71 of the
1,794 complaints filed about the Lincoln Navigator
are about the steering —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1998.
Yesterday while driving on I-65 my car all of a sudden seemed to by hydroplaning even thought no water on the water and steering was super unstable and not able to control the vehicle. I had to pull off the side and drive with flashers all the way while driving at a slow speed. The interior lights also kept coming on by themselves.
NHTSA complaint #11754279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was operating the vehicle around a slight bend at about 45mph. The brakes and steering then stopped working and was non responsive. The vehicle was sliding off the road toward a parked dump truck. After about 2 or 3 seconds the steering and brakes started working again and I regained control of the vehicle. I then fishtailed across 2 lanes of traffic and managed to keep the vehicle straight. Immediately after a warning popped on the dash stating "Drive control fault service required." Upon calling roadside and bringing the vehicle to the service center the following was identified. The Vehicle Dynamics Control Module (VDM) failed. This caused the vehicle to detect a rollover, which means the vehicle took control of the steering and brakes according to the service manager and would not allow the driver to intervene. This module was replaced. A cause for the module failure could not be found. The module was not allowed to be inspected and was sent to Lincoln corporate. The service tech was not allowed to open the module and identify the reason for failure. The risk for this part failing means that steering and braking are non operational. In my situation this was potentially a lethal accident with myself and family in the car. To slide off the road and hit a parked dump truck surely could have been life ending for myself and others. Vehicle diagnosed for DTC C1112:92 in the VDM The problem was not able to be reproduced. A cause of the problem has not been identified and is not known. The service center sounded concerned that they could not find the reason for failure and could not confirm it wont happen again. The vehicle was only inspected by the service center. There were no prior symptoms or warning lights or messages prior to the module failure.
NHTSA complaint #11742754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, both the "Hill Start" and "Service AdvanceTrac" warning messages appeared on the instrument panel. The steering wheel had become stiff as a result of the failure and the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle home. The contact initially assumed the failure was related to battery; however, after replacing the vehicle's battery, the failure persisted. The contact then called the dealer who informed him the failure was likely related to the steering rack. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #11736281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Pre collision pedestrian/cyclist warning automatic braking not working. Dealership tried 2x did all upgrades, checked another vehicle same results. Ford said both to technician and myself. This is normal. So pre collision does not activate in city traffic when they advertise and charge for this feature. Open to accidents and I jury.
NHTSA complaint #11699550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
complete loss of steering control while driving , after a turn or without a turn. It feels like the steering wheel completely disconnected from the wheel control.
NHTSA complaint #11693893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Car purchased in Feb 2022. November 9, 2023 after a couple of previous complaints about the car riding rough, this time , after telling them the car jumps and throws into the next lane, it was diagnosed as having passenger rear leaking strut, front pinion seal leak, front driveshaft c/v joint torn and leaking grease. These were repaired under warranty. Dec 2024: had noise and had vibration felt through floorboard - diagnosed with problem in front differential and found carrier bearing failure and damage to case from bearing failure/spun. The axle housing assembly was replaced. April 2025: transmission shifting hard and clunk noise as well as riding rough again. These transmission assembly will be repaired for known problems on original 10 speeds but they don’t fix until customer complains, the rear differential pinion seal is leaking and the front struts are leaking. Something is very wrong with the suspension, drive train and transmission in this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11657789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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 complaint #11610402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A grinding noise was noticed during the driver memory function or when manually adjusting the power tilt or telescoping steering column. I took the car to Ford for service and was very surprised to hear that the entire steering column needs to be replaced at the cost of $1700.00. This defect is ONLY covered under the limited warranty. This is obviously a safety hazard if it requires a new motor in the steering column. Upon a quick investigation of the defect, it was learned that this is a KNOWN problem on all Navigators from 2018-2021. Ford KNOWS that this defect exists on certain vehicles and has not issued a recall to correct this. This is not a normal "wear and tear" item that should have anything to do with your warranty. Very dangerous to need a new steering column motor for something that was known by FORD and LINCOLN to have problems in certain production years. Plus $1700.00 is a huge cost for the consumer.
NHTSA complaint #11593637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2019 Lincoln Navigator Dealership delivery 9.14.22 Husband & Daughter drove around the neighborhood. Check engine light comes on suv is overheating. Husband immediately pulls into our driveway fluid is leaking out all over. Plus smoking. This was maybe two hours after it was in our possession. 9.15.22 Ford of Dalton has it towed to their dealership. 9.15.22 Suv was back in our possession. 9.21. Heard a ticking sound from the front of the suv. 9.26.22 Dropped off Suv at Ford of Hixson. 10.1.22 picked up a rental. 10.7.22 picked up suv 12.7.22 Contacted Ford Of Dalton. Hearing the same noise, plus a new clunking sound and movement below my feet on the driver side.They replaced axle, barrings. No warning other than the sound. 12.12. 22 Suv in Ford of Dalton possession. 1.12.23 Suv back in our possession. 1.13.23 hearing a sound when turning left. No warning 1.13.23 drove off a mountain where we live to take my daughter to her basketball game. Approximately 7:10 p.m my daughter and I heard a loud sound. The suv pulled us left into oncoming traffic! My suv steering wheel lost control started smoking and smelt like burning rubber!! This was the most terrifying experience in my life!! We are so lucky to be alive! If this happened anywhere else the outcome could have been very different. Luckily we were just leaving her basketball game and we’re on a side street.This suv was supposed to be our primary vehicle. It is extremely unreliable and unsafe to drive. After last nights horrible experience there is no way we will take this vehicle back. It’s very unsafe to drive. ** no warnings!
NHTSA complaint #11502626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become very difficult the turn in either direction. Additionally, the instrument panel display became distorted and unreadable, the brake light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11496268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a new 2022 Lincoln Navigator Reserve L and just took a 3000 mile road trip and used their Active Glide driver assistance extensively and have uncovered a MAJOR safety issue with their system. The issue I found is that when using the adaptive cruise control feature the system will sometimes read a car in the adjacent lane as moving in front of my vehicle and apply the brakes very hard causing my car to immediately and strongly slow down at highway speeds - with other cars behind me. This happens mostly on curves when the straight line of sight sees the car in either the right or left lane next to me at about a 20' distance. There is no warning of brake application and can make the driver lose control. I was almost rear ended multiple times. I know the driver assistance requires the driver to be attentive - and fortunately I heeded these warnings. It appears my vehicle is trying to very quickly acquire the distance between my vehicle and what it thinks is a vehicle in front on me. This is a major issue and will lead to accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11476163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STARTED VEHICLE AND WENT TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL I PUSHED THE DOWN BUTTON TO LOWER AND STEERING WHEEL DROPPED. STEERING WHEEL IS NO LONGER ABLE TO ADJUST UP OR DOWN ONLY FORWARD AND BACKWARD. WHEN PUSHING THE UP/DOWN BUTTON A GRINDING SOUND OCCURS. WHEN DRIVING STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOOSE AND WILL PULL TO THE RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #11327611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, EXTRA FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT, AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRILL'S AUTO SALES (388 SOUTHAMPTON RD, WESTFIELD, MA 01085, (413) 568-9487) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT AND DRIVE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE REPAIRED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ACTUATOR HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPLETELY REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
NHTSA complaint #11246003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AFTER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER, IT MUST BE BROUGHT BACK MANUALLY. SECOND, THE ROCKER PANELS FRONT AND BACK ARE RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY AND I WORRY ABOUT INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #11166569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.