1998 Lincoln Navigator

192 federal complaints (240 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 263 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 28 model years of the Lincoln Navigator →
Engine
5.4L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
12 city / 16 hwy
Federal complaints
192
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Tires
54
Suspension
26
Steering
22
Electrical system
21
Speed control
19
Engine & cooling
19
Power train
16
Wheels
15
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 12 complaints2 years old: 29 complaints3 years old: 18 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 13 complaints56 years old: 12 complaints7 years old: 13 complaints8 years old: 6 complaints9 years old: 6 complaints10 years old: 5 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 170 of 192 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 2 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 2 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 5 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 15 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 9 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 4 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 7 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 64 of 192 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Tires

54 complaint records2 crash reports
"APPX. 12" OF INSIDE SHOULDER OF P245/75R16 TIRE LOCATED ON DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEPARATED. (DOT NUMBER: UNK. TIRESIZE: P245/75R)..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →

Suspension

26 complaint records4 crash reports
"CONSUMER STATES, THE REAR AIR SUSPENTION COMPRESSOR IS LEAKING. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Steering

22 complaint records1 crash report
"CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TIE RODS BROKE OFF WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DOING 70 MPH AND THEN WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS DOING 25 MPH. CONTACTED DEALER..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP05005
opened Sep 2005
closed Jan 2006Engine And Engine CoolingSPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE...
EA05005
opened Mar 2005
closed Aug 2006Vehicle Speed ControlENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 08V025000
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A...
PE99060
opened Sep 1999
closed Mar 2000EquipmentFACTORY INSTALLED TOWING HITCH SEPARATIO - led to recall 00V073000
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT SOME OF THE EIGHT HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS EITHER BECAME LOOSE OR CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF ITS RETAINING PLATE.ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATED THAT WHILE TOWIG A...
PE98024
opened Apr 1998
closed Jul 1998SteeringTIE ROD END FAILURES
There is no summary currently available

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
05V388000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.Normally free
00V073000Trailer HitchesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.Normally free
98V095000WheelsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE.Normally free
98V028000Exterior LightingVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.Normally free
97V171000Power TrainVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS NOT FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY CAN...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2005028
2005-02-14
Electrical304,417On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation.
2004164
2004-05-18
Steering305,024On certain vehicles, Ford has issued a scheduled maintenance guide update which specifies that every 20 000 kms, the steering linkage, which includes tie-rod ends, should be inspected.
2000079
2000-03-20
Structure23,801On certain vehicles, the trailer hitch assembly attachment bolts may lose clamp load. If the operator does not notice the condition due to rattle or other looseness of the trailer hitch assembly, there is a potential for the trailer hitch...
1998095
1998-05-12
Suspension141,580ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE.
1998050
1998-03-26
Lights And Instruments45,205THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE HEADLIGHT AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1997180
1997-10-17
Structure72,763ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
07212
Oct 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE
041601
Nov 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingWDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT
05618
Apr 2005
Power TrainREAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT
0554
Mar 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingUSE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT
05417
Mar 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingINTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
050618
Jan 2005
SuspensionREAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04217
Nov 2004
Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04L19
Sep 2004
SteeringCUSTOMER MAINTENANCE REMINDER - LITERATURE PROGRAM 04L19 - TIE ROD INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT
031404
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04.
0454
Mar 2004
SuspensionAIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR NOISE. *TT
0457
Mar 2004
VisibilityPOP/THUMP NOISE AT END OF WINDOW MOVEMENT AND/OR DRIVER'S WINDOW BOUNCE BACK AND REVERSE TO MID-POSITION. *TT
17459
Jan 2004
Interior LightingCOURTESY RAIL LAMPS DO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY OR CAUSE A BATTERY DRAW. *TT
17320
Nov 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingBROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS. *TT
03203
Oct 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT
03181
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
031513
Aug 2003
SteeringTIE ROD END INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT
03144
Jul 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
0392
May 2003
SuspensionREPEAT AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR DRIER FAILURES. *TT
0398
May 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
0399
May 2003
SteeringTIE ROD END INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT
030709
Apr 2003
SuspensionREPEAT AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR DRIER FAILURES. *TT
03610
Mar 2003
SteeringTIE ROD END INSPECTION PROCEDURE. CANADA VEHICLES ONLY. *TT *JB
16683
Mar 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFALSE FAILURE OF THE VAPOR MANAGEMENT VALVE (VMV). *TT *JB
02227
Nov 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE-CYLINDER HEAD DECK LEAK-4.6 AND 5.4L ENGINES-NEW SERVICE-ONLY GASKET AND CYLINDER HEAD KITS AVAILABILITY. *MJ
02208
Oct 2002
EquipmentCLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
02176
Sep 2002
Exterior LightingLAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
16015
Jul 2002
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION MAY EXHIBIT AN INITIAL OR REPEAT COMPRESSOR DRYER FAILURE. *TT
15897
May 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING DRIVELINE ANGLE-RELATED VIBRATION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND LOAD CONDITIONS. *TT
15939
May 2002
StructureCONCERNS WITH SPEED BODY BOOM. *TT
15794
Apr 2002
TiresSOME 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P275/60/R17 CONTINENTAL-GENERAL TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGHWAY SPEED TIRE VIBRATION. *TT
0245
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT
15692
Mar 2002
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT
15708
Mar 2002
WheelsSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT WHEELS THAT SEIZE TO THE HUBS AND ARE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE DURING SERVICE. *TT
15727
Mar 2002
TiresSOME 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P275/60/R17 CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGHWAY SPEED TIRE VIBRATION. *TT
15749
Mar 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE MAY EXHIBIT A NOTCHY OR STICKING FEELING IN SLOW SPEED TURNS WITH NO EFFECT ON STEERING EFFORTS OR ASSIST WHILE IN THE AUTOMATIC 4X4 POSITION. *TT
15605
Feb 2002
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS AND / OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE P0455 (GROSS LEAK DETECTED). *TT
15648
Feb 2002
Fuel SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLOW FUEL FILL CONDITION AND/OR PREMATURE SHUTOFF OF THE GAS PUMP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING REFUELED. *TT
15651
Feb 2002
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR SUSPENSION MAY EXHIBIT AN AIR LEAK AND/OR OVERNIGHT BLEED DOWN OF THE AIR SUSPENSION. *TT
0214
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
15504
Jan 2002
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILTY CONDITIONS AND/OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0455 (GROSS LEAK DETECTED). *TT
15517
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING EXAGGERATED ENGINE BRAKING ON DECELERATION. *YD
15526
Jan 2002
Exterior LightingSUBJECT REGARDING INOPERATIVE RUNNING BOARD LIGHTS.*YD
15528
Jan 2002
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR QUALITY. *YD
15549
Jan 2002
VisibilityINFORMATION REGARDING POP/THUMP NOISE FROM POWER WINDOW. *YH
01246
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
15480
Dec 2001
Fuel SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLOW FUEL FILL CONDITION AND/OR PREMATURE SHUTOFF OF THE GAS PUMP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING RE-FUELED. *TT
15362
Nov 2001
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AIR SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION. *TT
01215
Oct 2001
Vehicle Speed ControlA CONDITION MAY EXIST, WHERE THROTTLE STICKING MAY OCCUR ON A FEW VEHICLES IN VERY COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AFTER OPERATING AT STEADY SPEED OR EXTENDED IDLE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. *TT
012113
Oct 2001
Electrical SystemSOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT
01205
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT
01181
Sep 2001
Power TrainBRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
14372
Sep 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION ON IDLE VIBRATION OR ENGINE DROAN ON ACCELERATION. *JB
15225
Sep 2001
WheelsSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DIFFICULT TO REMOVE WHEEL RIM CONDITION. *TT
01156
Aug 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
15122
Aug 2001
StructureSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION AT IDLE AND/OR ENGINE DROANING NOISE ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. *SLC
15123
Aug 2001
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70 MPH. *SLC
01128
Jun 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK SUSPENSION LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES B2140 OR C2140 EVEN AFTER THE AIR SUSPENSION SWITCH IN THE UPPER RH KICK PANEL HAS BEEN TURNED ON. *TT

Showing 60 of 263 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  2. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  3. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Lincoln Navigator →