What 48 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the transmission seized, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. 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). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747391

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

NHTSA ODI 11743768

1. transmission shifts hard and/or seems to shift to neutral and losing forward propulsion 2. 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. after clunk event and pulling over wrench light came up with reference to differential 7. super hard shifting or no shift life-threatening lunging and hesitation is unacceptable0

NHTSA ODI 11729987

The vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical failures involving the engine, cooling system, drivetrain, and electronic systems. Documented failures include the navigation/APIM module, transmission jerking and drivability issues, transmission valve body concerns, cam phaser failure, driveshaft repair, front wheel bearing/IWE failure, coolant leaks from heater core hoses, and engine vibration requiring extensive diagnostic work including a short block engine repair. The vehicle has also experienced multiple overheating incidents despite prior repairs. Overheating occurred in May 2025, December 2025, and February 2026. During these events the engine temperature rose abnormally and coolant had to be added to the reservoir. Drivetrain problems including transmission jerking, vibration, and driveshaft repair also created drivability concerns while operating the vehicle at highway speeds. These issues have been inspected and confirmed by an authorized Lincoln dealership service department. Numerous repairs and diagnostics have been performed including APIM replacement, cam phaser repair, heater hose replacement, wheel bearing/IWE replacement, driveshaft repair, and engine diagnostic work approved through warranty processes. Symptoms prior to failures included overheating, vibration, excessive fan noise, whining while driving, and transmission jerking. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. The repeated overheating events combined with drivetrain and engine failures raise concern that this vehicle may have an underlying safety-related defect that could result in sudden loss of power or engine failure while operating in traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11722940

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. The vehicle has a prior manufacturer buyback history from 2021, and I am documenting this concern to ensure that any steering-related condition is evaluated and tracked as a potential safety issue. I have scheduled a service appointment for diagnostic evaluation. This complaint is submitted to document a steering system concern identified immediately after purchase and delivery, involving noise during active steering operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11706095

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 transmission had failed. The spark plugs were replaced and some unknown part on the transmission was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure milage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11699035

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.

NHTSA ODI 11692805

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.

NHTSA ODI 11692806

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 the front drivers kick panels. Despite the factory shrink wrap, water penetrated this splice and corroded the copper wire resulting in an open circuit. I repaired the wiring and solved the liftgate issue. I also went thru the painstaking process of remediating the water damage. Of bigger concern, is the amount of corrosion on other wiring connectors and splices that is unknown at this time. I believe this defect is a safety hazard of unknown proportion given the various modules dependent on the submerged wiring. There is also a health concern of mold growing due to the carpet backing not permitting moisture to evaporate. On the cosmetic side, there visual water stains on all four sides of the headliner. When I reconnected the right rear failed drain hose, I secured it with a tie wrap. I believe Ford should take ownership if this defect and use tie wraps to secure all 4 drain hoses at no charge to mitigate the damage and health impact.

NHTSA ODI 11691109

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.

NHTSA ODI 11690091

cam phasers rattle during cold starts

NHTSA ODI 11666759

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 WAS ISSUE A MONTH AGO BY FORD, REALLY SCARE TO KEEP USING THIS VEHICLE, IF YOU HAVE ONE BEWARE YOU CAN GET HURT OR EVEN KILLED IF THESE HAPPENS WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AND THANKS TO GOD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI 11662003

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 is marked solved. I have a warranty of 100,000

NHTSA ODI 11650309

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 •Steering column failure These problems have caused frequent breakdowns and safety concerns, making the vehicle unreliable. The constant need for repairs raises serious questions about the quality of Lincoln’s engineering and service network. This issue is not an isolated incident, and I strongly urge NHTSA to investigate potential defects in the 2018 Lincoln Navigator and to hold dealerships accountable for performing unsafe and defective repairs. Requested Action: I request an investigation into the faulty cam phaser repair process and whether similar issues are being reported by other 2018 Lincoln Navigator owners. This could indicate a larger systemic defect or a trend of poor-quality repairs in Ford/Lincoln service centers

NHTSA ODI 11643072

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.

NHTSA ODI 11642806

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.

NHTSA ODI 11641745

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

NHTSA ODI 11634278

The passenger side seatbelt will not retract or move (Locked in position that will not allow the passenger to buckle the belt)

NHTSA ODI 11631398

The car rattles very loudly upon starting every time it is started. I have lost acceleration power while driving through intersections. I took to dealership and it is confirmed it is the cam phasers. No lights have come on in dash.

NHTSA ODI 11627515

The side mirrors, which are power adjusted, either will not properly adjust to the same setting when they first fold out when you start the car, or they will start moving when you start driving. This happens nearly every time the car is started. I have talked to fellow Ford F-150 owners who have the same problem. This causes a serious safety concern, especially when they start adjusting as you start driving because then you cannot safely see any obstacles beside the car and the warning light if someone is beside you does not work effectively. If I start my car and go to back out of a parking spot or driveway and the mirror start adjusting so suddenly I'm looking at the pavement instead of what is beside me, you can see why that would pose a safety concern to myself and anybody who may be passing by.

NHTSA ODI 11615121

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a clunking noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering rack was replaced the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11610402

Vehicle experienced failed auto-start on road, resulting in vehicle inmobility from stop in traffic, causing safety hardzard to passengers other vehicles on the road. The cause is worn VCT unit, as described in TSB 23-2143. The issue is safety critical and should not be merely addressed with an already expired customer safety program, it should be a safety recall.

NHTSA ODI 11604146

The transmission doesn't respond several times and could not picking up speed up hill. There were twice the transmission stopped working, the car could not move and stopped in intersection at traffic light. The problem was first reported to Lincoln during 6 years/70,000 miles powertrain warranty Lincoln did the reprogramming but didn't solve the problem and then refused to repair when the problem recur at 6 year and one month, even my car has extended warranty. Lincoln issued several TSBs and knows the CDF drum failure but reluctant to fix the issue. It is not safe to drive when the transmission could not work after a stop at red light or pickup speed at ramp.

NHTSA ODI 11598654

There are no warning indicators or messages. The power mirrors will randomly start adjusting or switching into a position where they start clicking because they're too far over. Even when you try to turn the mirror button off, or close the mirrors and reopen them, the mirror will continue to move. This problem has been continuous for over a year with no problems identified otherwise. This is a major safety concern as the mirrors are required to navigate and see passing traffic or obstacles.

NHTSA ODI 11587039

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that on three occasions while in reverse, the back over prevention camera went black. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11584926