What is the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure?

Fourth-generation Navigators with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 commonly develop a loud rattle or diesel-like clacking from the front of the engine, most noticeable for 2-5 seconds on cold startup. The internal locking pin inside the variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers fails… Repairs typically run $2,800-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2018 Lincoln Navigator Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37)?

Consider clarifying: the failing seal is at the rear of the master cylinder (where it mates to the booster), allowing fluid from the front brake circuit to migrate past the seal into the vacuum booster body. Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 covers replacement at no cost. Repairs typically run $0-$850. Severity: high.

What is the 2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder?

The 10R80 transmission paired with the 3.5L EcoBoost suffers axial movement of the CDF clutch drum sleeve, causing internal hydraulic leaks. Owners report harsh 1-2 and 2-3 engagements, clunking on coast-down, shudder at 20-32 mph cruise, and unexpected hard downshifts. Subject o… Repairs typically run $600-$8,700. Severity: high.

What is the 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle (CSP 21N03)?

Internal locking pins in the 3.5L EcoBoost variable cam timing phasers wear out, producing a loud rattle/clack at cold startup and a knocking idle once warm. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 (and PCM reflash 21B10) replacing all four VCT units, but coverage expired… Repairs typically run $2,800-$5,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator SYNC 3 / SYNC 4 Infotainment Freezing, Black Screen, and Touch Unresponsiveness?

The SYNC 3 (2018-2020) and SYNC 4 (2021+) head unit in the 4th-generation Navigator freezes, reboots mid-drive, displays a black screen with spinning loader, loses touch response, drops Bluetooth pairing, or fails to show the backup camera. Issue is typically an APIM (Accessory P… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2024 Lincoln Navigator Deployable Power Running Board Motor Failure & Linkage Corrosion?

The Dorman-supplied power running board motors and pivot/swivel brackets on 2007-2014 (3rd-gen) and 2015-2017 (3rd-gen refresh) Navigators corrode and seize from road salt and water exposure, especially in northern states. Boards stop deploying, hang in mid-position, or cycle rep… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator Power Liftgate Opens / Operates on Its Own?

Fourth-gen Navigator owners frequently report the hands-free power liftgate opening or cycling by itself, sometimes while parked or triggered by opening a driver door or even nearby beeping sounds. The root cause is typically a faulty liftgate release switch, hands-free kick sens… Repairs typically run $200-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2020 Lincoln Navigator Deployable Power Running Boards Stick / Fail to Retract?

Navigators equipped with deployable (power) running boards commonly have boards that stick in the deployed or retracted position, deploy on only one side, or retract and then immediately redeploy. Failures stem from corroded/seized motors (original Dorman-type units on 2007-2014… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: low.

Lincoln · Known Issues

2018 Lincoln Navigator Problems: 10 Known Issues

2018 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator has 10 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch ($1,800-$6,000 repair), 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder ($300-$4,000 repair), 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure ($2,800-$4,000 repair), Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37) ($0-$850 repair), 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder ($600-$8,700 repair) and 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle (CSP 21N03) ($2,800-$5,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $8,700. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln Navigator problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch, 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder, 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch and 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder and 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure and Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37) and 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder and 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle (CSP 21N03). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Navigator problems?

Repair costs for known Lincoln Navigator issues range from $0 to $8,700, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch, typically costs $1,800-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2019 Lincoln Navigator Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch?

The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 in 2015+ Navigator (and shared F-150, Expedition, Edge ST) suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Symptoms include a rattling noise on cold start, particularly on the passenger-side bank, plus P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019 c… Repairs typically run $1,800-$6,000. Severity: high.

All 10 Known Issues

Other Lincoln Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln Navigator problems?

Is the Lincoln Navigator reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Navigator problems?

What is the 2015-2019 Lincoln Navigator Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch?

What is the 2018-2023 Lincoln Navigator 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder?

2015-2019 Lincoln Navigator: Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch#

2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator: 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure#

2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator: 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle (CSP 21N03)#

2018-2023 Lincoln Navigator: 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Shudder#

2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator: 10R80 10-Speed Harsh/Erratic Shifting & Torque Converter Shudder#

2017-2018 Lincoln Navigator: Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak (Recall 25S37)#

2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator: SYNC 3 / SYNC 4 Infotainment Freezing, Black Screen, and Touch Unresponsiveness#

2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator: Power Liftgate Opens / Operates on Its Own#

2007-2024 Lincoln Navigator: Deployable Power Running Board Motor Failure & Linkage Corrosion#

2007-2020 Lincoln Navigator: Deployable Power Running Boards Stick / Fail to Retract#