2017 Lincoln Navigator Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Sell your car for what it's worth.
Every receipt, every service, one signed PDF you hand the buyer. OSC is the paperwork trail your resale price depends on.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Quick Facts · 2017 Lincoln Navigator
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the service brakes, hydraulic:power assist.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Lincoln Navigator earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: air suspension system (major severity).
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator at a glance
- Is the 2017 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2017 Lincoln Navigator 78/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A comfortable and capable luxury SUV, but budget for the inevitable air suspension and electrical repairs.
- Should I buy a used 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The 2017 Lincoln Navigator can be a fantastic used luxury SUV, offering immense comfort and capability for its price. However, its known expensive weaknesses, particularly the air suspension and certain electrical components, mean it's not a 'set it and forget it' vehicle. Buy one only if you're prepared to address…
- Which Lincoln Navigator years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2015-2017 (final years of this generation are generally sorted, but still prone to air suspension issues). Years to avoid: None explicitly, but understand that all years of this generation carry the same air suspension risks..
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
- The top failure points on the 2017 Lincoln Navigator are Air Suspension System (typically around 60,000-100,000 miles), Electrical System (typically around 40,000-80,000 miles), Timing Chain (3.5L EcoBoost) (typically around 90,000-140,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2017 Lincoln Navigator is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the vehicle should still be under its original factory warranty (if applicable) and performing optimally. Focus on regular fluid changes and tire rotations.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator is a powerful and luxurious full-size SUV that offers a compelling blend of comfort and capability. However, it requires careful consideration due to common issues with its sophisticated air suspension and potential electrical gremlins that can lead to costly repairs. This vehicle can be a great value if you understand its weaknesses and commit to proactive maintenance.
The 2017 Lincoln Navigator can be a fantastic used luxury SUV, offering immense comfort and capability for its price. However, its known expensive weaknesses, particularly the air suspension and certain electrical components, mean it's not a 'set it and forget it' vehicle. Buy one only if you're prepared to address…
Best Model Years
2015-2017 (final years of this generation are generally sorted, but still prone to air suspension issues)
Years to Avoid
None explicitly, but understand that all years of this generation carry the same air suspension risks.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine (when maintained)
- Luxurious, spacious, and comfortable interior
- Excellent towing and hauling capabilities
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Lincoln Navigator, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The self-leveling air suspension is a frequent failure point. Components like air springs (bags), the air compressor, and height sensors are known to fail, leading to a sagging vehicle or a rough ride.
Owners report issues ranging from power running board failures, infotainment system glitches (SYNC 3), sensor malfunctions (e.g., parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring), to battery drain, often due to module failures or wiring issues.
While generally robust, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine can develop timing chain stretch, particularly if oil change intervals are neglected. This can lead to a 'rattling' sound on startup and requires significant repair.
2017 Lincoln Navigator Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Lincoln Navigator most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the vehicle should still be under its original factory warranty (if applicable) and performing optimally. Focus on regular fluid changes and tire rotations.
Maintenance Zone
This is a critical period for preventative maintenance. Major services, spark plug replacement, and addressing early signs of common issues become important. Air suspension components may start showing early signs of wear.
Elevated Risk Zone
Expect potential failures of original wear items. The air suspension compressor and airbags are highly likely to need attention. Timing chain stretch can become noticeable.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, component failures become more frequent. Major repairs for the engine (timing chain), transmission, or full suspension overhaul are strong possibilities. Comprehensive inspection is vital.
2017 Lincoln Navigator Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Lincoln Navigator on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$600-900
Moderate Repairs
$800-2,500 occasionally (e.g., power running board, minor electrical fixes)
How Long Does the 2017 Lincoln Navigator Last?
Focus on well-maintained examples under 80,000 miles to minimize immediate major repair costs, but anticipate significant expenses as the vehicle approaches six-figure mileage for known weaknesses.
What 2017 Lincoln Navigator Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional interior comfort and quietness on long trips.
- Powerful EcoBoost engine provides ample acceleration and towing capacity.
- Spacious third-row seating, unlike many competitors.
- Luxurious appointments and quality materials for the price point.
Common Frustrations
- Significantly higher fuel consumption than expected, especially with the EcoBoost.
- Recurring issues and high repair costs for the problematic air suspension system.
- Frustrating electrical glitches with the infotainment and power accessories.
- Large turning radius makes city driving and parking cumbersome.
Who Should Buy the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
Best For
- Families needing serious towing capacity and luxurious passenger space.
- Buyers prioritizing ride comfort and interior quietness.
- Individuals who understand and are prepared for luxury SUV maintenance costs.
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for low long-term ownership costs.
- Anyone who neglects routine maintenance or avoids preventative repairs.
How the 2017 Lincoln Navigator Compares to Rivals
The Navigator offers competitive luxury and power for its class, but its reliability places it in the middle of the pack for large American luxury SUVs. It struggles to match the bulletproof reputations of Japanese rivals, particularly concerning complex systems like the air s…
More Reliable Than
- Cadillac Escalade (similar year, often more complex electrical issues)
- Infiniti QX80 (similar issues with air suspension, less refined engine)
Comparable To
- Ford Expedition (shares many underpinnings, similar engine/transmission reliability)
- GMC Yukon Denali (similar luxury SUV class, often with its own suspension issues)
NHTSA Recalls
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
What breaks on the 2017 Lincoln Navigator?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
Sell your 2017 Lincoln Navigator for what it's actually worth.
Log every service. Sell with a signed PDF. Every receipt, mileage-verified, in the buyer's hands.
Lincoln Navigator by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Lincoln Navigator. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Lincoln Navigator
Parts and accessories matched to your 2017 Lincoln Navigator
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the 2017 Lincoln Navigator report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Sell your 2017 Lincoln Navigator for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Lincoln Navigator. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Recommended Reading for the Lincoln Navigator
Most Expensive Cars to Maintain (2026 Rankings)
Most Reliable Used SUVs Under $15,000 in 2026
Find the most reliable used SUVs under $15,000 in 2026. Expert insights on Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson.
Worst Used Cars to Buy (Avoid These Years)
Avoid costly mistakes! Discover the worst used cars and years to skip for reliability, saving you thousands in unexpected repairs. Get Autojunket's expe…