2018 LINCOLN Navigator Problems & Complaints

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V598000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25E070000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair on the Power Train was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and when the vehicle stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. After several attempts the vehicle failed to restart. The transmission warning light and the service indicator light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The transmission was replaced. After three weeks, the failure reoccurred. The transmission warning light and the service indicator light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plugs, and transmission had failed. The spark plugs were replaced and some unknown part on the transmission was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure milage was approximately 72,000.

Transmission is having major issues with flaring and shifting. Vehicle has trouble engaging torque convertor, vehicle almost seems to stall out when accelerating with heavy traffic due to transmission engaging poorly.

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.

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. This graphic shows a stick-shift icon and also includes the words "Manual Shifting". However, the exact words cannot be verified since the graphic only stays visible for a split-second. Since I'm a bit shocked when this happens, my concentration is on safety and not on the specifics of a dashboard graphic. When I have taken the auto into service and mentioned these occurrences, the service persons have always stated that the computer system has been updated and the problem is marked solved. I have a warranty of 100,000

Vehicle experienced failed auto-start on road, resulting in vehicle inmobility from stop in traffic, causing safety hardzard to passengers other vehicles on the road. The cause is worn VCT unit, as described in TSB 23-2143. The issue is safety critical and should not be merely addressed with an already expired customer safety program, it should be a safety recall.

cam phasers rattle during cold starts

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.

Vehicle serviced for cam shutter. They only flashed the computer. Did not fix the mechanical problem. Engine failure shortly afterwards at 100k. Loss of power, stalled after vehicle came to rest, could not restart. Towed to nearby dealership. Complete engine failure. Entire engine replaced by Ford Dealership near Corpus Christi -- 15k.

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of Manufacturer Recall Number: 21B10 (CAM Phaser PCM Reprogram). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed the recall repair. After the recall repair, the engine was rattling during start-up. The contact then received notification of Manufacturer Recall Number: 21N03 (CAM Phaser Replacement). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with the engine rattling on cold start. The dealer replaced the Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and performed TSB 21-2119. The failure recurred while the contact was driving at 60 mph. There was a rattling noise coming from the engine and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that an unknown part inside of the engine had fractured and that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,060.

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that there was a loud rattle, rough idle, and loss of power during acceleration after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a cold start rattle on the eco-boost engine related to the cam phaser. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The dealer where the vehicle was purchased and Crest Lincoln (36200 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48312) were made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

There are no warning indicators or messages. The power mirrors will randomly start adjusting or switching into a position where they start clicking because they're too far over. Even when you try to turn the mirror button off, or close the mirrors and reopen them, the mirror will continue to move. This problem has been continuous for over a year with no problems identified otherwise. This is a major safety concern as the mirrors are required to navigate and see passing traffic or obstacles.

Back passenger door opened while driving. Locking mechanism will not keep door shut.

The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, she was advised to veer to the side of the road as there was a fire underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she smelled a strong gas odor. The contact veered to the side of the road and quickly exited the vehicle. The contact stated that as she turned around, she saw the vehicle on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was still awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

THE ALARM GOES OFF IF YOU LOCK THE VEHICLE WHEN YOU ARE IN IT WITH THE KEY. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE AND YOU LOCK THE DOOR. THIS CAUSES THE ALARM TO GO OFF, THUS DRAWING ATTENTION TO YOU IN THE VEHICLE.THIS LEAVES YOU IN A VERY VULNERABLE POSITION. YOU ARE IN A VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLE WITH THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND/OR THE ALARM GOING OFF. I SPOKE TO FORD AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX IT.

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

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that on three occasions while in reverse, the back over prevention camera went black. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was/ not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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. Someone also needs to recall the Navigator cause its also having this problem! Here is the recall info for the Aviator: Vehicles recalled: 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Aviator The problem: The video feed from the backup camera might not display when the SUV is in Reverse. The fix: Dealerships will update the image processing module software, free of charge. How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Ford at 800-392-3673. NHTSA campaign number: Not available yet. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21C09.

