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2018 Lincoln Navigator: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator has 12 recalls and 52 owner complaints on file, with the most complaints about the power train[1][2][3]. Check any car's open recalls by VIN, since the newest transmission recall has no remedy yet[4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Navigator[2]. None mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 1 mentions injuries and none report deaths[2]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train[3] | 20 |
| Engine[7] | 12 |
| Electrical system[8] | 8 |
| Unknown or other[9] | 6 |
| Steering[10] | 5 |
| Back over prevention[11] | 3 |
| Exterior lighting[12] | 2 |
| Lane departure[13] | 2 |
Power train. The median mileage at failure for power train complaints is 79,000, and one complaint mentions a fire[3]. In the sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 7 describe a transmission that shifts hard, jolts, slips or hesitates, and in a few of them power briefly drops out at the wheels[3]. In 4 of the 12, the owner says the dealer's repair did not solve the problem or the dealer could not reproduce it[3]. One owner says the vehicle moved on its own while parked[3].
Engine. In the sample of 11 engine complaints we read, 6 describe a rattle when the engine starts or runs, and 5 of those mention the cam phasers or timing chain. Some also describe a loss of power[7]., and some also describe a loss of power[7]. Two describe overheating or coolant leaks[7]. One engine complaint mentions a fire[7].
Electrical system. The sample of 8 electrical complaints is mixed[8]. Owners describe a liftgate that opens on its own, mirrors that move while driving, a rearview camera that blacks out, water getting into the cabin or a taillight, and a heated seat with burn marks[8]. One electrical complaint mentions a fire[8].
Steering. There are only 5 steering complaints[10]. In the sample, 4 describe either a steering wheel that no longer adjusts or metallic noises from the steering column[10]. With so few reports, this is not a pattern we can call common.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2018 Navigator[1]. Many of them cover other Ford and Lincoln models too. Newest first:
- Remedy pending
Transmission park pawl (26V402). Reported June 24, 2026[4]. The transmission part that holds the vehicle in park may engage while the vehicle is moving. That can damage the park system and let the vehicle roll away, which raises crash risk[4]. The fix is a software update and replacement of damaged transmission parts if needed, at no cost. The remedy is not yet available, and Ford anticipates it in April 2027[4]. The recall covers 741,195 vehicles across several models[4]. - Seat belt pretensioner (26V344). Reported May 27, 2026[14]. The pretensioner in the driver or front passenger seat can lock the belt so it will not pull out or retract. A belt that does not move can fail to restrain a person properly in a crash[14]. Dealers inspect and replace the retractors as needed, free of charge. This recall replaces and expands 24V099 and 25V197, so a car already repaired under those two needs the new repair[14]. Ford said additional letters would follow once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026[14]. Our data does not say whether it is available now.
- Seat belt pretensioner (25V197). Reported May 23, 2025[15]. Same belt lock problem as above, for 2018 to 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles. Dealers replace the retractors as needed. Recall 26V344 replaces and expands it[14][15].
- Brake master cylinder (25V236). Reported April 11, 2025[16]. The master cylinder can let brake fluid seep past its seal at the front wheels and into the brake booster. That can weaken braking and lengthen stopping distance[16]. Dealers replace the master cylinder, and the booster too if it is leaking, free of charge[16]. It expands an earlier recall, 22V150[16].
- Air bag warning label (24V852). Reported November 8, 2024[17]. A label showing how to use the restraints may be missing from the dashboard, which fails a federal safety standard. Ford mails owners the label at no cost[17].
- Seat belt pretensioner (24V099). Reported February 9, 2024[18]. The earliest of the three belt lock recalls listed here. Dealers replace the retractors as needed and add an HVAC drain tube elbow if one is missing[18]. It was later followed by 25V197 and 26V344[14][15].
- Rearview camera (23V598). Reported August 25, 2023[19]. The rearview or 360-degree camera may show no image in reverse, which cuts rear visibility and raises crash risk[19]. Dealers replace the camera and update software and wiring as needed, free of charge[19].
- Head restraint instructions (23V420). Reported June 9, 2023[20]. The owner's manual lacked directions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints, which fails a federal standard for vehicles with third-row seating. Ford mails a manual addendum at no cost[20].
- Second row center seat (18V805). Reported November 14, 2018[21]. Some second row center seat tracks may lack reinforcement brackets, so the seat could move in a crash. Dealers inspect it and replace the seat frame as needed, free of charge. The notice said a second letter would come once the remedy was available[21].
- High pressure fuel pump (18V392). Reported June 12, 2018[22]. Applies to vehicles with the 3.5L GTDI V6[22]. Welds on the pump can crack and leak oil or fuel, which raises fire risk. Dealers replace the pump and related parts, free of charge. Only 5,645 vehicles were covered[22].
- Transmission roll pin (18V213). Reported April 4, 2018[23]. A roll pin may be missing from the transmission of vehicles with a 10-speed automatic[23]. The vehicle may lose its park function and roll away after the driver gets out if the parking brake is off[23]. Dealers check for the pin and install it if missing. Only 142 vehicles were covered[23].
- Second row power windows (18V058). Reported January 16, 2018[24]. A second row window control module may stop a window from reversing if something is pinched, which fails a federal standard. Dealers inspect the modules and replace them based on build date codes, free of charge. Only 361 vehicles were covered[24].
At least two of these had a remedy that was still pending in the notice, 26V402 and 26V344[4][14]. 18V805 also said a second letter would follow once its remedy was available[21]. Do not assume a repair is available. Ford customer service is 1-866-436-7332[4]. NHTSA made the affected VINs searchable on NHTSA.gov for 26V402[4].
Fuel economy
EPA rates all three versions with the 3.5L 6-cylinder turbo and Automatic (S10), on regular gas[5][25][26].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD, rear-wheel drive[5] | 16 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Navigator 4WD, part-time 4-wheel drive[25] | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
| Navigator L 2WD, rear-wheel drive[26] | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2018 Navigator 5 stars overall, 5 for frontal crash and 5 for side crash in both drive types[6][27]. Rollover is rated lower. The 4x2 gets 3 stars with a 20.8% rollover risk[6]. The 4x4 gets 4 stars with a 19.3% risk[27].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list rates the 2018 Navigator's 3.5L 6-cylinder engine at 450 hp[28]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2018 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 |
The 2018 model year has 52 complaints and 12 recalls on file[1]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many were sold, so read them as a rough guide only.
- Complaints. Only 2019, with 85, has more than 2018 among model years 2007 and later[1]. The 2017 model year has 32 and 2020 has 32[1]. Several older years from 1998 to 2006 also have more than 52, such as 1998 with 192[1].
- Recalls. 2020 has 13 and 2022 has 14, both more than 2018's 12[1]. 2021 also has 12, and 2019 has 10[1]. The 2017 model year has 5[1].
Recall counts per year include recalls that also cover other model years, so the same recall can show up in several years.
Should you buy a used 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2018 Navigator has a long recall list and 52 complaints, second most among model years 2007 and later[1], and the complaints cluster around the power train and engine[2][3][7][1]. In the samples we read, owners describe rough transmission behavior and a cold-start engine rattle, though these are small samples and not a count of all owners[3][7]. Safety ratings are strong overall, with a lower rollover rating[6][27]. Before buying, look up the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see which recalls are open, since the transmission park recall had no remedy yet[4]. Ask for service records for any transmission or engine work. Our data does not cover repair costs, warranty or towing, so check those separately.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
- Power train has the most NHTSA complaints at 20, then engine at 12[3][7]. In the samples we read, owners describe hard or jolting transmission shifts and a cold-start engine rattle[3][7].
- Does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year, including transmission park pawl 26V402 and seat belt pretensioner 26V344[4][14][1]. The remedy for 26V402 is not yet available[4].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
- EPA rates it at 19 combined MPG for the 2WD and 18 combined for the 4WD and the L 2WD[5][25][26].
- What is the horsepower of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
- The EPA test car list rates the 3.5L 6-cylinder at 450 hp[28].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln Navigator model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator (0 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V402, filed June 24, 2026: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Navigator 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4x2: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the lane departure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V344, filed May 27, 2026: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V197, filed May 23, 2025: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V236, filed April 11, 2025: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V099, filed February 9, 2024: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V598, filed August 25, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V420, filed June 9, 2023: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V805, filed November 14, 2018: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V392, filed June 12, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V213, filed April 4, 2018: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V058, filed January 16, 2018: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Navigator 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Navigator L 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4x4: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Lincoln Navigator with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 450 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, NAVIGATOR 4DR SUV 4WD: length 210 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 122 in, curb weight 5,855 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, NAVIGATOR L 4DR SUV 4WD: length 222 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 6,056 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov