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Lincoln NavigatorModel year report

2018 Lincoln Navigator Problems

Compared with other Lincoln Navigator years

Typical for this model

56/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016, 2017

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
52filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
57,500miles, 20 complaints with mileage
Recalls
12campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
19 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report transmission problems, such as harsh or delayed shifting, sudden loss of drive, and shifter or park-related faults. Cold-start rattling tied to the cam phaser and variable cam timing system is the next largest group, followed by rear backup camera failures where owners say replacement parts were unavailable. Complaints for this model year are trending upward.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission shifting, power loss and park faults

    • 15 complaints (29%)
    • median 79,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2019–2026

    Owners describe harsh, jerking, delayed or slipping shifts, and some report the transmission stopping shifting or not responding while driving. Some complaints describe sudden loss of drive, with the vehicle lunging, seizing, stalling or failing to accelerate, sometimes in heavy traffic or at highway speed. Some owners report that the shifter moved into Park while driving, or that the vehicle moved forward while in Park with the key out of the ignition. Dealers reportedly found no codes in some cases, and some repairs, including a transmission flush and software reprogramming, did not stop the problem. Mileage is stated in only some of these complaints, ranging from about 20,000 to about 170,000 miles.

    Recall 26V402000Recall 18V2130003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for proof that the transmission park pawl and roll pin recalls (26V402000 and 18V213000) have been completed, and whether any transmission codes are stored. During a test drive, check for harsh or delayed shifts, and confirm that Park holds the vehicle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Starting at 20,000 miles I started asking the dealer to check the transmission on my vehicle. Very often the transmission shifts very hard to the point you hear and you feel like someone hit your car ( usually from 1st to 3rd gear ) and also when you shift it to reverse it slips. Dealer keeps saying theres no codes coming out on their computer. This always happens in motion on a city street.”

    NHTSA complaint #11220142, filed 2019-06, 20,000 miles

    “The same problem that is currently being reported by the NHTSA for the Ford F-150 has been happening to my Lincoln Navigator for the past few years. During higher-speeds (50 mpg and over) the auto will lurch forward as if trying to shift gears and has, on more than one occasion, actually downshifted into a lower gear while driving on expressways, forcing me to pull-over, stop the engine and restart in order to get the auto back into normal operation. When this downshifting occurs, a graphic appears on the dashboard. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11650309, filed 2025-03
  2. Engine

    Cold-start rattling and cam phaser faults

    • 9 complaints (17%)
    • median 36,060 mi at 3.6 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2021–2026

    Owners describe a loud rattle or knocking on cold start, sometimes with rough idle, shuddering or lost acceleration. Dealers reportedly confirmed cam phaser problems in some cases, and some complaints say a recall or cam phaser repair did not stop the rattle. Some complaints say parts were not yet available, and a complaint says the dealer described the failure as a design problem linked to oil supply to the timing chain. A complaint describes a failed auto-start on the road, which the owner links to a worn variable cam timing unit. Mileage is stated in only some complaints, ranging from about 6,100 to about 89,000 miles, and a complaint describes the noise at every start.

    What to check: Ask the dealer whether any cam phaser or variable cam timing recall or bulletin has been applied to this VIN, and whether the cold-start rattle has been diagnosed. During a cold start, listen for rattling or knocking, and check for lost acceleration or warning lights.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The car rattles very loudly upon starting every time it is started. I have lost acceleration power while driving through intersections. I took to dealership and it is confirmed it is the cam phasers. No lights have come on in dash.”

    NHTSA complaint #11627515, filed 2024-11

    “We purchased a 2018 Lincoln Navigator L in 2022 with 29,489 miles, and it has been great. We are at 64,351 miles, and it is making the cold-start rattling noise. We have called Lincoln for assistance, and they are refusing to help. They stated that there is no help. I took it to Duval Ford, and with other issues such as the water pump and leaks, they quoted 12,000 to fix this truck. They did say they had a payment plan to fix the vehicle. When the soft pull was opened in 2022, our truck did not make noise at that time. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11751102, filed 2026-07
  3. Back-over prevention (rear camera)

    Backup camera blackout and recall parts unavailable

    Mentioned in 5 of 50 sampled complaints

    Owners describe the rear camera going black or not showing an image when the vehicle is put in reverse. Some owners say recall 23V598000 was notified, but the replacement part was not yet available, and a dealer confirmed the shortage. A complaint describes a replaced camera that still did not work, after which the dealer's diagnosis changed. Mileage is stated in only some complaints, at about 18,000 and about 80,000 miles, and others describe the recall part as unavailable.

