned to the wheels and I was able to reaccelerate. I was able to pass the aforementioned vehicles, albeit using a more gradual acceleration. I have previously had the vehicle inspected for two identical episodes at a Lincoln dealer. Unfortunately, they reported that the service techs were unable to duplicate the problem. If this were a standard transmission vehicle, I would say the clutch was slipping. In a vehicle with four wheel drive and automatic transmission, however, I am not well enough informed to make a diagnosis. There can be no doubt, however, that the action is potentially dangerous and could result in head on collision. I would also suspect that the engine transmission train is likely to have shortened lifespan if the problem continues. It is possible that there is already damage.

Filed Jul 14, 2021 · Transmission · FL

Within one week of delivery of this new vehicle, the transmission began slipping out of gear and the car loses power for 30-40 seconds in the middle of driving. Shift System Fault, Transmission failure, and PowerTrain Malfunction are the errors coming up on the screen- even after the vehicle was in Service for 2 weeks and they replaced the transmission valve system. Very dangerous to completely lose power on the highway.

Filed Jan 23, 2009 · Body, Engine · 2,195 miles · CO

Ltr from senator hutchison on behalf of constituent, re problems with her 2005 lincoln navigator. *nj the consumer stated there was a noise coming from the engine. The front end vibrated constantly. The consumer was informed the track bar and cad mount bushings needed to be replaced to correct the vibrating. The sunroof leaked, the cd changer scratched the cd's, the drivers seat was repaired 3 times, the tire pressure sensor didn't work, the remote start did not work, the transmission was slipping, the rear windows were grinding, the drivers side door would not open, the mirror would not adjust and the wipers were replaced. The consumer stated after two years of being told there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, it finally broke down and the dealer had to perform major engine work. After the engine work was completed the consumer stated the engine continued to make noise and there was also hesitation problems. *jb updated 03/01/10.