Lincoln Navigator stalling problems

Filed May 9, 2026 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · WA

Vehicle is subject to multiple open federal safety recalls with no repair remedy currently available from Ford/Lincoln. One recall involves potential fuel pump failure causing loss of fuel pressure, engine stall while driving, and increased crash risk. A second recall involves interruption of driver assistance and visibility systems including rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane keeping, and related safety systems. This vehicle is operated in a commercial passenger rental fleet. Due to federal rental vehicle recall compliance requirements, the vehicle was removed from rental service immediately after issuance of the recalls and cannot legally be rented until repaired. Ford/Lincoln currently has no available repair remedy despite the recalls having been active for an extended period of time. The lack of available remedy has rendered the vehicle commercially unusable for an extended period while continuing to create ongoing safety concerns related to engine stall and interruption of critical driver assistance systems. The vehicle remains unavailable for lawful commercial operation pending manufacturer remedy.

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 Jan 2, 2026 · Engine · TX

While driving at approximately 65-70 mph on a major interstate, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure without warning. This caused an immediate loss of power and power steering/braking assist, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control in high speed traffic. This sudden stall endangered my life and the lives of nearby motorists. A certified mechanic inspected the engine internals (via borescope) and identified that a valve seat had dropped in the #4 cylinder, causing it to impact and destroy the piston. This 'dropped valve seat' failure is a known defect in Ford/Lincoln 5.4L engines. It occurred despite my meticulous maintenance history and constitutes a latent manufacturing defect that creates an unreasonable safety risk on public highways.

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · CO

I purchased this car used. The local lot did not disclose this well-documented history with the Navigator's transmission. I had recall work done a few months ago at an authorized Ford dealership. No warning. The vehicle stalls and pauses during acceleration (the engine does not die). This transmission issue is both dangerous and alarming, as I am unable to complete a pass. The car coasts in neutral (with traffic approaching/oncoming) during attempts to pass other vehicles.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V598000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25E070000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair on the Power Train was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and when the vehicle stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. After several attempts the vehicle failed to restart. The transmission warning light and the service indicator light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The transmission was replaced. After three weeks, the failure reoccurred. The transmission warning light and the service indicator light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plugs, and transmission had failed. The spark plugs were replaced and some unknown part on the transmission was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure milage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2025 · Transmission · CO

Transmission is having major issues with flaring and shifting. Vehicle has trouble engaging torque convertor, vehicle almost seems to stall out when accelerating with heavy traffic due to transmission engaging poorly.

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 Sep 17, 2025 · Fuel system · OH

The throttle body went bad while driving 55mph and 35mph. Over 5 times I could not accelerate while stepping on the gas peddle and it would stall out trying to get it to ford on the same road for 5 miles. I had to quickly stop and turn it back on with my flashers going less than 35mp on a 55mph road. This happened at first going around a corner you can not stop on due to no visual on the other side which would cause a wreck stopping there. The problem was confirmed by Coughlin of Heath Ford and they were the ones that fixed it. There was no warning of the throttle body going bad until it happened at that moment and repeated to happen as I tried to get it to ford on the same road it was happening on into town. The check engine light did come on but it it would go on and off during the situation until it finally stayed on after a few minutes. There is a photo of the report attached to this document.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · OK

Car stalls often. Was not able to go through intersection. Held up traffic. Another incident was I was almost rear ended when car lost power. This is dangerous and not just an inconvenience.

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · Engine · AL

Vehicle will abruptly lose power when accelerating to pass. Typically when travelling between 40 and 60 miles an hour and while accelerating to merge or pass. Vehicle basically stalls. Creates extremely dangerous situation.