Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin Index / 2018-LINCOLN-NAVIGATOR / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2018 Lincoln Navigator owner complaints

46 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 2 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

powertrain 6 complaints shown

15 total in this category · severe · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/28/2023 ODI #11562408.0

The car has slip transmission issue, that can’t be fixed, the front of the car makes loud grinding noise from the front wheel area when riding on front wheel drive, with low RPM, this has been brought up multiple times with ford and linclon while they and car service provider represented by ford and Lincoln keeps denying.

11/15/2023 Fire ODI #11555223.0

Connector for cooling hoses blew out causing engine to overheat and stand my family on the highway. This appears to be a common problem that someone did a YouTube video on it. I have put the video link below. Please have them recall before someone gets hurt. Ford Lincoln does not respond. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

11/12/2025 72,000 mi ODI #11699035.0

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V598000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25E070000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair on the Power Train was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and when the vehicle stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. After several attempts the vehicle failed to restart. The transmission warning light and the service indicator light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The transmission was replaced. After three weeks, the fail

10/11/2025 ODI #11692805.0

Transmission is having major issues with flaring and shifting. Vehicle has trouble engaging torque convertor, vehicle almost seems to stall out when accelerating with heavy traffic due to transmission engaging poorly.

10/11/2025 ODI #11692806.0

Front differential - entire system needs to be rebuilt due to bearings going bad. While the vehicle has not ceased up due to the differential bearing, it is a Safety issue and known to Ford. Note this is the second time I’ve personally had to have the front end rebuilt in this vehicle. First time at 79,000 miles and now again at 149,000. Giving me a 70,000 mile service life. How is that possible that a differential only last 70,000 miles.

08/23/2023 ODI #11540387.0

While driving at a speed of 55-60mph, I tried to pass slower vehicles on three different occasions during the same trip on a two lane road. I pushed the accelerator to the floor and pulled the car into the lane to my left. I felt and heard a very loud clunk, revving up of the engine, and total loss of power at the wheels. I quickly moved backinto my original lane and let up on the accelerator. After a 5-10 seconds, power returned to the wheels and I was able to reaccelerate. I was able to pass the aforementioned vehicles, albeit using a more gradual acceleration. I have previously had the vehicle inspected for two identical episodes at a Lincoln dealer. Unfortunately, they reported that the service techs were unable to duplicate the problem. If this were a standard transmission vehicle, I

steering 3 complaints shown

5 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $700 · see steering cluster analysis →
12/19/2025 ODI #11706095.0

Vehicle: 2018 Lincoln Navigator VIN: [XXX] Component: Steering Mileage: 103899 Complaint Narrative: I recently purchased a 2018 Lincoln Navigator and took delivery on December 10, 2025. Within days of delivery, I observed a metallic contact noise originating from beneath the steering column. The noise occurs consistently when the vehicle is turned off, within one to three seconds after ignition off, and intermittently while driving during steering input, particularly while making turns. The sound is best described as metal on metal contact, not an electronic relay or normal operational noise. The condition appears load dependent and reproducible. The steering response remains functional at this time, and no warning indicators are present. However, because the noise occurs during activ

09/27/2025 ODI #11690091.0

The back up camera will randomly black out. The steering wheel motor is broke and the steering wheel does not adjust. Needed a new air conditioner motor, timing chain, had a transmission leak, wheel axel leak. This is a safety hazard and caused a huge financial strain.

08/23/2024 70,000 mi ODI #11610402.0

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a clunking noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering rack was replaced the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

engine 3 complaints shown

6 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
11/26/2024 ODI #11627515.0

The car rattles very loudly upon starting every time it is started. I have lost acceleration power while driving through intersections. I took to dealership and it is confirmed it is the cam phasers. No lights have come on in dash.

11/18/2021 36,060 mi ODI #11440952.0

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of Manufacturer Recall Number: 21B10 (CAM Phaser PCM Reprogram). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed the recall repair. After the recall repair, the engine was rattling during start-up. The contact then received notification of Manufacturer Recall Number: 21N03 (CAM Phaser Replacement). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with the engine rattling on cold start. The dealer replaced the Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and performed TSB 21-2119. The failure recurred while the contact was driving at 60 mph. There was a rattling noise coming from the engine and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that an unknow

11/15/2021 6,126 mi ODI #11440563.0

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a design failure and was caused by oil not being pumped up to the timing chain properly. The contact stated that he received an unknown customer satisfaction program for the failure however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair were not yet available. The contact also stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to inadvertently decelerate. The contact did not recall whether there were warning ligh

other 3 complaints shown

11/18/2021 110,000 mi Fire ODI #11440925.0

The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, she was advised to veer to the side of the road as there was a fire underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she smelled a strong gas odor. The contact veered to the side of the road and quickly exited the vehicle. The contact stated that as she turned around, she saw the vehicle on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was still awaiting a call back

10/27/2023 ODI #11552228.0

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was/ not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

09/22/2021 ODI #11433943.0

The rear backup camera is not working when you put the vehicle in reverse. I was told it was an issue with the camera, they replaced the camera - which I paid for - and its still not working! Then they said its not the camera - again, I paid for a NEW camera, and they still have not been able to fix my vehicle. Today is Sept 22, they have had my car since Sept 1!!!! They've had it 3 weeks and have not been able to fix it! I did some research and found that the 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Aviators have this problem and have been recalled. Someone also needs to recall the Navigator cause its also having this problem! Here is the recall info for the Aviator: Vehicles recalled: 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Aviator The problem: The video feed from the backup camera might not display when the SUV is in Re

electrical 2 complaints shown

5 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
10/02/2025 ODI #11691109.0

The moonroof drain hoses are not secured and is known problem with other Navigator and Expedition owners. I became aware while troubleshooting why the liftgate would not open. The procedure to access the Rear Gate Trunk Module (RGTM) requires the removal of the 3rd row seats, C & D pillars and several cabin panels. After the removal of these items I noticed the insulation under the carpet and behind the panels were drenched. The Reserve trim on my Navigator has very dense carpet and a backing that does not let the moisture evaporate over time. Rather, it retains water almost indefinitely. Upon removing these items and the front row kick panels, I discovered the water was 3” deep. Because of this leak, the water submerges numerous wiring harnesses throughout the cabin that affects nearly al

09/18/2024 ODI #11615121.0

The side mirrors, which are power adjusted, either will not properly adjust to the same setting when they first fold out when you start the car, or they will start moving when you start driving. This happens nearly every time the car is started. I have talked to fellow Ford F-150 owners who have the same problem. This causes a serious safety concern, especially when they start adjusting as you start driving because then you cannot safely see any obstacles beside the car and the warning light if someone is beside you does not work effectively. If I start my car and go to back out of a parking spot or driveway and the mirror start adjusting so suddenly I'm looking at the pavement instead of what is beside me, you can see why that would pose a safety concern to myself and anybody who may be p

seatbelts 1 complaint shown

12/18/2024 ODI #11631398.0

The passenger side seatbelt will not retract or move (Locked in position that will not allow the passenger to buckle the belt)

lighting 1 complaint shown

10/05/2023 64,000 mi ODI #11548381.0

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a relative following behind in another vehicle became aware that the brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with brake light failure. The contact was informed that the brake lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

visibility 1 complaint shown

09/03/2020 18,000 mi ODI #11353078.0

The back-up camera system is inoperable. When vehicle is shifted into reverse, the screen that is supposed to display an image from the back-up camera of the area behind the vehicle is blacked out. I was informed by my local Lincoln dealer's service department that the back-up camera is defective and that, unfortunately, replacement cameras are on an indefinite nation-wide back order with no eta in sight. I feel that this is a serious safety hazard.

Showing 300 of 46 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Lincoln/Navigator#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.