1998 Lincoln Navigator problems
Owners have filed 240 complaints about the 1998 Lincoln Navigator with NHTSA. Tires account for 22.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 10.8%.
Complaints240
Crashes21
Fires24
Injuries36
Deaths15
What owners report breaking
Tires 22.5% · 54
Suspension 10.8% · 26
Steering 9.2% · 22
Electrical system 8.8% · 21
Vehicle speed control 7.9% · 19
Power train 6.7% · 16
Engine and engine cooling 6.7% · 16
Wheels 6.3% · 15
Severity
Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash, 24 describe a fire, 36 report an injury and 15 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Lincoln Navigator in this data, 1998 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings are rising — 16 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 100,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While traveling at 55 mph, the right rear tire had a massive and complete outer sidewall failure. Through skillful maneuvering, the truck did not loose directional control and were able to change lanes twice and stop on the shoulder. Tire was changed and trip completed. The sidewall was so desintegrated that I took pictures. Contact me if you want copies.( Dot number: tire size: p255/75r17 ) Tires
Pe00 020; consumer was traveling 65mph on intersection, and experienced vibration from vehicle. Then, there was a loud boom. He was able to pull vehicle over to the shoulders, and left rear tire tread had separated from rim. Tire was still inflated. Continental, #p245/75r16. He contacted dealership, and mechanic replaced the tires. Also there were stress marks and cracking. Tires
The vehicle experienced 4 blow outs with all 4 tires, which almost caused an accident. The 5th blowout ofthe tire, caused the hub and tire to fall out, almost resulting in an accident. Tire dealer claims that it is the wrong tire size for the weight of the vehicle. Manufacturerclaims its a defective tire. Please provide manufacturer of the tire other details. Tires
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…