Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Lincoln Navigator owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Fax fm archie bice (pa) re defective tie rod on his wife's 1998 Lincoln Navigator. While driving over a speed bump the front of the vehicle jumped sideways in a violent manner. The consumer drove over another speedbump and the same thing happened. The consumer's husband checked the vehicle when she got home and noticed that the tie rod broke off at the end (the ball separated from the socket). The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told that this failure was not a common problem therefore no they would not provide any assistance.
While driving, the left tie rod separated, which almost caused an accident. While driving, the right tie rod separated. (all parts were replaced by the dealer) the consumer was able to stop the vehicle without causing an accident because both failures occurred at a low speed. When the tie rod broke, along with the inner binding, the reaction was extremely violent and difficult to control. The left inner and outer tie rod end were replaced. The sway bar link had broken. (the right tie rod end and sway bar link was replaced)
Vehicle's tie rod broke on 1998 Lincoln Navigator. While driving over a speed bump the front of the vehicle jumped sideways in a violent manner. The consumer drove over another speedbump and the same thing happened. The consumer's husband checked the vehicle when she got home and noticed that the tie rod broke off at the end (the ball separated from the socket). The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told that this failure was not a common problem therefore no they would not provide any assistance.
I was driving on a straight stretch of road through riverside, pa doing 35 MPH when I experienced violent shaking in the front end of the vehicle. I had extreme difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle and almost hit 3 people walking alongside the road. When I was able to stop the vehicle I discovered that the inner tie rod had broken and that the right front passenger wheel was completely turned inward. The inner tie rod and associated mechanical parts were replaced. (old parts not available).
I visited my father who lives 22 miles away. I made it there and back fine. I just got back into my hometown when I crossed a set of tracks that are on a turn. I was traveling approximately 35 MPH. After crossing them I straightened my wheels and my Navigator began to shake with extreme violence. I immediately braked and turned down a side alley to get off the street. That's when I seen the broken passenger side tie rod.
Without any warning while backing the truck up, the front right wheel laid sideways. The truck was towed to the dealership for examination. The technician replaced the tie rod end and the pitman arm. Both tie rods failed.
Driving at approximately 60 MPH consumer had lost control of vehicle. Vehicle then rolledover ,tumbling along side of the median, front end was totally damaged, and dual airbags did not deploy, causing injuries.
While traveling on highway consumer noticed that vehicle will bounce down to the ground. Dealership is aware of problem. Consumer stated the suspenison light would illuminate, the air compressor relay was replaced for the rear suspension, the front washer was inoperative, cigarette lighter was inoperative, dealer found a fuse to be blown, the ABS light illuminated, right front speed sensor was replaced, also the right frnt pitman arm was replaced, and the the front pads and rotors were replaced sue to them being worn which were causing nosie to be heard by the consumer.
We were siting in the parkinglot when we heard a loud bang and the front left side of the Navigator dropped I got out to see what had happend and look under the car and saw the end of the rod hanging down. It faild right where it would conect to the front suspension I have never seen a tie rod fail before. And too fail whill we were not driving was nice. I had just pulled into the parking lot and had been parked for about ten minutes when it just failled.
Vehicle was going 35-40mph and the front end started violently shaking due to tie rod breaking. Vehicle was very hard to control at a low speed due to wheels locking in a turning position with the steering wheel still spinning. Vehicle was just in for repair a week before to replace the sway bar. Dealer notified. The consumer stated that the service manager at dealer stated that they have had similar problems with the Navigator.
NHTSA investigations
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Steering complaints in other Navigator years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator, 11% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Lincoln Navigator steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1998 Lincoln Navigator, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Lincoln Navigator steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.