Selling a junk or broken Lincoln Navigator

An old Navigator with a dead engine, or a newer one that isn't worth the repair, can go as one piece. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Five generations, from Wikipedia

Complaint figures are owner reports in NHTSA's October 10, 2026 file. The fifth generation's single year has barely begun to gather them.

1998-2002: tires and a switch that could burn

The first five years hold 546 complaints, and tires lead each of the first four: 47 on the 1998, 29, 38, then 20. Owners also marked 67 complaints on these years as involving a fire.

The fire recall here is the speed control deactivation switch. Campaign 05V388000 covers 1998-2002 trucks and says the switch can overheat, smoke or burn. It counted 4,500,000 Ford pickups and SUVs. A related campaign, 05V017000, covers the 2000.

Early recalls also include 97V171000, where the shift cable on 1998 trucks could come loose from its bracket; 98V095000, where lug nuts on 1997-1998 trucks might not clamp the wheel firmly; and 00V073000, which replaced trailer hitch bolts on 1997-2000 trucks.

2003-2006: suspension

The second generation has 321 complaints, and suspension leads 2003 through 2005 (31, 21 and 8) and is second in 2006 (12), behind engine and cooling (13). That is 72 of the model's 113 suspension complaints. The 2003 through 2005 are listed in no recall campaigns at all; the 2006 is in 3.

2007-2017: the quiet years

Eleven model years, 231 complaints. Wikipedia says production moved from Wayne, Michigan to the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville in 2009. Recall 25V572000 inspects and replaces the rearview camera on 2015-2017 trucks, in a 1,456,417-vehicle campaign that also covers the MKC, Expedition and Super Duty.

2018-2024: power train, fires and many recalls

The fourth generation has 244 complaints, and power train leads the 2018 (14), 2019 (21) and 2020 (18). Recall 26V402000 covers 2018-2021 trucks: the transmission park pawl may engage while moving. Its 741,195 vehicles include the Expedition, Explorer, Aviator and F-150.

Two fire recalls tell owners to park outside until the repair is done: 22V346000 on the 2021 and 25V628000 on the 2020. Recall 25V455000 deals with the low-pressure fuel pump on 2021-2022 trucks, and two campaigns replace wiper arms that can break (22V250000 and 26V204000). The 2019 also has 20 seat belt complaints.

Year-by-year table

From NHTSA's complaint file, October 10, 2026. Recall campaigns are counted per model year and often span several years.

Fix or sell?

1. Search the VIN on NHTSA's site. On a 2020 or 2021, check for the park-outside fire recalls first.
2. Transmission slipping or locking up? On a 2018-2021, ask a Lincoln dealer about 26V402000. Our bad transmission guide covers the rest.
3. Engine failure on an older 5.4? See blown engine for how to weigh it.
4. Compare the repair with the truck's running value. If it's close, read repairs cost more than it's worth.

Selling a Navigator whole

1. Find the VIN and the mileage, and say 2WD, 4WD or the long L.
2. Report whether the wheels turn and the tires stay up. A Navigator that can't roll is heavy to load, so describe the driveway or lot and the space beside it.
3. Leave it in one piece, running boards and wheels included. Mention anything that's gone.
4. Get an offer online or call (877) 421-6008. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
5. Find the title. Still owe on it? See still owe on the loan. After the sale, after you sell covers plates and insurance.

Other Lincolns: the Aviator, MKX, MKT, or the full Lincoln list.