Super frustrated with 2018 Navigator and Transmission and Cam Phaser Issues

[jc28]

Exactly what the title states. Bought a low mile 2018 Navigator Select 3 years ago with the intent to drive it for a good long while. Had the whole transmission rebuilt last year just outside of warranty (Lincoln covered a percentage of the cost). Now I have an issue with the cam phasers and they refuse to do anything despite there being bulletins and a number of customer satisfaction programs and warranty extensions that are also just expired that clearly point to a design problem and not normal wear and tear. Seems like this is an issue with an all out faulty vehicle at this point that really shouldn't be having these issues still under 65k miles. The water pump just was replaced and that cost 1k+. I am very reluctant to pay an additional $6600 to fix the cam phaser issue with no real assurances they won't just be a problem again. The transmission has been acting up again already as well but they say they aren't seeing it. Not sure where to go from here because beyond these issues I love my vehicle but not excited to buy another one and cross my fingers it isn't terrible when I have been so burned on this one. If I trade in I am taking a hit and if I don't I am not really wanting to pass this issue on to someone else unsuspecting on the private market. No good answers here and the customer service at this point has been so terrible that it makes me want to switch to something else entirely.

 

[walterk15]

How many miles on your Navigator when the trans died? There was some stupid valve that controls the flow of coolant to the transmission that was stuck closed and burned up two transmissions until they did what I suggested and replace the system that cools the trans mission. Then when I got it back after the second screw up I fix the problem permanently.

I would do all the maintenance / repairs on my own. That’s what I do.

 

[akras]

Reach out to Lincoln Concierge regarding the phasers issue. They really helped me when I was in your situation. Be firm, but very polite.

Also, the recommended maintenance intervals is a total BS. Change oil (use high quality synthetic, not the recommended semi-synthetic) every 3,000 miles or so, transmission fluid every 50,000 miles or so (mine looked horrible by 60,000 mi), differential fluid (especially front differential) every 60,000 mi or so, switch to a heavier gear oil in the front differential, monitor transmission temperature when you drive, and don't trust the dealership: do everything yourself if you can.

Unfortunately, as disappointing as the quality of Navigators is, it seems that Escalades and (especially) Grand Wagoneers are even worse. If you don't need cargo capacity and all seats at the same time, look at Toyota/Lexus offerings next time you shop for a large SUV.

 

[jc28]

Reach out to Lincoln Concierge regarding the phasers issue. They really helped me when I was in your situation. Be firm, but very polite.

Also, the recommended maintenance intervals is a total BS. Change oil (use high quality synthetic, not the recommended semi-synthetic) every 3,000 miles or so, transmission fluid every 50,000 miles or so (mine looked horrible by 60,000 mi), differential fluid (especially front differential) every 60,000 mi or so, switch to a heavier gear oil in the front differential, monitor transmission temperature when you drive, and don't trust the dealership: do everything yourself if you can.

Unfortunately, as disappointing as the quality of Navigators is, it seems that Escalades and (especially) Grand Wagoneers are even worse. If you don't need cargo capacity and all seats at the same time, look at Toyota/Lexus offerings next time you shop for a large SUV.

I reached out to Lincoln Concierge and they have been utterly disappointing. With the transmission they were helpful and paid for a percentage. This time they have been flat out difficult across the board. I brought up the Customer Satisfaction Program that they had running for the cam phasers that expired in 2023 and they acted like they had no clue what I was talking about. I find it ridiculous that there is a near recall for the issue along with a TSB that all points to a design flaw on their part that they want their customers to pay the price for. I agree completely on the alternatives and don't find their build quality to be any better and I do need the cargo capacity on the full size SUV so I am in a pinch here. It seems absurd to reward Ford/Lincoln for making me pay for their crappy engine repairs by buying a new Navigator. All research I have done on the cam phasers points to the fact that odds are good it will continue to be an issue at some point so a 6k+ repair seems really stupid on my part at this point. I have been a Ford/Lincoln owner for 25 years and it really puts a sour taste in my mouth on paying them more money.

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[jc28]

How many miles on your Navigator when the trans died? There was some stupid valve that controls the flow of coolant to the transmission that was stuck closed and burned up two transmissions until they did what I suggested and replace the system that cools the trans mission. Then when I got it back after the second screw up I fix the problem permanently.

I would do all the maintenance / repairs on my own. That’s what I do.

The transmission went out right after 50k miles or so. I am no good at maintenance/repairs myself honestly so increasingly it looks like I need to dump this vehicle and quit throwing good money after bad. Just very irritated to have a vehicle in such good condition otherwise with low miles need to be switched out for what is clearly a trash engine on a lemon vehicle at this point.