AI Damage2018 Lincoln Navigator: common problems
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator filed 52 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine. The maker issued 142 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 52
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 142
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 38% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 23% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 15% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 10% of all complaints
- 5 Backover prevention 6% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 4% of all complaints
- 7 Visibility 4% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 4% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 20 complaints (38% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 40.
- Engine: 12 complaints (23% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Electrical system: 8 complaints (15% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 37.
- Steering: 5 complaints (10% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Backover prevention: 3 complaints (6% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.5 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- automatic, 10-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 52 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 20 | 0 | 40 |
| Engine | 12 | 0 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 | 37 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 9 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I have experienced harsh shifting from gear 1 to 2 and as well from 2nd to 3rd gear. This results in delayed acceleration at expressway onramps and when turning into forward traffic. This is a known risk with unresolved recall 26S48 related to transmission parking system dammage and related transmission damage.
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.
The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. Additionally, the brake warning light was illuminated, and the message “Loss of Power” was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train).
Seat will randomly fold while sitting in them Third time this has happened while people have been in them Happened approx 3 more times with people not in the seats ( back seats) captain chairs
or loud clunk followed by shuddering and no control 3. no control means unsafe driving conditions particularly if closer to other vehicles 4. dealer quoted some mumbo/jumbo about jumping into park 5. dealer quoted $10,000 figure for new transmission 6.
Within days of delivery, I observed a metallic contact noise originating from beneath the steering column. The noise occurs consistently when the vehicle is turned off, within one to three seconds after ignition off, and intermittently while driving during steering input, particularly while making turns.
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.
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…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 860 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 41% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Navigator has 26 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 52, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- For 2020-2026 Aviator/Corsair and 2018-2026 Navigator vehicles, if diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM)…
For 2020-2026 Aviator/Corsair and 2018-2026 Navigator vehicles, if diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-10A > Front Seats > Diagnosis and Testing lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion extension…
- Some 2018-2024 Expedition and 2018-2027 Navigator vehicles equipped with a rear seat entertainment…
Some 2018-2024 Expedition and 2018-2027 Navigator vehicles equipped with a rear seat entertainment system/Lincoln Play may experience various system concerns. Rear seat entertainment systems are not on a controller…
- Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a broken floor console armrest latch
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes…
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in…
- Reason for update
update the Part List Description and Labor Times Description Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement *…
- Some 2018-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 22 inch wheels, may exhibit an increased level…
Some 2018-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 22 inch wheels, may exhibit an increased level of vibrations which can be felt while driving on a smooth road at speeds at or above 75 mph (120 km/h). Pinpoint…
- Reason for update
update the Part List and Service Procedure Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed…
- "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions
• Harsh engagement • Delayed engagement • Harsh shift • Delayed shift • Illuminated MIL with DTCs P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707…
- Some 2017-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may…
Some 2017-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving.
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal…
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some…
- 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator "Park Brake Limited Function Service Required" Message In The IPC
- This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable…
This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles…
NHTSA lists 142 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine, electrical system. Total complaints: 52. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (25%), loss of power / limp mode (13%), warning lights, check engine (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA lists 142 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Lincoln Navigator from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.