NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Lincoln Aviator Safety Ratings
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 21 recalls, and 43 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator presents a dichotomy in its safety profile. While strong NHTSA crash test scores provide a solid foundation, these are significantly undermined by a defect record score of 0/20, stemming from 20 active recall campaigns. This results in a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, positioning the vehicle in the Average band. The sheer volume of recalls on record for the 2022 Aviator demands close attention from prospective owners.
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator ranks 118 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 21 |
| Owner complaints | 43 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 118 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator moved the NHTSA Safety Index from 74 to 76, a modest two-point gain over the 2021 model year, keeping it within the Average band. That movement is almost entirely explained by the crash protection sub-score, which contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, a strong result anchored by the 5-star overall NHTSA rating. The avoidance technology sub-score is a perfect 10/10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the trim lineup. The critical drag on the index is the defect record sub-score of 0 out of 20, a floor-level result produced by 20 recall campaigns. Those campaigns span structurally significant concerns, specifically second-row seat belt anchor bolts, a windshield wiper motor failure mode, two distinct backup camera software defects, and a fuel pump delivery issue. The complaint picture adds texture: 43 reported allegations cluster around back-over prevention, electrical systems, and structure, with a reported 4 crash events among them. Taken together, this year presents a vehicle with genuinely strong crash-test credentials undercut by an unusually heavy recall burden, and that tension is exactly what the 76 index score reflects.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Lincoln Aviator perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, reflecting its strong performance in federal crash testing. It earned perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side impact protection categories. The vehicle’s rollover resistance, however, is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 15 percent risk of rollover. The dynamic tip-test indicated "No Tip" during evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16402
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?
Yes, 20 recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented components include seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row, windshield wiper motor, backup camera software (appearing in two separate campaigns), and the fuel delivery fuel pump system. No specific park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but the breadth of campaigns warrants immediate VIN verification.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY26V451000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notif
Reported 2026-07-14
SEAT BELTS26V159000
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-17
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V117000
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Reported 2025-07-07
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY25V393000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Reported 2025-06-13
STRUCTURE:BODY25V407000
Risk: Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.
Reported 2025-06-13
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES25V338000
Risk: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C18.
Reported 2025-05-23
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V159000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
Reported 2025-03-14
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Reported 2024-11-08
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL24V635000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Reported 2024-08-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
Owners have filed 43 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including a reported 4 crash events and 2 reported injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Back Over Prevention, Structure, and Electrical System, each cited 8 times, followed by Visibility and Wiper issues at 6 reported instances.
43 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
With 20 recall campaigns on record, any shopper considering a used 2022 Lincoln Aviator must run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Confirming which remedies have been completed at a franchised dealer is the single most important safety step for this specific model year.
- The 2022 model year carries 20 recall campaigns, including one addressing second-row seat belt anchor bolts and another covering a fuel pump delivery defect, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential before any purchase.
- Two separate backup camera software recalls affect this model year, both issued in early 2026, meaning many used examples on the market may still have open remedies on this safety-critical system.
- The defect record sub-score of 0/20 is the primary reason the Safety Index sits at 76 rather than higher, despite a crash protection sub-score of 66/70 and a perfect 10/10 avoidance technology score.
- Forty-three unverified owner allegations on file include reported clusters around electrical systems and structure, categories that used-market buyers should discuss with a qualified inspection technician before finalizing a transaction.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Lincoln Aviator places
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Lincoln Aviator safety questions
Was the 2022 Lincoln Aviator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Lincoln Aviator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Lincoln Aviator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Lincoln Aviator earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Lincoln Aviator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 21 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 43 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Aviator years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16402), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Aviator 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 118 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.