2018 Lincoln Navigator VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator has mixed reliability. There are 7 recalls and 45 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Severity signals include 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (14), Engine (6), Steering (5).
Navigator reliability snapshot
59/100
Latest model-year reliability score
2.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$1,089
Avg annual repair cost vs $1,127 category avg
#5/19
Ranking in luxury fullsize SUVs · better than 74% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Lincoln Navigator before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Power Train14
Engine6
Steering5
Electrical System5
Unknown Or Other5
Back Over Prevention3
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect transmission for hard shifting or jerking during test drive
☐Check for engine rattling noise during cold starts
☐Test steering wheel adjustment for grinding sounds or looseness
☐Verify moonroof drain hoses are secured to prevent water leaks
☐Test heated seats for any abnormal heat or burn marks
☐Ensure back-up camera functions correctly when in reverse
☐Check seatbelt retraction and locking mechanisms
What owners reported
2018 Lincoln Navigator owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 3 fires to NHTSA for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints14
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator frequently report issues with the transmission, including hard shifting, jerking, and unexpected downshifting, particularly at higher speeds or during acceleration. Symptoms such as engine overheating, loss of motive power, and vibrations are also commonly described, with some owners noting these issues around 70,000 to 86,000 miles. A few complaints mention problems with the drivetrain, including differential bearing failures and driveshaft repairs. Safety concerns arise from instances of vehicles stalling in traffic, unexpected transmission behavior, and, in one case, a fire due to a cooling system failure. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues that prospective buyers might consider when evaluating this model.
Owners report that the 2018 Lincoln Navigator frequently experiences engine issues related to the cam phasers, particularly a rattling noise during cold starts. Complaints often describe a loud rattle, rough idle, and loss of power during acceleration, with some owners noting a complete engine failure. These issues typically occur around mileage ranges from 6,126 to 100,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted as some owners experience loss of acceleration power while driving, which could pose risks in traffic situations. Buyers should be aware that these issues may persist despite recall repairs and could lead to significant engine repairs or replacements.
Owner complaints5
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Complaints frequently mention metallic or clunking noises from the steering column, especially during turns, with one owner noting the noise occurs when the vehicle is turned off. Some owners describe steering wheel adjustment failures, such as motors breaking and grinding sounds when attempting to adjust, with symptoms including a loose feel and pulling to the right. These issues are reported at various mileages, from as low as 70,000 to over 100,000 miles. While no crashes or loss of control are explicitly mentioned, the described symptoms suggest potential safety implications due to steering component failures.
Owner complaints5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. A common problem involves water leaks affecting electrical components, particularly from unsecured moonroof drain hoses and a leaking camera spray device, leading to water accumulation and potential corrosion of wiring harnesses. Symptoms include malfunctioning liftgates and taillight LEDs. Another issue involves heated seats, where one owner experienced a burning sensation and visible burn marks, indicating a fire risk. Additionally, power-adjusted side mirrors often fail to maintain their settings, posing visibility challenges and potential safety risks. These issues typically occur without specific mileage indications, but the heated seat incident is flagged for its immediate safety implications.
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator report several issues related to vehicle functionality and safety. Common problems include malfunctioning power mirrors that adjust themselves randomly, creating potential visibility issues, and a back passenger door that fails to stay closed due to a faulty locking mechanism. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the air conditioning system, which ceased functioning shortly after purchase due to incorrect refrigerant, leading to extended repair times due to parts unavailability. Alarm system issues are also noted, with the alarm activating unexpectedly when the vehicle is locked from the inside with the key present. These issues occur across various mileage ranges, with no specific pattern in mileage or timeline emerging. Safety implications are present in terms of visibility and security concerns, although no crashes or injuries are reported.
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator report issues with the back over prevention camera, primarily describing instances where the camera feed goes black when the vehicle is in reverse. These issues are noted at around 80,000 miles, with some owners having not experienced the failure yet but expressing concern over the unavailability of recall parts. One owner mentions that replacing the camera did not resolve the issue, indicating potential complexity in diagnosing the problem. No safety incidents like crashes or loss of control are reported, but the malfunctioning camera could affect rear visibility, which is crucial for safe reversing. Buyers should be aware that parts for recall repairs may not be immediately available, potentially impacting the resolution timeline.
Owner complaints2
SEAT BELTS
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator report issues with the seatbelt system, primarily involving unexpected retraction and failure to retract. One complaint details a loud noise and burning smell, followed by the driver's seatbelt retracting forcefully, causing physical injury to the chest and neck. Another complaint describes a passenger side seatbelt that remains locked in place, preventing use. These issues are reported without specific mileage context but indicate potential safety risks, including physical harm and inability to secure passengers properly. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially regarding seatbelt functionality and potential recall notices.
2018 Navigator recalls (7)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Navigator. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 25V197000May 23, 2025
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.
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor date codes and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 25V236000Apr 11, 2025
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.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V598000Aug 25, 2023
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.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
SEATSNHTSA 18V805000Nov 14, 2018
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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row center seat for any missing J-channel reinforcement brackets, replacing the center seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner notification was sent on December 21, 2018. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S37
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 18V392000Jun 12, 2018
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S17.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 18V213000Apr 4, 2018
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.
Consequence: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 18V058000Jan 16, 2018
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 prevent the window from automatically reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence: If the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row window electronic control modules, and replace them as necessary based on their build date codes, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C01.
2018 Lincoln Navigator on the road
17,839 2018 Lincoln Navigator units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Lincoln Navigator stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator presents an elevated reliability risk compared to its segment peers. Scoring below the segment average, the Navigator's reliability is compromised, particularly as it introduces a new generation. The vehicle has an elevated number of recalls, suggesting potential concerns with manufacturing or design that have required correction.
Complaints are notably concentrated in the power train, with a significant number also involving the engine, steering, and electrical systems. This distribution indicates multiple areas of concern rather than an isolated issue, which can complicate the ownership experience.
Given these factors, buyers should be aware of the increased reliability risk associated with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.
What you get in a 2018 Lincoln Navigator report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2018 Lincoln Navigator now
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2018 Lincoln Navigator — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator presents an elevated reliability risk compared to its segment peers. Scoring below the segment average, the Navigator's reliability is compromised, particularly as it introduces a new generation. The vehicle has an elevated number of recalls, suggesting potential concerns with manufacturing or design that have required correction.
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have?
7 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Lincoln Navigator problems?
The most-reported 2018 Lincoln Navigator problem areas are: Power Train (14), Engine (6), Steering (5).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Lincoln Navigator, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
