Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Lincoln Navigator powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Navigator | 7 |
| 2015 Navigator | 5 |
| 2018 Navigator (this page) | 16 |
| 2019 Navigator | 19 |
| 2020 Navigator | 16 |
| 2021 Navigator | 5 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 16 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Among the 9 model years of Lincoln Navigator in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2132. Reason for update: update the Part List Description and Labor Times Description Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) This may be due to axial mo
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 24-2046 to update the Service Procedure LTIS statement. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that are stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator powertrain exhibits a constellation of failures that recur despite multiple dealer interventions. Transmission jerking and hard shifting start as early as 20,000 miles, with owners reporting abrupt shifts from 1st to 3rd gear so violent you hear and feel impact. At highway speeds (50+ mph), vehicles downshift unexpectedly or lose forward propulsion entirely—a loud clunk precedes shuddering and no control, creating potential for head-on collision during passing maneuvers. Transmission warning lights and service indicators illuminate repeatedly. Dealers perform flushes and software updates claiming resolution, but failures return within weeks. Some owners have needed transmission replacement; one independent shop replaced the unit, only to see identical failure three weeks later. At 72,000 miles, one owner's Navigator stalled at a traffic light after steering wheel vibration and loss of acceleration at 60 mph—the vehicle wouldn't restart. A pending recall (Campaign 25E070000) lacks available parts.
Engine overheating occurs across vehicle lifespans, with coolant loss and excessive fan noise. One owner documented three separate overheating incidents despite prior repairs. A cooling hose connector reportedly blew out, forcing a family to pull to the highway shoulder. Differential bearings fail, requiring complete front-end rebuilds—one owner faced a second rebuild after only 70,000 miles of service. One vehicle moved forward on its own while parked in neutral on an incline. Dealers frequently report "no codes" and cannot duplicate issues, leaving owners with safety hazards and expensive out-of-warranty repairs.
Same Lincoln Navigator powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission jerking, hard shifting, and loss of power
Transmission exhibits abrupt jerking, hard shifts (especially 1st to 3rd gear), momentary loss of forward propulsion, downshifting into lower gears unexpectedly at highway speeds, or complete failure to accelerate despite depressing the pedal. Some owners report a loud clunk followed by shuddering and no control. Transmission may slip into neutral briefly or fail to respond to driver input.
When: 20,000 miles and beyond; incidents occur during acceleration, passing, city driving, and highway speeds (50+ mph). Multiple recurrences within weeks to months.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting audible and felt; Loss of forward propulsion; Downshifting unexpectedly at highway speed; Loud clunk followed by shuddering; Transmission warning light and service indicator illuminated; Complete failure to accelerate; Brief neutral engagement; Flaring and poor torque converter engagement; Engine revving while wheels lose power
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light, Service indicator light, Differential reference code
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission flush performed but ineffective; transmission replacement required but often fails again within weeks. Some owners cite $10,000 figure for new transmission. TSBs issued but repairs deferred. One owner reports reprogramming performed under 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, then manufacturer refused further repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25E070000 (Power Train) pending parts availability. TSBs issued (including TSB 23-2143 regarding VCT unit). Manufacturer stated computer updates resolved issue but failures persisted. Dealer unable to duplicate many occurrences.
Engine overheating and cooling system failures
Engine temperature rises abnormally despite prior repairs. Multiple overheating incidents documented at widely separated intervals. One owner reports cooling hose connector failure causing engine overheat on highway.
When: Reported across vehicle lifespan; one owner documented overheating in May 2025, December 2025, and February 2026. Another reports issue at 86,000 miles. Connector failure early in operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature rising abnormally; Coolant loss requiring reservoir additions; Excessive fan noise; Cooling hose connector blowout; Multiple overheating events despite prior repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Heater hose replacement performed. Cooling hose connector blowout reported as common problem (owner references YouTube video). Transmission flush attempted as diagnostic step.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Authorized Lincoln dealership inspections and repairs performed under warranty processes. Manufacturer has not issued documented recall for cooling connector issue despite owner claim it is known problem.
Differential bearing failure
Front differential bearings deteriorate, requiring complete system rebuild. One owner reports this is second rebuild during ownership, with 70,000-mile interval between failures.
When: First failure at 79,000 miles; second failure at 149,000 miles (70,000-mile interval)
Symptoms owners cite: Front differential bearing wear requiring rebuild; Loud grinding noise from front wheel area during low-RPM front-wheel-drive operation
Repairs/costs cited: Complete front differential system rebuild required. Owner questions viability of 70,000-mile service life.
Vehicle moving in park without key ignition
Vehicle began moving forward independently while parked and unoccupied on incline. Owner had to intervene and apply brakes. Possibly related to powertrain control issue.
When: At approximately 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moving forward while in park; No key in ignition; Vehicle moving down hill uncontrolled
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was driven to residence after incident; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware. Dealer unable to duplicate. Possibly related to NHTSA Campaign 18V213000 (power train).
Transmission stalling and restart failure
While driving at highway speed, transmission warning light illuminated, vehicle lost acceleration response, steering wheel vibrated, and vehicle stalled at traffic light. After towing and replacement, failure recurred within three weeks with identical symptoms.
When: Approximately 72,000 miles at failure onset
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibration at highway speed (60 mph); Loss of acceleration despite pedal depression; Vehicle stalling at traffic light; Inability to restart after stalling; Transmission warning light illuminated; Service indicator light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light, Service indicator light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced by independent mechanic. Failure recurred within three weeks. Spark plugs and unknown transmission part replaced on second visit. Vehicle not repaired on third visit as owner declined further service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25E070000 (Power Train) cited; however, recall repair parts were not yet available. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable time frame for recall repair per owner.
Cam phaser and engine vibration
Engine vibration requiring diagnostic investigation and repair. Cam phaser failure documented and repaired at authorized dealer.
When: Not specified in narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Engine vibration; Excessive fan noise; Whining sound while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Cam phaser repair performed. Short block engine repair required in one instance. Extensive diagnostics approved through warranty.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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.
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)
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…
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.
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…
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.…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 79,800 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Lincoln/Navigator.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.