It's not unusual for automakers to issue recalls for new vehicles due to fire hazards, and in many cases, such issues are linked to problems with the engine or the fuel system. However, in a rather unexpected turn, more than 35,000 Lincoln Navigator SUVs are being recalled across the United States due to a fire risk associated with their exterior lighting system. Specifically, the LED logo lights integrated into the side mirrors have been identified as a potential fire hazard. This particular recall affects Navigator models produced between January 17, 2014, and June 30, 2017. A total of 35,328 vehicles are involved in this recall, and the company has confirmed that every single unit within this group is believed to have the defect.
The problem is rooted in the design and materials used for the LED logo lamp assemblies located in the driver and passenger side mirrors. According to Lincoln, these LED components are susceptible to short-circuiting without triggering the vehicle’s onboard short-circuit detection system. This is due to an issue with the polyurethane potting compound, which is supposed to seal the electrical connections within the LED housing. Unfortunately, in these vehicles, the material does not properly bond with the wire terminals. As a result, it can leave small openings or cracks that allow moisture or other conductive substances to seep into the internal circuit board. Over time, this moisture infiltration can cause corrosion, which may eventually result in a short circuit. In the worst-case scenario, this could ignite a fire.
The problem first came to the manufacturer’s attention in September 2024, when a 2017 Lincoln Navigator's mirror assembly reportedly caught fire in Canada. Following this incident, another case emerged involving a fire that started when a Navigator was remotely started in early 2020. These events prompted further investigation, revealing a history of similar cases. As of February 4, 2025, Lincoln had documented four warranty claims, two field reports, and three customer service reports involving fires related to this defect in the U.S., all occurring between August 2017 and December 2022.
Owners of affected vehicles can expect to receive official notification about the recall beginning March 24. Interestingly, rather than replacing the faulty mirror assemblies entirely, Ford has opted for a simpler remedy: dealerships will disconnect the power supply to the LED logo lamps, effectively eliminating the risk without the need for a full replacement.