2018 Lincoln Navigator: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Lincoln Navigator? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 46 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2018 Lincoln Navigator Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2018 Lincoln Navigator trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2018 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x4Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator has 46 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Navigator
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 46
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Lincoln Navigator Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Lincoln Navigator
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Lincoln Navigator, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine, with a notable number of electrical faults. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint category.
- Electrical faults are also a recurring theme, though less frequent.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most reported component problem.
- Engine Problems are the second most common complaint area.
- Electrical Faults appear as a notable concern.
All 2018 Lincoln Navigator Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 jumpin…
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 fai…
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 s…
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 driv…
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.
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 ve…
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 &…
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.
cam phasers rattle during cold starts
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 NO…
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, …
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 du…
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.
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 r…
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 STOPPE…
The passenger side seatbelt will not retract or move (Locked in position that will not allow the passenger to buckle the belt)
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.
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…
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 steeri…
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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.
2018 Lincoln Navigator Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Lincoln Navigator Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Lincoln Navigator reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 46 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Lincoln Navigator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (17 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (11 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 46 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Lincoln Navigator?▾
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Navigator reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Lincoln Navigator based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.