MODEL
Lincoln Aviator
NHTSA safety across every Lincoln Aviator model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Lincoln Aviator we cover (2020 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 84 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 74. 111 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Lincoln Aviator is a three-row luxury midsize SUV aimed squarely at buyers who want premium refinement without fully stepping into the ultra-luxury tier. Competing against the Cadillac XT6 and Genesis GV80, the Aviator blends a bold, distinctive design with a focus on comfort and technology. It targets affluent families and professionals who prioritize a polished driving experience alongside genuine practicality.
The Lincoln Aviator carries a solid safety reputation across the 2020-2025 model years we cover at MotorCaliber, though the picture is not without blemishes. The best NHTSA Safety Index score recorded is 84 out of 100, earned by the 2024 model, and performance across the range has landed in both the Strong and Average bands depending on the year. Crash-test results at their best are genuinely impressive: the Aviator has achieved five stars in both frontal and side impact testing, with rollover protection earning a respectable four stars. That rollover rating is worth keeping in mind, as it reflects the inherent physics of a tall, three-row SUV body style. Where the Aviator's safety story gets more complicated is on the recall front. Across the six model years we cover, Lincoln has issued 111 recalls tied to this vehicle. That is a high volume by any measure and signals that owners should stay diligent about checking for open recalls through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Owner complaints total 211 across covered years, including 7 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, and 4 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the complaint volume is meaningful context. The bottom line: the Aviator's crash-test hardware is among the better results in its segment, but the recall count is a real flag that prospective buyers should take seriously before signing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Lincoln Aviator for its upscale cabin, smooth ride quality, and distinctive styling that sets it apart from German and Japanese luxury SUV rivals. Most find the driving experience refined and the interior genuinely premium. Some reviewers note that the technology and infotainment systems can feel complex, and a few flag that the third-row space is best suited for smaller passengers.
- The 2024 Aviator earned the best NHTSA Safety Index score in the covered range at 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, but earlier model years have scored in the Average band, so the year you choose matters for safety performance.
- With 111 recalls across the 2020-2025 model years, the Aviator has one of the higher recall counts in its segment. Shoppers should run any VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase and verify all open recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
- Crash-test results at their peak include five stars in both frontal and side impact categories, which is genuinely strong performance. However, the rollover rating of four stars is typical for a tall three-row SUV and reflects the body style's higher center of gravity.
- Owner complaints across covered years include 7 reported crashes and 2 reported fires among 211 total complaints. These are unverified allegations, but the presence of fire-related reports makes it especially important to confirm recall completion status on any used example.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Lincoln Aviator with 29 recalls.