2018 Lincoln Navigator

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Lincoln Navigator
Pictured: 2019 Lincoln Navigator 'Reserve', front 8.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD, L 4dr SUV 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
Length
209.8–222 in
Curb weight
5,856–6,056 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 20.8% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 210 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,856 lb (4dr SUV 4WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 3% worse than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2018

  • New body dimensions: 2.3 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Best combined MPG up from 17 to 19

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Navigator →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD209.8 in79.9 in76.4 in122.4 in67.7 / 67.3 in5,856 lb50/50
L 4dr SUV 4WD222 in79.9 in76.4 in131.5 in67.7 / 67.3 in6,056 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Navigator 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-3%$3,550469
Navigator 4WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-4%$3,700499
Navigator L 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-8%$3,700490
3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
3/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x4★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.3%
2018 Lincoln Navigator SUV 4x2★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★20.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2018 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Lincoln Navigator (this car)19 MPG★★★★★12
2018 Cadillac Escalade17 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Lexus LX15 MPGNot rated2
2018 Infiniti QX8016 MPGNot rated2
2018 Lincoln MKT19 MPGNot rated2
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class19 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (12)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 24, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V402000 · 741,195 vehicles

Problem
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 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 on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · May 27, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V344000 · 419,967 vehicles

Problem
Ford 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.
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers 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 will need the new repair completed.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · May 23, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V197000 · 112,951 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Apr 11, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V236000 · 123,611 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 8, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles

Problem
Ford 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."
Risk
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford 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.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Feb 9, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V099000 · 77,574 vehicles

Problem
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 deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers 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.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V598000 · 177,402 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jun 9, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V420000 · 691,133 vehicles

Problem
Ford 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."
Risk
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford 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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Nov 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V805000 · 34,946 vehicles

Problem
Ford 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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Ford 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
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jun 12, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V392000 · 5,645 vehicles

Problem
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's number for this recall is 18S17.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 4, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V213000 · 142 vehicles

Problem
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 the risk of injury or a crash.
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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Jan 16, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V058000 · 361 vehicles

Problem
Ford 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."
Risk
If the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Ford 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Lincoln Navigator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

52Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
64,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train20
Engine12
Electrical System7
Unknown Or Other6
Steering5
Back Over Prevention2
Seat Belts2
Seats2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/10: 223/11: 123/12: 124/04: 124/05: 124/07: 224/08: 124/09: 124/11: 124/12: 125/01: 125/02: 325/03: 125/05: 125/06: 125/09: 125/10: 325/11: 125/12: 126/03: 126/04: 126/06: 226/07: 226/08: 223/1024/0424/0824/1225/0325/0925/1226/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Lincoln Navigator buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 20 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Navigator years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Navigator18–Not rated10
2026 Navigator17209.8 inNot rated20
2025 Navigator17209.8 in★★★★★613
2024 Navigator18209.8 inNot rated716
2023 Navigator19209.8 inNot rated87
2022 Navigator19209.8 inNot rated1421
2021 Navigator18209.8 in★★★★★1233
2020 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1332
2019 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1085
2017 Navigator17207.5 in★★★★★532
2016 Navigator18207.5 inNot rated425
2015 Navigator18207.5 inNot rated421

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →