1998 Lincoln Navigator Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 8%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 124,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator, 8% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,500 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 14 june 08, my mother's 98 Lincoln Navigator caught fire while parked in my garage, it burned my garage and there was enough damage that I was moved out of my house. I filed a claim with ford and they denied my claim because they stated that nc law states that they don't have to cover a vehicle if it is over 6 years old.”
NHTSA complaint #10231848, filed 2008-06, 167,000 miles“I was driving and smoke started to fill the 1998 Lincoln Navigator while pulling over flames started coming from the hood and from under the vehicle. I could see fire on the ground behind me. I pulled over and jump out just in time to see flames inside the vehicle and the whole thing burned.”
NHTSA complaint #10224166, filed 2008-04, 109,000 miles“1) driving up mountain pass, 65 MPH with children in car, truck started aggressively shaking, check engine light blinking ,had to pull off to far right lane with diesel truck on my rear end. Smell of gas in cab, had to get children out of car, had to stand by busy highway in the dark for help. 2) blown spark plug - stripped the spark plug hole, burned coil 3) car in repair shop for 2 weeks, replaced cylinder head, coil, spark plug. Car still bucks , taking back to shop as I do not trust car. I see many, many posts on internet with same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10102807, filed 2004-12, 135,000 miles“I drove from maine to mass. Approx 170 miles, we stopped at my boyfriends mothers house for 20 min. I got back in my car started it up and it had a horrendous noise under the hood. It sounded like a motorcycle was in my engine. I did not feel safe to drive it anywhere. We had to have it towed home and our mechanic told us the bad ...awful news and the expense. I have a blown spark plug and need a helicoil resulting in a new motor or mine being taken apart (which one is cheaper) I am a single mom and cannot afford to replace the part as I have a $350 a month payment on this vehicle!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10160595, filed 2006-06, 94,000 miles“The radiator in my Navigator failed due to busted core tubes and seaking seams. I have contacted the dealership and they requested an invoice with reason for replacement. I sent this information to them and they never contacted me as to whether I would be reimbursed. I then called themn and they said they would return my call of which they never did. I then filed complaints with consumer protection agency, fla. Dept. Of agriculture & consumer services, and called other agencies. …”
NHTSA complaint #750544, filed 2001-08Related service bulletins
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014685Mar 21, 2005Use of stainless steel exhaust studs in service for 5.4l 2v engine.
- 10014666Mar 7, 2005Intermittent rough idle - non-commanded egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) flow.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 20% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 13 | 22% |
| 2005 | 5 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 10 | 8% |
| 2002 | 7 | 22% |
| 2001 | 4 | 5% |
| 2000 | 7 | 6% |
| 1999 | 22 | 17% |
| 1998 | 16 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator
48 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsWheels
15 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Lincoln Navigator
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology