DecodedCars2008 Lincoln Navigator
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD /Ultimate, L 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 5.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 12 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 208.3–223.2 in
- Curb weight
- 6,069–6,221 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 14 MPG combined, 26% below the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG.
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a SUV -.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator is a SUV - offered with a 5.4L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,069 lb (4dr SUV 4WD /Ultimate).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 18 highway), 26% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Navigator — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Navigator →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD /Ultimate | 208.3 in | 78.7 in | 74.4 in | 118.9 in | 66.5 / 66.5 in | 6,069 lb | 51/49 |
| L 4dr SUV 4WD | 223.2 in | 78.7 in | 78 in | 131.1 in | 66.5 / 66.5 in | 6,221 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -26% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Lincoln Navigator (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Cadillac Escalade | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Infiniti QX56 | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Lincoln Navigator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Lincoln Navigator buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 124,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Navigator years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Navigator | 18 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 Navigator | 17 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 Navigator | 17 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 13 |
| 2024 Navigator | 18 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 16 |
| 2023 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 7 |
| 2022 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 14 | 21 |
| 2021 Navigator | 18 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 33 |
| 2020 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 32 |
| 2019 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 85 |
| 2018 Navigator | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 52 |
| 2017 Navigator | 17 | 207.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 32 |
| 2016 Navigator | 18 | 207.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 25 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →