Last updated: 2026-04-20
2018 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator scores 59/100 ("Mixed"). With 7 recalls and 45 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
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
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
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?
A 59/100 score puts the 2018 Lincoln Navigator in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Complaint volume sits above average at 45 owner complaints alongside 7 recalls. Issues in power train (14) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (14) at the top of the inspection checklist.
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 issues reported (14 complaints)
- −ENGINE issues reported (6 complaints)
Compare 2018 Lincoln Navigator With
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: 26
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
Every 2018 Lincoln Navigator has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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.
Inspect transmission for hard shifting or jerking during test drive
Check for engine rattling noise during cold starts
Test steering wheel adjustment for grinding sounds or looseness
Verify moonroof drain hoses are secured to prevent water leaks
Test heated seats for any abnormal heat or burn marks
Ensure back-up camera functions correctly when in reverse
Check seatbelt retraction and locking mechanisms
2018 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component
45 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator frequently report issues with the transmission, including hard shifting, jerking, and unexpected downshifting, particularly at higher speeds or during acceleration. Symptoms such as engine overheating, loss of motive power, and vibrations are also commonly described, with some owners noting these issues around 70,000 to 86,000 miles. A few complaints mention problems with the drivetrain, including differential bearing failures and driveshaft repairs. Safety concerns arise from instances of vehicles stalling in traffic, unexpected transmission behavior, and, in one case, a fire due to a cooling system failure. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues that prospective buyers might consider when evaluating this model.
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners report that the 2018 Lincoln Navigator frequently experiences engine issues related to the cam phasers, particularly a rattling noise during cold starts. Complaints often describe a loud rattle, rough idle, and loss of power during acceleration, with some owners noting a complete engine failure. These issues typically occur around mileage ranges from 6,126 to 100,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted as some owners experience loss of acceleration power while driving, which could pose risks in traffic situations. Buyers should be aware that these issues may persist despite recall repairs and could lead to significant engine repairs or replacements.
STEERING
5 complaintsOwners report several steering-related issues with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Complaints frequently mention metallic or clunking noises from the steering column, especially during turns, with one owner noting the noise occurs when the vehicle is turned off. Some owners describe steering wheel adjustment failures, such as motors breaking and grinding sounds when attempting to adjust, with symptoms including a loose feel and pulling to the right. These issues are reported at various mileages, from as low as 70,000 to over 100,000 miles. While no crashes or loss of control are explicitly mentioned, the described symptoms suggest potential safety implications due to steering component failures.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. A common problem involves water leaks affecting electrical components, particularly from unsecured moonroof drain hoses and a leaking camera spray device, leading to water accumulation and potential corrosion of wiring harnesses. Symptoms include malfunctioning liftgates and taillight LEDs. Another issue involves heated seats, where one owner experienced a burning sensation and visible burn marks, indicating a fire risk. Additionally, power-adjusted side mirrors often fail to maintain their settings, posing visibility challenges and potential safety risks. These issues typically occur without specific mileage indications, but the heated seat incident is flagged for its immediate safety implications.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator report several issues related to vehicle functionality and safety. Common problems include malfunctioning power mirrors that adjust themselves randomly, creating potential visibility issues, and a back passenger door that fails to stay closed due to a faulty locking mechanism. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the air conditioning system, which ceased functioning shortly after purchase due to incorrect refrigerant, leading to extended repair times due to parts unavailability. Alarm system issues are also noted, with the alarm activating unexpectedly when the vehicle is locked from the inside with the key present. These issues occur across various mileage ranges, with no specific pattern in mileage or timeline emerging. Safety implications are present in terms of visibility and security concerns, although no crashes or injuries are reported.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator report issues with the back over prevention camera, primarily describing instances where the camera feed goes black when the vehicle is in reverse. These issues are noted at around 80,000 miles, with some owners having not experienced the failure yet but expressing concern over the unavailability of recall parts. One owner mentions that replacing the camera did not resolve the issue, indicating potential complexity in diagnosing the problem. No safety incidents like crashes or loss of control are reported, but the malfunctioning camera could affect rear visibility, which is crucial for safe reversing. Buyers should be aware that parts for recall repairs may not be immediately available, potentially impacting the resolution timeline.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator report issues with the seatbelt system, primarily involving unexpected retraction and failure to retract. One complaint details a loud noise and burning smell, followed by the driver's seatbelt retracting forcefully, causing physical injury to the chest and neck. Another complaint describes a passenger side seatbelt that remains locked in place, preventing use. These issues are reported without specific mileage context but indicate potential safety risks, including physical harm and inability to secure passengers properly. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially regarding seatbelt functionality and potential recall notices.
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.
When Do 2018 Lincoln Navigator Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Navigator year is 2025 with a reliability score of 64/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (64/100) and 2023 (63/100).
Lincoln Navigator Years to Avoid
No Lincoln Navigator years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Lincoln Navigator maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Navigator reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 61/100.
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 |
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?
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have?
Is the 2018 Lincoln Navigator expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lincoln Navigator.
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