Lincoln Navigator
The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 in the Navigator U554 is the revised Gen-2 engine with port and direct injection. Cam phaser wear was a documented issue in early 2018–2020 builds — Ford ran Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03. The 10R10 automatic works cleanly when freshly calibrated; 10R80 shudder is a separate vehicle-level topic. Oil changes at 10,000 km intervals matter for turbo longevity.
Two Tons of Comfort with Turbo Thrust
The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 pushes the Navigator forward with surprising ease — 450 hp means the weight is rarely felt. Confident on the highway, relaxed in everyday driving. Those buying a luxury SUV don't expect a sports car, and the compromise lands right here.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Premature cam phaser wear in the 3.5L EcoBoost Navigator 2018–2020. Ford ran Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 with extended warranty coverage through Jan 2023.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, check engine light (P0011/P0021), rough idle immediately after shutdown.
The exhaust manifold on the 3.5L EcoBoost can warp thermally and allow exhaust gases to escape. Typically occurs after 100,000 km; dealers know this issue well.
Symptoms: Ticking or popping noise on cold start from the engine bay, exhaust smell inside the cabin.
Recall on 2024 Lincoln Navigator: a block cup plug can back out due to vibration, causing an engine oil leak. Ford remedies free of charge at the dealer.
Symptoms: Visible oil beneath the vehicle, oil pressure warning, potential engine damage if ignored.
Coolant hoses and fittings on the 3.5L EcoBoost can deteriorate from around 100,000 km. Pressure loss in the cooling circuit can lead to overheating.
Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell, elevated temperature gauge, coolant level drops without visible puddle.
Plastic valve covers on the 3.5L EcoBoost can develop cracks over time and allow minor oil seepage. Usually cosmetic rather than critical.
Symptoms: Oil smell after hot driving, small oil drips under the engine, slow oil loss without warning light.
The wastegate actuator on the 3.5L EcoBoost can rattle at cold idle. No power loss, but an annoying noise; actuator replacement required in severe cases.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering under load or at cold idle, most audible below 2,000 rpm.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Air spring bags and the compressor on the Navigator U554 typically fail between 80,000–120,000 km. Repair costs: air bag from $816, compressor from $664; full conversion to coil springs is an option.
On 17,419 Navigator 2018–2020 vehicles, the pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioner activator can fire unintentionally. Ford recalls and replaces the assembly at no cost.
Ford/Lincoln 10-speed 10R80 automatic exhibits characteristic shudder via torque converter slip between 30–55 mph. A class action was filed in 2023; Ford describes it as normal and counters with PCM recalibrations.
Electric motors for the deployable running boards fail — typically from moisture ingress or corrosion. Dealer replacement: up to $4,000; aftermarket motor: from $250.
Panoramic sunroof drain tubes can kink or clog. Water enters the cabin. Primarily affects 2018–2020 builds. Drain tube cleaning or replacement required.
The APIM module can freeze or fail completely due to software faults. Free OTA or USB update resolves many cases; severe failures require APIM replacement (up to $2,500).
Top Reported Issues
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All Lincoln models Navigator U554 overview