This article supersedes 22-2475 to update the Issue Statement and Service Procedure. Some 2018-2021 Navigator vehicles may exhibit a grinding, growling, or clicking noise or inoperative power steering column during telescoping/raking operation. This may be due to a body control module B (BCMB) software issue. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the BCMB module and replace the steering column telescope or rake actuators.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Lincoln Navigator steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Navigator (this page) | 5 |
| 2021 Navigator | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 5 steering 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
Some 2018-2021 Navigator vehicles may exhibit a grinding, growling or clicking noise or inoperative power steering column during telescoping/raking operation. This may be due to the steering column telescope or rake actuators. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the steering column actuators and reprogram the column and pedal memory module (BCMB).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018-2021 Navigator vehicles may exhibit a grinding, growling, or clicking noise during ingress and egress/driver memory function or when manually adjusting the power tilt or telescoping functions of the steering column. This noise may be caused by the steering column tilt or telescopic motors. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 211-04, General Procedures > Steering Column Motor Lubrication. Follow the steps to address the noise through lubrication. If the noise persists, replace the suspect motor as directed by the Workshop Manual. These motors are both serviceable separately from the steering column assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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…
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.
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…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 48,048 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.