MAY 19 2025 MY WIFE WENT TO A LOCAL BAKERY TO GET SOME BREAD, WHEN SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARKING A LOUD BANG IN HER LEFT SIDE WAS HEARD SHE DESCRIBE IT AS A GUNSHOT NOISE, ALSO BURNING SMELL AS FIREWORKS, THE SEATBEALT RETRACTED HURTING HER CHEST AND PART OF THE NECK, SHE DID NOT KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND WAS CONFUSED AT THE SAME TIME IN PAIN SHE FELT LIKE SHE WAS CHOKING OR OUT OF AIR, SHE MANAGED TO UNBUCKLE HER SEATBELT AND CALLED ME CRYING BECAUSE OF THIS WHOLE NIGHTMARE, HER CHEST AND NECK ARE BRUISED AND IN PAIN, THANKS TO GOD MY TWO KIDS WHERE WITH ME AT THE TIME, KNOW WE ARE AFRAID OF EVEN STARTING THE SUV THINKING THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITH ONE OF THE OTHER 3 SEARBELTS IN EACH DOOR AFFECTING OR HURTING ONE OF OUR CHILDREN OR A PASSENGER, WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL FOR OUR VEHICLE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING THIS ISSUE, WE ONLY KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ONCE I STARTED TO LOOK INTO WHAT HAPPEN BY SEARCHING ONLINE, 24S06 RECALL ITS SAYS IT WAS ISSUE A MONTH AGO BY FORD, REALLY SCARE TO KEEP USING THIS VEHICLE, IF YOU HAVE ONE BEWARE YOU CAN GET HURT OR EVEN KILLED IF THESE HAPPENS WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AND THANKS TO GOD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING.

The passenger side seatbelt will not retract or move (Locked in position that will not allow the passenger to buckle the belt)

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle lunged forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shifting roughly. The contact stated that the vehicle would redline. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that a transmission flush was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

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. I have previously had the vehicle inspected for two identical episodes at a Lincoln dealer. Unfortunately, they reported that the service techs were unable to duplicate the problem. If this were a standard transmission vehicle, I would say the clutch was slipping. In a vehicle with four wheel drive and automatic transmission, however, I am not well enough informed to make a diagnosis. There can be no doubt, however, that the action is potentially dangerous and could result in head on collision. I would also suspect that the engine transmission train is likely to have shortened lifespan if the problem continues. It is possible that there is already damage.

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.

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.

The moonroof drain hoses are not secured and is known problem with other Navigator and Expedition owners. I became aware while troubleshooting why the liftgate would not open. The procedure to access the Rear Gate Trunk Module (RGTM) requires the removal of the 3rd row seats, C & D pillars and several cabin panels. After the removal of these items I noticed the insulation under the carpet and behind the panels were drenched. The Reserve trim on my Navigator has very dense carpet and a backing that does not let the moisture evaporate over time. Rather, it retains water almost indefinitely. Upon removing these items and the front row kick panels, I discovered the water was 3” deep. Because of this leak, the water submerges numerous wiring harnesses throughout the cabin that affects nearly all computer modules. It is also the root cause of my liftgate not opening issue. Per the 2018 Lincoln Navigator/Ford Expedition Electrical manual, there is a splice of the VBATT Always Hot wire under the front drivers kick panels. Despite the factory shrink wrap, water penetrated this splice and corroded the copper wire resulting in an open circuit. I repaired the wiring and solved the liftgate issue. I also went thru the painstaking process of remediating the water damage. Of bigger concern, is the amount of corrosion on other wiring connectors and splices that is unknown at this time. I believe this defect is a safety hazard of unknown proportion given the various modules dependent on the submerged wiring. There is also a health concern of mold growing due to the carpet backing not permitting moisture to evaporate. On the cosmetic side, there visual water stains on all four sides of the headliner. When I reconnected the right rear failed drain hose, I secured it with a tie wrap. I believe Ford should take ownership if this defect and use tie wraps to secure all 4 drain hoses at no charge to mitigate the damage and health impact.

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.

Dealership Responsible: Ted Britt Ford of Chantilly Dealership Address: 4175 Auto Park Cir, Chantilly, VA 20151 Complaint Details: I purchased a 2018 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label, and since then, I have experienced multiple serious mechanical failures due to an improperly performed cam phaser repair by Ted Britt Ford of Chantilly in 2020. The dealership’s service department performed a faulty installation, which resulted in: •Missing and broken screws in the cam phaser system •Jerking, rattling, and acceleration issues •Significant engine damage requiring a complete short block replacement As a result of this in negligent repair, In 2024 I had to replace the cam phaser again, along with replacing the short block of the engine due to the extensive damage caused by the dealership’s poor workmanship. In addition to this issue, I have faced multiple other failures, including: •Valve body replacement •Wastegate failure •Rear heat stopped working •Steering column failure These problems have caused frequent breakdowns and safety concerns, making the vehicle unreliable. The constant need for repairs raises serious questions about the quality of Lincoln’s engineering and service network. This issue is not an isolated incident, and I strongly urge NHTSA to investigate potential defects in the 2018 Lincoln Navigator and to hold dealerships accountable for performing unsafe and defective repairs. Requested Action: I request an investigation into the faulty cam phaser repair process and whether similar issues are being reported by other 2018 Lincoln Navigator owners. This could indicate a larger systemic defect or a trend of poor-quality repairs in Ford/Lincoln service centers

The camera with the water cleaner spray device, leaked water inside the LED taillight, this is a hazard that can make a shortcut and damaged the tail light LEDs.

