VehicleVerdict

1998 Ford Navigator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1998 Ford Navigator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Navigator years?

Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted7 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 7 complaints
Navigator NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navigator years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Ford Navigator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control233%
Body & Structure233%
Brakes117%
Tires & Wheels117%

Does the 1998 Ford Navigator have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V168000LightingJune 19, 2000 · 20,637 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Consequence

THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON 9/25/2005 ABOUT 2:30 AM MY LINCOLN NAVIGATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE INSPECTOR THAT THE TRUCK WAS INVOLVED IN A RECALL BY FORD. APPARENTLY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS NOT ON IT WAS JUST SITTING IN FRONT OF MY TOWNHOUSE VILLA AND IT JUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 25, 2005 · fire

“WHILE OPENING THE REAR DOOR, THE HINGES BROKE CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO USE THE REAR DOOR. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOUND. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 22, 2005

1998 Ford Navigator — common questions

Is the 1998 Ford Navigator reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Ford Navigator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Ford Navigator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Ford Navigator under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.