Last updated: 2026-10-10
2018 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator has mixed reliability, with hard-shifting transmissions and cam phaser rattle the main problems, plus seven recalls.
Recalls
7
Complaints
45
Complaint Rate
25.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1089
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,150–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
First year of the fourth generation, with seven recalls and transmission complaints that leave it among the weaker Navigator years.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (14)
- ENGINE (6)
- STEERING (5)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (2018).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Refreshed in 2022, 2022.
- 4th generation Navigator (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.
2018: Fourth generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
Mixed is the fair verdict. This first year of the fourth generation sits well below average among 2018 SUVs and ranks among the weaker of nine Navigator years. Model-wide repair costs run slightly under its class, and the 2019 reads about the same, with 58 complaints and 4 recalls.
Transmission trouble leads the complaints. Owners describe hard shifts from first to third, slipping in reverse, and power loss at highway speed, and dealers often find no codes. Front differential bearings wear out and grind. A cold-start rattle traced to cam phasers is the main engine complaint, and some owners say it came back after software updates or phaser replacement. One steering rack was replaced at 70,000 miles. Seven recalls cover seat belts, service brakes, back over prevention, seats, fuel system, power train and visibility. Three complaints involve fire.
Ask for proof that every recall was completed, and for repair records on the transmission and cam phasers. Compare a 2019 before you decide.
Compared to the 2019 Lincoln Navigator, which scored the same.
Pros
- +$38 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury fullsize SUVs
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −POWER TRAIN: Transmission faults dominate (14 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Loud rattle or knock at cold start is the main complaint, and dealers trace it... (6 complaints)
Compare 2018 Lincoln Navigator With
2018 Toyota Sequoia
Reliability: 69/100
2018 Nissan Armada
Reliability: 70/100
2018 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 68/100
2018 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability: 68/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (14)
- ENGINE (6)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
25.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 27.1
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Lincoln Navigator Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
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, HYDRAULIC
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 PREVENTION
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.
Buying a used 2018 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and 7 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Lincoln Navigator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 20.8%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln NavigatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1089
vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
18%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
18–19 MPG
Running cost: $4,250–$4,400/yr
Fuel + repair
16 city / 21–23 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Navigator L 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Lincoln Navigator.
Start the engine cold after it sits overnight and listen for a loud rattle or knock in the first seconds.
Accelerate hard at highway speed and watch for flaring, a clunk, lost power, or a "Manual Shifting" message.
Drive in city traffic and feel for hard shifts from first to third and slipping when shifting into reverse.
Engage four-wheel drive at low speed and listen for grinding from the front wheels.
Press the carpet in the cargo area and front footwells for dampness, and open and close the liftgate several times.
Turn the wheel fully in both directions, listen for column clunks, and run the power tilt up and down.
Shift into reverse several times to confirm the camera image appears, then check the VIN for open recalls.
Pull every seat belt all the way out and confirm it extends, latches, and retracts smoothly.
2018 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component
45 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsSafety-relatedTransmission faults dominate. Shifts slam hard, often from first to third, and reverse slips. At highway speed the truck can flare, lurch, drop a gear with a "Manual Shifting" message, or lose power at the wheels for several seconds. Some stall at a light and won't restart. Dealers often find no codes, and reprogramming doesn't always fix it. Front differential bearings wear out, and owners report grinding from the front wheels when the front axle is engaged. A failed cooling hose connector led to overheating in the one fire-flagged report. One truck rolled away while in park.
ENGINE
6 complaintsA loud rattle or knock at cold start is the main complaint, and dealers trace it to the cam phasers. Rough idle comes with it, along with lost power when accelerating to pass or crossing an intersection. Some engines stall and won't restart. Several owners say the rattle returned after dealer software updates or phaser replacement, and one engine failed completely soon after a software-only fix and had to be replaced. Others describe waiting at the dealer because repair parts were not yet available.
STEERING
5 complaintsClunking or metal-on-metal noises come from under the steering column when the wheel is turned, and in one case right after shutoff. One dealer traced the clunk to a faulty steering rack and replaced it at 70,000 miles. The power tilt adjuster also fails. The wheel can drop and get stuck, with grinding from the motor, and one driver says the wheel felt loose and pulled right. Several complaints filed here actually describe engine and cam phaser repairs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsSafety-relatedWater and wiring problems lead this category. Moonroof drain hoses come loose and soak the carpet and insulation; one owner found this while tracing a liftgate that would not open. The liftgate also opens on its own while parked, even after parts are replaced. Power mirrors keep moving after startup or while driving. Water from the camera washer leaks into the LED taillight. One fire-flagged report describes a heated seat leaving burn marks on the cushion during a drive.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsSafety-relatedPower mirrors move on their own and keep clicking against their stops even after being switched off or folded. A rear passenger door opened while the truck was moving because its latch would not hold. The air conditioning quit soon after purchase, and the owner waited weeks for parts. Locking the doors from inside with the key sets off the alarm. These are unrelated problems, and the one fire-flagged report filed here describes a different make and model.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 complaintsMost of these reports concern a federal recall notice for the rearview camera that dealers couldn't complete because the part wasn't available. Some owners say the camera screen goes black in reverse, one at 80,000 miles. Another paid for a new camera that didn't fix the blank screen, and the truck stayed at the dealer for weeks. Expect long waits for parts and repeat diagnosis.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsA belt can fire on its own. In one report, shifting into park set off a loud bang and a fireworks-like burning smell, and the belt cinched tight enough to bruise the driver's chest and neck. Another complaint describes a passenger belt that locked in place and wouldn't extend or retract, so the passenger couldn't buckle up. Both problems leave the occupant without a working restraint.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a relative following behind in another vehicle became aware that the brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with brake light failure. The contact was informed that the brake lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintRail Track for to Sunroof breaks. Plastic clips cause the sunroof to stay open and unable to close. Causes damage to interior when rains Confirmed by Dealer. Lincoln stated they re-designed the Rail track system but did not offer a recall. Was told "I" have to replace the entire rail track for the moonroof, $4000 to fix. Yes, It was inspected by a Mechanic. No warning indicators
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure nearly caused a collision. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V392000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years
Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreLincoln Navigator Years to Avoid
No Lincoln Navigator years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 59 and 71 across 9 scored model years.
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 71/100 | Good |
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
Does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have?
Is the 2019 Lincoln Navigator better than the 2018?
Don’t buy a 2018 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2018 Lincoln Navigator
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on repair costs (50/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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