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Lincoln · Midsize / large SUV

2018 Lincoln Navigator

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA52
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA19 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize or large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Navigator 2WD, is EPA-rated at 19 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 52 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Navigator 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162319$3,300
Navigator 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo162118$3,450
Navigator L 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,450

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 39636, 39639, 39736.

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Power Train

26S48
741,195 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskPark system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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 July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable
NHTSA campaign 26V402000reported Jun 24, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seat Belts

26S34
419,967 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 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.RiskSeat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls w
NHTSA campaign 26V344000reported May 27, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seat Belts

25S31
112,951 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskSeat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers will 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V197000reported May 23, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

25S37
123,611 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V236000reported Apr 11, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskWithout a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixFord will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
NHTSA campaign 24V852000reported Nov 8, 2024Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seat Belts

24S06
77,574 vehicles
ProblemFord 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 deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.RiskSeat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
NHTSA campaign 24V099000reported Feb 9, 2024Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

23S48
177,402 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V598000reported Aug 25, 2023Ford Motor Company
▲high

Equipment

23C20
691,133 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."RiskWithout instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixFord will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
NHTSA campaign 23V420000reported Jun 9, 2023Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seats

18S37
34,946 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition vehicles. The second row center seat track assemblies may be missing one or both of the J-Channel reinforcement brackets, possibly allowing the seat to move in the event of a crash.RiskIn the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.FixFord will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row center seat for any missing J-channel reinforcement brackets, replacing the center seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner notification was sent on December 21, 2018. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S37
NHTSA campaign 18V805000reported Nov 14, 2018Ford Motor Company
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

18S17
5,645 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.FixFord 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's number for this recall is 18S17.
NHTSA campaign 18V392000reported Jun 12, 2018Ford Motor Company
▲high

Power Train

18S09
142 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskDespite 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 the risk of injury or a crash.FixFord 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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
NHTSA campaign 18V213000reported Apr 4, 2018Ford Motor Company
●moderate

Visibility

18C01
361 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The second row window control modules may intermittently stop the movement of the power window. If something, such as a finger, is pinched by the window glass, the stopped window control module may prevent the window from automatically reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."RiskIf the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury.FixFord will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row window electronic control modules, and replace them as necessary based on their build date codes, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C01.
NHTSA campaign 18V058000reported Jan 16, 2018Ford Motor Company

NHTSA defect investigations

Seat Belts:Pretensioner — Seat Belt Retractor Pretensioner Inadvertent Deployment closed

On November 22, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) PE23021 to investigate complaints of front seat belt retractor pretensioner inadvertent deployment in model year (MY) 2019 Ford Expedition vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Some complaints alleged hearing a loud, explosion-like sound immediately followed by the seat belt tightening around the occupant’s torso area. The complaints did not state that a crash occurred that may have resulted in the deployment of the pretensioner system, suggesting that this deployment was inadvertent or otherwise unwarranted. On February 9, 2024, Ford issued safety recall 24V-099, recalling certain MY

Opened Nov 15, 2024 · closed Jul 23, 2025 · action RQ24015

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
52complaints filed

0 involved a crash · 3 a fire · 1 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2018: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2021: 5 · 2022: 3 · 2023: 8 · 2024: 8 · 2025: 13 · 2026: 8

Most-cited components

Power Train20
Engine12
Electrical System8
Unspecified6
Steering5
Back Over Prevention3

What owners describe

“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 repl…”Aug 23, 2024 · Steering · NHTSA owner report
“Vehicle experienced failed auto-start on road, resulting in vehicle inmobility from stop in traffic, causing safety hardzard to passengers other vehicles on the road. The cause is worn VCT unit, as described in TSB 23-2143. The issue is safety critical and should not be merely addressed with an already expired customer…”Jul 23, 2024 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“The transmission doesn't respond several times and could not picking up speed up hill. There were twice the transmission stopped working, the car could not move and stopped in intersection at traffic light. The problem was first reported to Lincoln during 6 years/70,000 miles powertrain warranty Lincoln did the reprogr…”Jul 3, 2024 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
EXTENDED SUV 4x2★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
EXTENDED SUV 4x4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
SUV 4x2★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 4x4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other Navigator model years

A

2027 Lincoln Navigator

1 recalls · 0 complaints

B

2026 Lincoln Navigator

2 recalls · 0 complaints

D

2025 Lincoln Navigator

6 recalls · 11 complaints

F

2024 Lincoln Navigator

7 recalls · 16 complaints

F

2023 Lincoln Navigator

8 recalls · 6 complaints

F

2022 Lincoln Navigator

14 recalls · 21 complaints

F

2021 Lincoln Navigator

12 recalls · 32 complaints

F

2020 Lincoln Navigator

13 recalls · 31 complaints

F

2019 Lincoln Navigator

10 recalls · 79 complaints

F

2017 Lincoln Navigator

5 recalls · 31 complaints

F

2016 Lincoln Navigator

4 recalls · 25 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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