After losing their last two games Paul Ince's team were desperate to kick-start their season once again and were indebted to the former Tranmere player who neatly controlled a Kevin McIntyre long throw before drilling home a low left-foot shot in the 86th minute.
It was just reward for Macclesfield's sustained pressure and they might have stolen all the points at the death when a powerful John Miles drive flashed inches past the far post.
Macc had started the game more brightly with giant striker Matty McNeil fluffing a chip in the fifth minute allowing Lee Jones to make an easy save.
Navarro then raced through in the 15th minute but was denied a shot on goal from close range by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Ricky Ravenhill.
Ravenhill then showed his prowess at the other end as he ghosted into the box to slot home a 10 yard shot to convert a pinpoint cross from debut striker Gregg Blundell.
Macclesfield went into their shells and Darlington might have added another when Clark Keltie thundered a drive that was well-saved by Tommy Lee.
Macclesfield looked rejuvenated after the break and were only thwarted in the 50th minute by a breathtaking double save from new keeper Jones.
First he blocked a Danny Swailes volley before clawing wide a pinpoint Matthew Tipton header. Tipton then squandered two golden chances, scuffing a shot straight at Jones before lobbing a volley over the bar in the 80th minute.