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2018 Lincoln Navigator problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
56% of relevant owner complaints filed with NHTSA on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator are about the engine, transmission or fuel system. That is a model-level pattern, not bad luck.
Worse than 75% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 4 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 52%).
Does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 27 of 48 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (56%), and the largest group is filed under power train (20). For comparison, the 2017 scores 15% and the 2019 scores 55%. On a test drive, check for shuddering, slipping, delayed or harsh shifts, or a whine at speed. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2018 compares with other Lincoln Navigator years
Of the 6 Lincoln Navigator years with enough complaints to score, the 2018 is the 2nd-worst on engine and transmission share (56%). The worst is the 2020 (75%), the best the 2016 (13%). By volume, the 2018 drew 52 complaints (27 drivetrain), against 31 for the 2017 and 80 for the 2019.
Lincoln Navigator years to avoid and best years →
2016 Navigator problems · 2017 Navigator problems · 2018 · 2019 Navigator problems · 2020 Navigator problems · 2021 Navigator problems
The rest of the picture on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- What the repair costs. Typical transmission repair ranges, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives. Similar cars and nearby years with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 27 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2018 Lincoln Navigator transmission recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 12 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Risk: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing…
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford…
9 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model; one of NHTSA's listings did not answer when this page was built, so the list may be incomplete. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2018 Lincoln Navigator? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
Get a history report from EpicVIN Before you pay: EpicVIN’s $1 offer is a 3-day trial (up to 5 reports) that renews at $49.99 a month unless you cancel. Other plans are listed under “View all our packages” at checkout. We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It does not change what this page reports.Questions people ask about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator
Does the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have transmission problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 27 of 48 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (56%). Before buying one, have an independent mechanic check the transmission and ask the seller whether it has been repaired or replaced.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2018 Lincoln Navigator is power train: 20 of 52 complaints (38%) name it, followed by engine (12) and electrical system (8). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap.
Is the 2018 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
On the engine and transmission, owner complaints point to a weak spot: 56% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain (high signal). That is worse than 75% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 6 Lincoln Navigator years we score, it ranks 2nd-worst. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 12 in total: 26V402000 (power train: automatic transmission), 18V392000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump), 18V213000 (power train: automatic transmission). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Lincoln Navigator years are better?
Among the Lincoln Navigator years we track, the 2016 (13%), the 2017 (15%) and the 2021 (41%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2018 (56%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/lincoln-navigator
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Combined across 2 body styles NHTSA files separately.