Is the 2008 Lincoln Navigator reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Lincoln Navigator is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lincoln Navigator?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Lincoln Navigator have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Lincoln Navigator

▲ Better than typical

2008 Lincoln Navigator
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:51:17.719Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 30
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2008: 30 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1997	0
1998	192
1999	132
2000	109
2001	81
2002	32
2003	127
2004	86
2005	48
2006	60
2007	45
2008	30
2009	10
2010	16
2011	9
2012	12
2013	14
2014	17
2015	21
2016	25
2017	32
2018	51
2019	82
2020	30
2021	32
2022	21
2023	7
2024	16
2025	13
2026	1
2027	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

27% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Electrical system

23% · 7 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Unknown, got towed, stolen

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-11

Also filed under Structure and exterior lighting

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the panel lighting failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where it was stated the fuse box in the dashboard needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-07

Side step boards don't work. Windows stop working due to the design of vehicle and water getting in. Power heating and cooling seats don't work. Back rear gate keeps closing has hit the kids and myself many times trying to get items out of back.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-01

Structure

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Show complaint excerpts

After turning the steering wheel the steering wheel will not return to center, it must be brought back manually. Second, the rocker panels front and back are rusted out completely and I worry about integrity and safety of the frame.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-11

Also filed under Steering

Steering

7% · 2 reports

Visibility

7% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing rear window wiper/washer.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2008-03-05Latches/locks/linkages08V058000 Ford is recalling 123,632 my 2007-2008 expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors may…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. The recall began on March 5, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-04-24Tires08V166000 Ford is recalling 158 my 2008 expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and the limo builders package for failing to conform to the…

Remedy: Dealers will reconfigure the TPMS thresholds to the appropriate pressures. The recall began on April 23, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2008-10-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-04-09 Tire valve cracking

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Lincoln Navigator — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V058000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 08V166000 · Tires

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Lincoln Navigator reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Lincoln Navigator is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lincoln Navigator?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lincoln Navigator have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.