Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
I was driving about 40 MPH on a rode a drove everyday something broke on my 98 Lincoln Navigator . The guys who flipped it back over said the suspension broke I scraped a guardrail then straight across the road head on with a tree I flipped up on my headlights spun like that then rolled 50 more feet down the road it knocked me out on impact but a friend was in front of me and seen the whole thing I had a severe concussion and broke my back n four places none of the airbags deployed I would not recommend this type of vehicle for anyone there are so many complaints about the suspension and air shocks not working my sons almost lost their mom bc the suspension broke it was a very well maintained vehicle one owner be fore me who took very good care of it I only drove it for 5 months about 20 miles aday to work in back it was not lack of maintenance or anything like that
Wheels are not safe and very dangerous and randomly breaking off all screws while driving and ruined the frame and drive shaft transmission suspension etc... Highway 10 west and vehicle became unstoppable as brakes also new but failed without 4th wheel this occurred 1st on morning after st patricks day 2016 and the tires were good and wheels were bolted with lugnut impact drill and mechanic said thers a recall and the original owner was unaware but Lincoln claims they tried to fix before in 1999 but anaheim was fraudulently claiming repairs that were never completed because the owner always only went to the dealer where purchased new and the warranty was in effect 69,863 miles .
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Lincoln Navigator. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear of the vehicle independently swayed from side to side without warning. In addition, the contact mentioned that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond and the rear of the vehicle began to scrape across the ground. The contact mentioned that the vehicle stopped independently. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the lug nuts on the rear passenger side wheel fractured and caused the wheel to disengage from the vehicle. The entire rear of the vehicle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame, the drive shaft, the trans axle, the transfer case, the rear axle, the bearing, and the rear lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
Dt: while traveling on the interstate at 60 MPH the left rear tire blew out. The tire completely shredded, no evidence of a previous puncture. Pulled to the right side shoulder of road on a bridge and called for tow truck. Tow truck came , removed tire and placed the spare on. The tire is now at auto repair shop from where it was purchased. Had not contacted general tires, but wished for someone to investigate the tires. The tire was replaced with a Goodyear tire. General tire, ameritrack, p255/70r16.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while parked she noticed the rear passenger side rim was corroded. The tires would loose air frequently. Also, the contact noticed that the front and rear driver side rims were corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic who stated that the rim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
An aftermarket tire in the front driver's side blew out while driving 70 MPH on the interstate. Consumer sent the damaged tire back to the manufacturer, who claimed that based on the results of the examination this was a service related condition beyond the control of the manufacturer. Tires where only 2 days old, tire dealer had replaced the tire.
While driving the vehicle experienced tread separation. The entire medial wall of the tire had blown out. The vehicle veered off to the right side of the road and stopped 10 feet in front of the guard rail. Continental was supposedly examining the tire but the consumer haven't gotten any word from them.
While traveling on interstate and without prior warning there was a noise and vibration . He was able to pull over to shoulder, saw that right tire tread separated. Firestone, Bridgestone, 24575r16, dueler at. Dealership was aware of problem.
Right rear tire tread came completely of the tire while driving. The consumer stated the tire was still inflated on the rim. Continental tire company stated the tire contained a split which caused the tread separation.
Continental conti track, p225/75r17, dot # ad9c448078 front driver's side tire experienced tread separation, resulting in blowouts. The consumer purchased the same brand and experienced another separation.
Related recalls
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The lug nuts on these vehicles May not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in May 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Navigator years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1998 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1998 Lincoln Navigator, 32% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Lincoln Navigator wheel & tire problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-095 (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, May 13, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Lincoln Navigator wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to wheels & tires 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.