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EnginePart report

1998 Lincoln Navigator Engine Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
2%of 192 total for the year
Median mileage
165,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator, 2% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 165,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Spark plug blew out at 45 MPH w/o warning. Took to dealership and got back next day. 2 days later, engine light on, was told by same dealership that I had faulty vacuum hoses. More money spent. Now ABS light is on after changing all front end brake components. Also dash lights stay on even with all other lights are off.”

NHTSA complaint #10499915, filed 2013-02, 165,000 miles

“Car was parked in the driveway. Had not been running or started in over a week. Spontaneously caught fire and burned up. Vehicle is totaled and our garage and front fascia received fire and water damage.”

NHTSA complaint #10560780, filed 2014-01, 162,000 miles

“The contact owns a 1998 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that after adding fuel to the vehicle smoke emitted from the engine compartment followed by a thermal event. The failure was not diagnosed nor was it repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. ..updated 07-17-13 the consumer stated after pumping gas a strange clicking noise was heard on the driver's side. The drivere turned the vehicle on and off with the same result. Smoke then emerged from the hood. A fire started on the passenger's side. A thump was heard and the vehicle began to leak fluids.. The fire went out. …”

NHTSA complaint #10520424, filed 2013-06, 328,251 miles

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202416%
2023114%
2022210%
2021824%
202039%
20191113%
20181223%
201713%
201614%
2015419%
2014212%
2013214%
2011111%
2010213%
2009110%
200813%
200737%
2006915%
2005510%
200422%
200343%
200226%
200145%
200011%
199922%
199832%

Other parts of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator

Tires
48 complaints
Suspension
25 complaints
Steering
22 complaints
Electrical system
21 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Engine cooling
16 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
16 complaints
Wheels
15 complaints
Brakes
9 complaints
Body and structure
8 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
Air bags
6 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