2018 Lincoln Navigator problems

POWER TRAIN

The contact's wife owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the gear shifter independently shifted to park and other gears while driving over a railroad track. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA complaint #11758298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I have experienced harsh shifting from gear 1 to 2 and as well from 2nd to 3rd gear. This results in delayed acceleration at expressway onramps and when turning into forward traffic. This is a known risk with unresolved recall 26S48 related to transmission parking system dammage and related transmission damage. As well, there is a TSB 22-2248 related to this year/make/model transmission problem.

NHTSA complaint #11758071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We purchased a 2018 Lincoln Navigator L in 2022 with 29,489 miles, and it has been great. We are at 64,351 miles, and it is making the cold-start rattling noise. We have called Lincoln for assistance, and they are refusing to help. They stated that there is no help. I took it to Duval Ford, and with other issues such as the water pump and leaks, they quoted 12,000 to fix this truck. They did say they had a payment plan to fix the vehicle. When the soft pull was opened in 2022, our truck did not make noise at that time. I believe Ford should stand by their product, and there are so many videos on YouTube addressing this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11751102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11747391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

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 complaint #11743768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11729987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11722940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11722940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11722940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 complaint #11706095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11699035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11692805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11692806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11691109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11690091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 complaint #11690091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11690091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

cam phasers rattle during cold starts

NHTSA complaint #11666759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

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 complaint #11662003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11650309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11643072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 complaint #11643072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11643072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 complaint #11642806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.