2008 Lincoln Navigator
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. It was offered with a single engine option: a 5.4L Triton V8 producing 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Navigator’s towing capacity, ample cargo space, and upscale features. However, some common complaints included its poor fuel economy, large size making it difficult to maneuver, and some reliability issues.
Engine
5.4L Triton V8
- Spark Plug Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The 5.4L Triton V8 is notorious for its spark plugs breaking off inside the cylinder head during removal. This is due to a two-piece spark plug design that can seize within the head. Symptoms include misfires, rough running, and reduced power.
- Solution: Special tools are required to extract the broken spark plug from the cylinder head. In some cases, the cylinder head may need to be removed and professionally repaired or replaced. The updated one-piece spark plugs should be used to prevent this from happening again.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the number of broken plugs and the extent of damage.
- Recalls: None Found
- Cam Phaser Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The variable valve timing (VVT) system’s cam phasers can wear out or fail, leading to a rattling noise, especially on startup. Other symptoms include poor performance, rough idle, and reduced fuel economy.
- Solution: Replacing the cam phasers, timing chains, and related components. It’s recommended to replace the oil pump as well, as low oil pressure can contribute to cam phaser issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Shudder
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter may develop a shudder, especially at lower speeds or during light acceleration. This feels like a vibration or shaking.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter. In some cases, a transmission flush and fluid change with a specific fluid type designed to reduce shudder might provide a temporary fix, but replacement is usually necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Delayed or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission might exhibit delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse, or it might shift harshly between gears. This can be caused by worn valve body components, low fluid level, or internal transmission damage.
- Solution: Diagnosing the root cause (valve body, solenoids, internal damage). Possible solutions range from a transmission fluid flush and filter change to valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid change) - $4000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system, designed for a smooth ride, can develop leaks in the air springs (bags) or the air compressor can fail. Symptoms include the vehicle sagging, riding unevenly, or the air compressor running constantly.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty air springs and/or air compressor. Some owners opt to convert to a traditional coil spring suspension for increased reliability.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per air spring; $500 - $1000+ for the air compressor; $1000 - $2500+ for coil spring conversion.
- Recalls: None Found
- Ride Height Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Ride height sensors can fail due to wear and tear, corrosion, or physical damage. This will cause the air suspension to be inaccurate, and cause the vehicle to sag or inflate to the wrong height. This can also lead to error codes or warnings on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the ride height sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window/Door Lock Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of power windows or door locks. This can be caused by faulty window motors, door lock actuators, or wiring problems.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty window motor, door lock actuator, or repairing the wiring harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window/door lock.
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may experience intermittent failures, such as gauges not working correctly, the display flickering, or the entire cluster going blank.
- Solution: Sometimes the instrument cluster can be repaired, but often it needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Running Board Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The power running boards may fail to extend or retract properly, or may become stuck in one position. This is often due to a faulty motor or damaged linkage.
- Solution: Replacing the running board motor or repairing the linkage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ per side.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The navigation or infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or display error messages. The system can also have issues reading DVDs or CDs.
- Solution: Software updates might resolve some issues, but often the unit needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator has some notable reliability concerns, particularly regarding the engine, transmission, and air suspension system. Engine spark plug issues and cam phaser problems can be costly to address. Transmission shudder and harsh shifting can also lead to significant repair bills. The air suspension system is prone to failure, and while coil spring conversions are an option, they alter the vehicle’s ride characteristics. Electrical and interior issues are generally less severe but still contribute to overall ownership costs. While not every Navigator will experience all of these issues, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.