    Recall 23V598000

    What to check: Ask the dealer whether recall 23V598000 has been completed for this VIN and whether any camera has already been replaced under the recall or warranty. During a test drive, check that the rear camera shows an image in reverse.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The rear backup camera is not working when you put the vehicle in reverse. I was told it was an issue with the camera, they replaced the camera - which I paid for - and its still not working! Then they said its not the camera - again, I paid for a NEW camera, and they still have not been able to fix my vehicle. Today is Sept 22, they have had my car since Sept 1!!!! They've had it 3 weeks and have not been able to fix it! I did some research and found that the 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Aviators have this problem and have been recalled. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11433943, filed 2021-09

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #11690091, filed 2025-09
  4. Steering

    Steering column noise and wheel adjustment faults

    • 5 complaints (10%)
    • median 48,048 mi at 4.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2020–2025

    Owners describe clunking, grinding or metallic noises from the steering column, especially when turning or shortly after the ignition is switched off. Some complaints describe the steering wheel dropping or failing to move up and down, with a grinding noise on adjustment and a wheel that feels loose and pulls to one side. Some owners report that a steering rack was replaced after a clunking noise was diagnosed. Mileage is stated in only some complaints, at about 26,100 and about 70,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the steering column and steering rack have been inspected, and whether any steering column service bulletin has been applied. During a test drive, adjust the steering wheel up and down and listen for clunks, grinding or metallic noises when turning and after switching off.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Started vehicle and went to adjust steering wheel I pushed the down button to lower and steering wheel dropped. Steering wheel is no longer able to adjust up or down only forward and backward. When pushing the up/down button a grinding sound occurs. When driving steering wheel feels loose and will pull to the right.”

    NHTSA complaint #11327611, filed 2020-06, 26,096 miles

    “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 was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #11610402, filed 2024-08, 70,000 miles

Buying note. For this model year, ask for proof that the transmission and park-related recalls and bulletins have been completed, since transmission complaints form the largest group. During a test drive, check for harsh or delayed shifts, and during a cold start listen for rattling from the engine.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 50 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,500 miles. Of all complaints, 3 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 164 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Lincoln Navigator model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 56 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Seats (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “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 that a differential only last 70,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11692806, filed 2025-10

Engine: “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. After a 5-10 seconds, power returned to the wheels and I was able to reaccelerate. I was able to pass the aforementioned vehicles, albeit using a more gradual acceleration. …”

NHTSA complaint #11540387, filed 2023-08

Electrical system: “Back liftgate opens randomenly. Dealer has replaced two parts involved and happened again yesterday. Seems to be when you shut one of the front doors firmly and lock the car w keyfob twice. I suspect the air pressure from shutting door and keyfob action cause this. But problem persists. Car was stationary every time.”

NHTSA complaint #11187451, filed 2019-03, 9,500 miles

Other or unknown: “I own a 2018 Lincoln Navigator, 3 months after purchasing the AC stopped working. I brought it in to the dealer and was told that Lincoln had a dried of vehicles which had the wrong refrigerant put in from the factory. Today is the 22nd straight day without my truck because there are supposedly no parts available to fix it. $83,000 SUV!! I even had to hire a lawyer to send them a letter trying to get info on when I am getting my vehicle back. They won't wven answer a lawyer”

NHTSA complaint #11114019, filed 2018-07, 5,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

45% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 18,000 and 80,000 miles.

25%0–1010%10–2510%25–5025%50–7515%75–10010%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (20 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 57,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

20182019202020212022202320242025132026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Navigator · SUV 4x2★★★★★5 / 5553 · 20.8% risk
Navigator · SUV 4x4★★★★★5 / 5554 · 19.3% risk
Navigator El · extended suv 4x2★★★★★5 / 5553 · 20.8% risk
Navigator El · extended suv 4x4★★★★★5 / 5554 · 19.3% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.

Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2018 Lincoln Navigator version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Navigator 2WD3.5L 6-cyl10-speed automatic162319$3,550
Navigator 4WD3.5L 6-cyl10-speed automatic162118$3,700
Navigator L 2WD3.5L 6-cyl10-speed automatic162218$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 12 recalls for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 164 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 164 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lincoln Navigator

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2025132,5006517—Too new
20241612,3507—18—Too new
2023743,2008—19—Too new
20222157,00014—19—Rising
20213319,7001251882 · MoreRising
20203250,7421351950 · TypicalRising
20198570,0001051973 · MoreRising
20185257,5001251956 · TypicalRising
20173287,000551712 · FewerRising
20162579,50045181 · FewerRising
20152166,5004518—Rising
20141786,0000416—Falling
20131420,0000416—Not enough data
20121230,0003416—Not enough data
2011986,3000—16—Not enough data
20101677,0000—16—Stable
20091066,0571—16—Not enough data
20083060,0002—1417 · FewerStable
20074570,0002—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20066073,7503—13Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20054860,0000—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20048666,5000—13Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200312772,5000—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20023290,0001—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20018178,0003—12Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200010975,0004—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199913285,0605—13Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199819298,0605—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Lincoln Navigator model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?

Owners of this model year most often report transmission problems, such as harsh or delayed shifting, sudden loss of drive, and shifter or park-related faults. The issues reported most often: Transmission shifting, power loss and park faults; Cold-start rattling and cam phaser faults; Backup camera blackout and recall parts unavailable.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have?

NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 20 complaints (38% of the total), followed by engine with 12.

Has the 2018 Lincoln Navigator been recalled?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2018 Lincoln Navigator do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Lincoln Navigator 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Lincoln Navigator (Navigator 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator reported?

Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,500 miles and the middle half falls between 18,000 and 80,000 miles; 45% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.