Most common 2008 Lincoln Navigator problems
Share of the 30 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln Navigator complaints by model year
Best Navigator years: 2011, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021, 2020. Compare all years →
2008 Lincoln Navigator recalls (2)
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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 requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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 fracture during normal customer usage. This can result in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully closed position.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Lincoln Navigator:
Tire valve cracking
On October 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by Ford motor company.the valves were supplied to Ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international…
What 2008 Lincoln Navigator owners say
Brakes
The brake booster vacuum hose attached to the intake manifold fitting swelled over time and was close to detaching from the intake manifold fitting. This condition could allow the hose to detach from the fitting during an engine backfire, resulting in loss of power brake assist and increased brake pedal effort. As a result, stopping distance may increase and potentially result in a crash.
Vehicle had complete brake failure 5 times during normal operations. Vehicle was serviced by Ford dealership and recommended brake repairs and/or unable to reproduce. Upon last time, technician found a Ford service bulletin that covered other similar models and years having exact same problem. They replaced the traction control module, but stated that it was a voluntary replacement. Losing brakes on a 6,000 pound car going 30mph is a recipe for serious death or injury. This component should be recalled. The car has full paperwork from previous brake repairs, previous request for brake repairs and the current replacement of the traction control module black box. There are other car owners online that have experienced the same issue including several that won lemon law lawsuits. …
Electrical system
Turning signals don't work. I bought this used 2008 Lincoln Navigator with the written text on my phone that said the used car lot took the vehicle to their mechanic and he said he had fixed the problem. I called him (the mechanic) upset and said the used car lot said he fixed the problem. He said he didn't say that; the signals could not be fixed without certain parts (computer parts) that are not available from anywhere. The parts are not being made and the re-conditioned parts are not available from re-conditioned businesses. I did sign an "as is" bill of sale with the understanding they would fix the signals. I have saved those text on my cells phone. They initially took responsibility of the defected signals by asking the mechanic to replace the signal arm. That didn't fix the problem. If they did this to me, they would do it to others. …
My front driver seat won't go back or forward. And my running board is not working any more. On the driver side won't come out any more and the passenger side stuck out and won't go back in. I took it to my manica and he said it's a recall on the electrical system.
Body & structure
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.
Motors in side step boards stop working. Button to control trunk don't work. Back rear gate keeps closing has hit the kids and myself many times trying to get things out of back. Casing around door handle broke off. This is an expensive vehicle and this should not be happening! I see other navigators with the running boards out! These items should be recalled.
2008 Lincoln Navigator engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lincoln Navigator a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Navigator rates average: 15% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Navigator at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lincoln Navigator?
The brakes — 8 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock. Next are the electrical system (7) and body & structure (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lincoln Navigator have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator, the most recent from April 11, 2008 (pressure monitoring and regulating systems). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln Navigator?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2013 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2018, 2024, 2021 and 2020. See the full Lincoln Navigator years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Lincoln Navigator problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.