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2008 Lincoln Navigator

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Navigator.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic 6-spd

The 2008 Lincoln Navigator is a full-size SUV built around a six-speed automatic, with a 7.0-quart oil capacity specified for 5W-20 API viscosity and EPA fuel economy ratings of 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined mpg. Owner-reported reliability places the model year at 30 total complaints — led by the electrical system — alongside 2 recalls on file, framing it as a relatively settled entry in the lineup. Set against the Navigator's complaint history from 1997 through 2027, the 2008 figure sits a step above the 2023 low of 6 and far below the 1998 peak of 209, indicating that a researcher examining this generation will find a notably quieter record than the early model years, even if it is not the absolute cleanest the nameplate has produced.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2008

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque150 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy12/18/14 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 ex. Climate Seats · 650 ex. Climate Seats CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 ex. Climate Seats · 650 ex. Climate Seats CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP255-70R18OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 6-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	208.3 in
Overall width	78.7 in
Overall height	74.4 in
Wheelbase	118.9 in
Curb weight	6069 lb
Track (front / rear)	66.5 / 66.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	51/49

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	12 / 18 / 14 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Navigator of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.2–8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.20 sec — 2015 Reserve EcoBoost

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2007	Ultimate 5.4L V8	8.30 sec	16.30 sec	300 hp	4x4
2015	Reserve EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	6.20 sec	14.90 sec	380 hp	4x4
2015	Reserve EcoBoost 3.5L twin-Turbo V6	6.20 sec	14.80 sec	380 hp	4x4
2015	Reserve EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	6.50 sec	15.10 sec	380 hp	4x4
2016	L Reserve EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	6.50 sec	14.90 sec	380 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 10.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	11
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	4.2 Pints, Rear
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	7.0 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	10.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	150 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	11.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	11.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	20 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	254 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Ignition Timing	10

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	Less auxiliary A/C, 1.38. With auxiliary A/C, 2.06. lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	7.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	65 ex. Climate Seats
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	650 ex. Climate Seats cca
Optional BCI Group Number	65 w/ Climate Seats

Service checks

Pressure Test	13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188-195 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-45
RPM	62-69 @ Idle rpm
Injector Primary Resistance	11-18 ohms
Engine Oil Pressure	40-125 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	2500 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	41 ft-lbs / 28 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	148 ft-lbs / 140 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.118; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in / 0.001 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	1.283 in / 0.771 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	1.259 in / 0.748 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0005 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts lightly with specified oil

1	30.0 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees	90 degrees

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

1.5 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.4

1.5 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Steering Linkage (lubricate) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Temperature Controlled Seat Air Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Wheel Bearing (repack)
At 100,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · PCV Valve (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The third-generation Navigator (2007–2014) opened with a notable drop in complaints and recalls compared to the first generation’s peak of 209 complaints and 7 recalls, and it continued the second generation’s improvement. The 2008 model year recorded just 30 complaints and 2 recalls, placing it near the low point of this generation’s arc, with only 2009 and 2011 showing fewer complaints. Its top complaint areas were electrical system (4) and service brakes (3, plus 2 hydraulic), and the federal record includes 2 crash incidents and 1 fire incident, though the data does not specify root causes. With recalls and investigations remaining minimal and no spike in technical service bulletins, the 2008 Navigator appears to be a solid choice within a generation that generally avoided the widespread issues of earlier models. Overall, this year represents a relatively trouble-free buy for a used full-size luxury SUV.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

2 involved a crash · 1 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07’08’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26 ’27

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 30 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System4

Service Brakes3

Unknown Or Other2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic2

Visibility2

Power Train2

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Structure1

Wheels1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

08V166000Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating SystemsReported 11/04/2008

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… 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.

08V058000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:LatchReported 05/02/2008

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… 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.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 28 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
SSM 54601	2026-02-23	Electrical System	Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
TSB 24-2188	2024-07-24	Wheels	This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to…
SSM 52476	2024-04-24	Equipment	All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the…
SSM 51909	2023-09-07	Power Train	When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV…
SSM 51536	2023-04-04	Structure	For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Navigator. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 battery Vehicles taking 7.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Navigator take?

7.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Navigator have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Navigator get?

EPA figures are 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined mpg.