Ford has issued a recall affecting more than 35,000 Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2015-2017 model years after discovering that LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors could short circuit and potentially start fires. The recall, which was first reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on February 14, affects 35,328 vehicles across the United States.
The LED puddle lamps that project the Lincoln logo onto the ground when drivers approach their vehicles may develop corrosion and short circuits, creating a fire hazard. While Lincoln has told federal safety regulators it’s not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue, the company is moving forward with the recall out of an abundance of caution.
Navigator owners who own one of the affected vehicles will receive notification letters around March 24 detailing how to get the problem fixed at no cost. The repair involves disconnecting the LED light wires rather than replacing the entire mirror assembly, allowing dealers to address the safety concern quickly.
Why More Than 35,000 Lincoln Navigators Have Been Recalled
Ford has pulled more than 35,000 Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the road due to faulty LED lighting in the exterior mirrors that can short circuit and potentially catch fire. The recall affects vehicles from model years 2015 through 2017 and stems from a defect in the welcome lighting system.
Details of the Fire Risk and Short Circuit Hazard
The LED logo lamps within the exterior mirror assemblies may short circuit without triggering the vehicle’s short detection threshold. This electrical malfunction allows heat to build up in the mirror housing, creating a potential fire hazard even when the vehicle is parked.
The problem specifically involves the LED puddle lamps that illuminate the ground when drivers approach their vehicles. These welcome lighting features are designed to project the Lincoln logo, but a design flaw allows them to overheat. According to reports, Lincoln has told federal safety regulators that the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this exterior mirror fire risk.
The short circuit can occur in either the driver or passenger side mirror assembly. Unlike typical electrical faults that trip protective systems, this defect bypasses safety mechanisms entirely.
Models, Years, and Components Affected
The navigator recall covers 35,328 vehicles spanning three model years:
Affected Vehicles:
- 2015 Lincoln Navigator
- 2016 Lincoln Navigator
- 2017 Lincoln Navigator
All variants of these model years are included in the recall, regardless of trim level or equipment package. The recall number 25S08 applies specifically to this campaign and can be used when contacting dealers or checking vehicle status.
The defective component is limited to the exterior mirror assemblies containing LED logo lamps. Rather than replacing the entire mirrors, dealers will disconnect the LED light wires free of charge as the remedy.
Timeline and Key Events Leading to the Recall
Ford first reported the lincoln recall to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on February 14, 2025. The NHTSA officially published the safety recall shortly after receiving Ford’s notification.
Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed to owners around March 24, 2025. Affected owners can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 and reference recall number 25S08 for assistance.
The recall demonstrates Ford’s response to a fire risk identified through internal testing and monitoring. Vehicle owners can verify their 2017 Lincoln Navigator or other affected model years by entering their VIN into the NHTSA recall database or contacting the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
What Lincoln Navigator Owners Need to Know and Next Steps
Owners should verify if their vehicle falls under recall number 25S08 and contact their dealer to schedule a free repair. Lincoln has established support channels to help customers through the process.
How to Check if Your Vehicle Is Affected
Navigator owners can determine if their vehicle is part of this recall by visiting the NHTSA recall check website and entering their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield and on vehicle registration documents.
Owners can also check Lincoln’s recall portal using the same VIN lookup method. The recall affects over 35,000 Navigator models where LED logo lamp potting material failed to properly adhere to wiring, potentially allowing water intrusion that could cause a short circuit and fire risk.
Lincoln has stated it will notify affected owners by mail with details about recall number 25S08. However, owners shouldn’t wait for the letter to arrive if they want to verify their vehicle’s status immediately.
What to Do If Your Navigator Is Recalled
Affected owners should contact their local Lincoln dealer to schedule a service appointment. The dealership will disconnect the wire to the LED logo lamp at no charge to eliminate the fire hazard.
Owners should not attempt to fix this issue themselves. The repair must be performed by authorized Lincoln service technicians who have received specific instructions for this recall. The work is covered entirely under the recall program regardless of warranty status or vehicle mileage.
Customer Service and Support Contacts
Lincoln customers needing assistance can reach out through multiple channels. The Ford Customer Relationship Center is available at (800) 392-3673 for questions about the recall process and to locate participating dealers.
Owners experiencing safety concerns can also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline to report issues. While Lincoln has told NHTSA it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this defect, customers should report any problems they encounter with their LED logo lamps or related electrical components.
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