1998 Lincoln Navigator Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 8%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator, 8% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Wheels are not safe and very dangerous and randomly breaking off all screws while driving and ruined the frame and drive shaft transmission suspension etc... …”
NHTSA complaint #10854253, filed 2016-04, 69,291 miles“Having the same problem as a recall on the NHTSA website (NHTSA campaign number 97v171000). Component: power train:automatic transmission:gear position indicator there has been a recall on this model , but this vehicle is not under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10127595, filed 2005-07, 113,000 miles“I have a 1998 Lincoln Navigator that is exhibiting issues with the transmission gear shift. There is currently a recall on certain vehicles but ford is telling me that my vehicle is not affected. I'm wondering how the same year and model affected in the recall that is now exhibiting the same issues, is not included in the recall? It is ford campaign # 97s86.”
NHTSA complaint #10264004, filed 2009-04“This is a very serious safety problem -danger ! I have no vehicle and ford motor co. Refuses to help. What if there had been a child in front of my car. It starts in reverse and drive. The vehicle was started in drive, accelerated forward and hit a tree before I could stop it. Please investigate as soon as possible. Someone could have been seriously hurt or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #743067, filed 2001-03“While driving at highway speeds the transmission on my Navigator went out and caused me to almost be killed on the ohio turnpike. This happened 3 times and all the dealer could do was insult me. I hope that no one else has this problem b/c if it weren't for my driving ability I would be sending this from the grave!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #735433, filed 2000-10Related recalls
- 97V171000Oct 7, 1997Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached…Covers: Lincoln Navigator 1998, Ford F-150 1997–1998, Expedition 1997–1998 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10017892Apr 1, 2005Rear axle noise repair.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 25% |
| 2022 | 1 | 5% |
| 2021 | 6 | 18% |
| 2020 | 18 | 56% |
| 2019 | 24 | 28% |
| 2018 | 20 | 38% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 2 | 8% |
| 2015 | 5 | 24% |
| 2014 | 7 | 41% |
| 2013 | 6 | 43% |
| 2012 | 5 | 42% |
| 2011 | 2 | 22% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
| 2008 | 2 | 7% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 10% |
| 2005 | 5 | 10% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 13 | 10% |
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 7 | 9% |
| 2000 | 10 | 9% |
| 1999 | 8 | 6% |
| 1998 | 16 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator
48 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsEngine cooling
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 31, 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