Model year guide

2012 Lincoln Navigator

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Lincoln Navigator is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 48 on record.

2012 Lincoln Navigator — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Lincoln Navigator at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints12
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$29,321

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Lincoln Navigator recalls 3

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #16V248000 · 27/04/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm) NHTSA Campaign #12V190000 · 03/05/2012

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANG…

Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Seats:mid/rear Assembly NHTSA Campaign #12V034000 · 02/02/2012

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.

Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Lincoln Navigator common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2012 Lincoln Navigator MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,975

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Lincoln Navigator worth?

Low
$23,800
Typical price
$29,321
High
$35,100

From 47 comparable 2012 Lincoln Navigator listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Lincoln Navigator costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$18,100
Total$37,975
Per mile$0.51

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($29,321) with the same model 5 model-years older ($11,199), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Lincoln Navigator trims & engines on record

Trims
L · Base
Engines
5.4L 8-cyl 310 hp

2012 Lincoln Navigator vehicles on record

Other Lincoln Navigator model years

2012 Lincoln Navigator — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Lincoln Navigator have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lincoln Navigator?

Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, suspension, tires.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Lincoln Navigator get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Lincoln Navigator at about 16 mpg combined (14 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2012 Lincoln Navigator worth?

Comparable 2012 Lincoln Navigator listings run roughly $23,800–$35,100, typically around $29,321 (from 47 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.