1998 Lincoln Navigator: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Lincoln Navigator: 5 recalls, 192 owner complaints and up to 13 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V171000 · 1997 · 866,000 vehicles
What's wrong: If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. The vehicle operator would then not be able to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position even though the gear shift selector would indicate "park."
Why it matters: The condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. Unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake was not set.
The fix: Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #98V028000 · 1998 · 571,800 vehicles
What's wrong: 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. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers May be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.
The fix: Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
Wheels Vehicle recall #98V095000 · 1998 · 1,520,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The lug nuts on these vehicles May not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Why it matters: This can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in May 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available. This interim procedure can be completed by owners or their dealers. It specifies that the lug nut torque must be…
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #00V073000 · 2000 · 565,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.
Why it matters: The trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V388000 · 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A fire at the switch could occur.
The fix: By letter dated September 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 22 mention a fire, 26 injuries and 15 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Tires (48): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (46).
- Suspension (25): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
- Steering (22): the most common themes are steering problems (6).
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9), electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (5).
The 1998 Lincoln Navigator has 192 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 31 Navigator model years for complaints (4.4× the average Navigator year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 98,060 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (0 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (132 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Lincoln Navigator.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Lincoln Navigator, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Lincoln Navigator problems?
Owners have filed 192 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (48), suspension (25), steering (22).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Lincoln Navigator get?
EPA ratings run up to 13 mpg combined (5.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Lincoln Navigator repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.