NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator[1]. Brakes lead the list with 8 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups owners raise, biggest first.
- Brakes. 8 complaints[2]. Owners describe a pedal that sinks or stops responding for a moment, warning lights coming on, and grinding or shuddering when they press down.
- Electrical System. 7 complaints[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe power running boards that quit, a rear gate that closes on its own, dash lighting that fails, and seats or signals that stop working.
- Structure. 4 complaints[6]. Owners describe rust on body panels and a leaking rear window.
- Unknown Or Other. 3 complaints[7].
- Power Train. 2 complaints[8].
- Visibility. 2 complaints[9].
- Steering. 2 complaints[10]. Owners describe rattling parts and a wheel that does not return to center.
- Tires. 1 complaint[11].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2008 Navigator is necessarily included.
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems (08V166), April 2008. About 158 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names.[12]
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch (08V058), February 2008. About 123,632 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury.[13]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD, 5.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] | 12 / 18 / 14 | $4,800 |
Safety ratings
Engine and size
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 192 | 5 |
| 1999 | 132 | 5 |
| 2000 | 109 | 4 |
| 2001 | 81 | 3 |
| 2002 | 32 | 1 |
| 2003 | 127 | 0 |
| 2004 | 86 | 0 |
| 2005 | 48 | 0 |
| 2006 | 60 | 3 |
| 2007 | 45 | 2 |
| 2008 | 30 | 2 |
| 2009 | 10 | 1 |
| 2010 | 16 | 0 |
| 2011 | 9 | 0 |
| 2012 | 12 | 3 |
| 2013 | 14 | 0 |
| 2014 | 17 | 0 |
| 2015 | 21 | 4 |
| 2016 | 25 | 4 |
| 2017 | 32 | 5 |
| 2018 | 52 | 12 |
| 2019 | 85 | 10 |
| 2020 | 32 | 13 |
| 2021 | 33 | 12 |
| 2022 | 21 | 14 |
| 2023 | 7 | 8 |
| 2024 | 16 | 7 |
| 2025 | 13 | 6 |
NHTSA's counts for the Navigator show 30 complaints and 2 recalls for 2008[3]. Among the 30 model years listed, 14 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 15 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (0) and the most are for 1998 (192)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2008 Navigator?
The 2008 Navigator has 30 complaints on file[1]. Brakes and electrical issues make up the biggest groups[2][5]. A small number of reports mention a crash or a fire[1]. No deaths were reported[1]. Check the brakes and the powered parts before you buy, and read the recalls section on this page[3].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the common problems of the 2008 Lincoln Navigator?
- Brakes and the electrical system are the biggest complaint groups[2][5].
- Does the 2008 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?
- Yes, recalls exist for this year[3]. See the Recalls section on this page.
- Is the 2008 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
- Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Brakes lead the list[2].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2008 Lincoln Navigator?
- See the fuel economy section on this page.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Lincoln Navigator
Compare all model years of the Lincoln Navigator
Other Lincoln models from 2008
Similar cars from 2008: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln Navigator model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Navigator 2WD, 5.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 7 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 08V166, filed April 11, 2008: Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V058, filed February 5, 2008: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR W/SAB AWD/2WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, EXTENDED 4 DR W/SAB AWD/2WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, NAVIGATOR 4DR SUV 4WD /ULTIMATE: length 208 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 6,069 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, NAVIGATOR L 4DR SUV 4WD: length 223 in, width 79 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 6,221 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov