The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the transmission seized, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. Additionally, the brake warning light was illuminated, and the message “Loss of Power” was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
2018 Lincoln Navigator: sudden loss of power
5 of the 52 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- recalls
- 0
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
The vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical failures involving the engine, cooling system, drivetrain, and electronic systems. Documented failures include the navigation/APIM module, transmission jerking and drivability issues, transmission valve body concerns, cam phaser failure, driveshaft repair, front wheel bearing/IWE failure, coolant leaks from heater core hoses, and engine vibration requiring extensive diagnostic work including a short block engine repair. The vehicle has also experienced multiple overheating incidents despite prior repairs. Overheating occurred in May 2025, December 2025, and February 2026. During these events the engine temperature rose abnormally and coolant had to be added to the reservoir. Drivetrain problems including transmission jerking, vibration, and driveshaft repair also created drivability concerns while operating the vehicle at highway speeds. These issues have been inspected and confirmed by an authorized Lincoln dealership service department. Numerous repairs and diagnostics have been performed including APIM replacement, cam phaser repair, heater hose replacement, wheel bearing/IWE replacement, driveshaft repair, and engine diagnostic work approved through warranty processes. Symptoms prior to failures included overheating, vibration, excessive fan noise, whining while driving, and transmission jerking. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. The repeated overheating events combined with drivetrain and engine failures raise concern that this vehicle may have an underlying safety-related defect that could result in sudden loss of power or engine failure while operating in traffic.
While driving at a speed of 55-60mph, I tried to pass slower vehicles on three different occasions during the same trip on a two lane road. I pushed the accelerator to the floor and pulled the car into the lane to my left. I felt and heard a very loud clunk, revving up of the engine, and total loss of power at the wheels. I quickly moved backinto my original lane and let up on the accelerator. After a 5-10 seconds, power returned to the wheels and I was able to reaccelerate. I was able to pass the aforementioned vehicles, albeit using a more gradual acceleration. I have previously had the vehicle inspected for two identical episodes at a Lincoln dealer. Unfortunately, they reported that the service techs were unable to duplicate the problem. If this were a standard transmission vehicle, I would say the clutch was slipping. In a vehicle with four wheel drive and automatic transmission, however, I am not well enough informed to make a diagnosis. There can be no doubt, however, that the action is potentially dangerous and could result in head on collision. I would also suspect that the engine transmission train is likely to have shortened lifespan if the problem continues. It is possible that there is already damage.
Vehicle serviced for cam shutter. They only flashed the computer. Did not fix the mechanical problem. Engine failure shortly afterwards at 100k. Loss of power, stalled after vehicle came to rest, could not restart. Towed to nearby dealership. Complete engine failure. Entire engine replaced by Ford Dealership near Corpus Christi -- 15k.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that there was a loud rattle, rough idle, and loss of power during acceleration after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a cold start rattle on the eco-boost engine related to the cam phaser. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The dealer where the vehicle was purchased and Crest Lincoln (36200 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48312) were made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an...
- Ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after...
- Ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after...
- Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, and 2018-2020 Navigator Vehicles Equipped with a...
- Poor air conditioning (A/C) performance, loss of airflow and/or engine cooling fans running continuously...
- Poor air conditioning (A/C) performance, loss of airflow and/or engine cooling fans running continuously...
- Some 2018-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator; 2019-2021 Ranger; 2020-2021 Escape, Corsair, Explorer,...
- Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, and 2018-2020 Navigator Vehicles Equipped with a...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
5 of 52 owner complaints about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator (10%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2020.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
There are 0 recalls and 29 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Lincoln Navigator?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history