Throttlebook

2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 43/100. Expect about $73,173 to own it for five years, or $1,220 a month. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 34 complaints.

Recalls
12
Complaints
34
5-yr cost
$73k
MPG (EPA)
18
0
Weak
Ownership Score

2021 Lincoln Navigator vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Navigator?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

12 recalls may apply

For the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

Park-it warning
  • What's wrong: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.

    Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $38,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$73,173
$1,220/month · $1.22/mile
Depreciation$14,230
Insurance (national avg.)$16,200
Fuel / charging$11,165
Maintenance$11,776
Repairs$6,192
Loan interest$10,315
Taxes & fees$3,295

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

34 complaints2 involved a crash
  • Engine8
  • Power Train7
  • Fuel/Propulsion System4
  • Fuel System4
  • Gasoline4
  • Unknown Or Other4

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Frontal
5 out of 5 stars
Side
5 out of 5 stars
Rollover
4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2021 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4WD

What to check on a used 2021 Lincoln Navigator

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Engine and transmission
    • Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
    • Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
  • Fuel system
    • Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin.
    • Check for hard starts or stalling at idle.
  • Paperwork
    • Ask for service records and the title. Compare the VIN on the car, the paper and our report.
    • Check the odometer against the wear on the pedals and seat.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2021 Lincoln Navigator problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator a good car to buy?
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 43/100. Expect about $73,173 to own it for five years, or $1,220 a month. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 34 complaints.
Does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, including Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages; Seat Belts › Pretensioner; Back Over Prevention › Software. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2021 Lincoln Navigator problems?
Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (8), power train (7), fuel/propulsion system (4), fuel system (4).
How much does a 2021 Lincoln Navigator cost to own for 5 years?
About $73,173 over 5 years ($1,220/month) at an estimated $38,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.