2018 Lincoln Navigator
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Lincoln Navigator.
For oil changes, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 6 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Lincoln Navigator, torque the lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator have reported 5 common issues including "Front Brake Line Contact with Air Cleaner Pipe (Recall)", "Trailer Brake Software Failure (Recall)" and "Power Running Board and ActiveGlide Malfunctions". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (6 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 150 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.
Common problems reported by 2018 Lincoln Navigator owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Front Brake Line Contact with Air Cleaner Pipe (Recall)
The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become abraded over time, potentially resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function. This is the same defect affecting the Expedition platform and is a critical safety concern.
Ford issued a recall for 2022-2024 Navigator vehicles. The dealer will inspect the brake lines for damage and reroute or replace them as necessary. If the brake warning light is on or the pedal feels soft, do not drive the vehicle. The repair is free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallTrailer Brake Software Failure (Recall)
A software error may prevent a towed trailer equipped with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes from braking when the Navigator brakes. This can result in dramatically extended stopping distances and increased crash risk while towing.
Ford issued a recall to update the trailer brake controller module software. Contact your dealer to check your VIN. Until the update is completed, test trailer brakes before each trip and maintain extra following distance. The repair is free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallPower Running Board and ActiveGlide Malfunctions
The power retractable running boards may become stuck in the up or down position, fail to deploy when doors open, or lock after an infotainment system reboot. The Lincoln ActiveGlide (hands-free highway driving) system may also malfunction, causing unexpected deceleration regardless of the set speed.
For running board issues, inspect the door ajar sensors and running board motors for water intrusion or corrosion. A body control module reset may restore operation. For ActiveGlide, the dealer will update the forward collision avoidance and cruise control module software.
Est. Cost: $200 - $800 per side for running boards; $0 - $300 for ActiveGlide software updateHeadlight/DRL Module Software Failure (Recall)
The headlight control module software may cause the side marker lights and daytime running lights to fail, reducing vehicle visibility to other drivers. Ford recalled 965 units of the 2022 Navigator for this issue.
Ford issued a recall to update the headlight control module software. Contact your dealer to verify your VIN. The repair is free of charge and typically takes less than an hour.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallKey Fob / Phone-as-Key Recognition Failure
Some owners report the Navigator failing to recognize the key fob, the Lincoln Way phone app for engine start, or the keypad entry code. The vehicle may intermittently refuse to start or lock/unlock, leaving the driver stranded. Cold weather appears to worsen the issue.
Replace the key fob battery as a first step. Have the dealer reprogram the key fobs and the phone-as-key module. Check the passive entry antenna amplifier for water intrusion. If the body control module is failing to wake from sleep mode, a BCM software update or replacement may be needed.
Est. Cost: $10 for fob battery; $100 - $300 for reprogramming; $400 - $800 for BCM replacement