LINCOLN NAVIGATOR · model year

2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

59 NHTSA complaints, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018LINCOLNNAVIGATOR carries 59 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 6 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 NAVIGATOR is power train with 15 filings, followed by engine (10) and electrical system (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2018 NAVIGATOR. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

59
Complaints
0
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

59 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 - Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN15
ENGINE10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
STEERING5
BACK OVER PREVENTION2
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
SUSPENSION1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1

Recalls (10)

23V59800025/08/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

25V19700023/05/2025

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

18V05800016/01/2018

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The second row window control modules may intermittently stop the movement of the power window. If something, such as a finger, is pinched by the window glass, the stopped window control module may

18V80500014/11/2018

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition vehicles. The second row center seat track assemblies may be missing one or both of the J-Channel reinforcement brackets, possibly allowing the seat to move in the event of a crash.

18V39200012/06/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.

25V23600011/04/2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

23V42000009/06/2023

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head re

24V09900009/02/2024

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

24V85200008/11/2024

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen

18V21300004/04/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.

Recent Complaints

20251219STEERING

Vehicle: 2018 Lincoln Navigator VIN: [XXX] Component: Steering Mileage: 103899 Complaint Narrative: I recently purchased a 2018 Lincoln Navigator and took delivery on December 10, 2025. 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 sound is best described as metal on metal contact, not an electronic relay or normal operational noise. The condition appears load dependent and reproducible. The steering response remains functional at this time, and no warning indicators are present. However, because the noise occurs during active steering, I am concerned about possible mechanical interference, wear, or binding within the steering column or related steering components, which could worsen over time and affect steering control.

20251112POWER TRAIN

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 transmis

Mileage: 72,000

20251011POWER TRAIN

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.

20251011POWER TRAIN

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.

20251002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20250927STEERING

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.

20250927POWER TRAIN

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.

20250927ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20250613ENGINE

cam phasers rattle during cold starts

20250519SEAT BELTS

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

20250324POWER TRAIN

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

20250217ENGINE

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

20250217STEERING

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

20250217POWER TRAIN

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

20250214EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

20250214ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20250210ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 86,000

20250210POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 86,000

20250106FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20250106FireSEATS

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

Compare 2018LINCOLNNAVIGATOR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 59 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 6 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Yes, the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most-complained component for the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is POWER TRAIN with 15 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.