TODAY WHILE DRIVING WITH HEATED SEATS I FELT A BURN ON MY SEAT AND HAD TO PULL OVER. THE SEAT HAS SOME BURN MARKS. AS A FORMER FIRE INVESTIGATOR THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND FIRE IS IMMINENT. WONT LET ME UPLOAD PHOTO. SEAT STARTED TO GET TO THE POINT UF BURNING BUT STOPPED WHEN I TURNED IT AND CAR OFF

The side mirrors, which are power adjusted, either will not properly adjust to the same setting when they first fold out when you start the car, or they will start moving when you start driving. This happens nearly every time the car is started. I have talked to fellow Ford F-150 owners who have the same problem. This causes a serious safety concern, especially when they start adjusting as you start driving because then you cannot safely see any obstacles beside the car and the warning light if someone is beside you does not work effectively. If I start my car and go to back out of a parking spot or driveway and the mirror start adjusting so suddenly I'm looking at the pavement instead of what is beside me, you can see why that would pose a safety concern to myself and anybody who may be passing by.

The car has slip transmission issue, that can’t be fixed, the front of the car makes loud grinding noise from the front wheel area when riding on front wheel drive, with low RPM, this has been brought up multiple times with ford and linclon while they and car service provider represented by ford and Lincoln keeps denying.

Connector for cooling hoses blew out causing engine to overheat and stand my family on the highway. This appears to be a common problem that someone did a YouTube video on it. I have put the video link below. Please have them recall before someone gets hurt. Ford Lincoln does not respond. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a relative following behind in another vehicle became aware that the brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with brake light failure. The contact was informed that the brake lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Rail Track for to Sunroof breaks. Plastic clips cause the sunroof to stay open and unable to close. Causes damage to interior when rains Confirmed by Dealer. Lincoln stated they re-designed the Rail track system but did not offer a recall. Was told "I" have to replace the entire rail track for the moonroof, $4000 to fix. Yes, It was inspected by a Mechanic. No warning indicators

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure nearly caused a collision. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V392000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a design failure and was caused by oil not being pumped up to the timing chain properly. The contact stated that he received an unknown customer satisfaction program for the failure however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair were not yet available. The contact also stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to inadvertently decelerate. The contact did not recall whether there were warning lights illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving at various speeds while attempting to overtake other vehicles. The contact stated that the warning message "Shift Fault" and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and that the vehicle had lost communication with the Body Control Module (BCM). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the vehicle had been with the dealer since July 2021. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to obtain a vehicle rental at his own expense and he would be reimbursed. The contact stated that he had been renting a vehicle since July and that the manufacturer had failed to cover the expenses. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 6,126.

THE BACK-UP CAMERA SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE. WHEN VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE SCREEN THAT IS SUPPOSED TO DISPLAY AN IMAGE FROM THE BACK-UP CAMERA OF THE AREA BEHIND THE VEHICLE IS BLACKED OUT. I WAS INFORMED BY MY LOCAL LINCOLN DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE BACK-UP CAMERA IS DEFECTIVE AND THAT, UNFORTUNATELY, REPLACEMENT CAMERAS ARE ON AN INDEFINITE NATION-WIDE BACK ORDER WITH NO ETA IN SIGHT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD.

THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE WHICH CONSISTED OF A OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. AFTER REMOVAL OF TIRES IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE REAL AXLES NUTS WERE ONLY HAND TIGHT AND NOT TORQUED AS THE NYLOK LOCKING INSERT DID NOT DEFORM ELASTICALLY OVER THE THREADS. I THINK IF THEY DONT HAVE A SIGNED OFF MANUFACTURING PLAN, TRAVELER OR OPERATION SHEET CLEARLY INDICATING THAT THIS IS AN ISOLATED CASE THEY SHOULD BE RECALLING 24 HOURS WORTH OF PRODUCTION BEFORE AND AFTER THIS VIN WENT THROUGH THIS ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE. IF THIS IS NOT ACCOMPLISHED HOW CAN THEY DETERMINE ROOT CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT CONSUMERS LIVES ARE AT RISK ON A LARGE SCALE. THIS TRUCK HAS HAD MANY MORE PROBLEMS BUT THIS ONE CLEARLY DESERVES TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AND RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY!

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.