NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Lincoln Aviator Safety Ratings
The 2024 Lincoln Aviator scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Lincoln Aviator achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, positioning it in the Strong band for overall safety. This rating reflects the Aviator's excellent performance in NHTSA's crash tests, demonstrating robust structural protection in impact scenarios. However, the vehicle's safety profile is moderated by its seven recalls, a factor that prospective owners should carefully consider and verify as addressed. Additionally, its score for avoidance technology, while present, is modest compared to its crashworthiness.
The 2024 Lincoln Aviator holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Lincoln Aviator ranks 99 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 99 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2024 Lincoln Aviator represents a meaningful upward step in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing from 76 out of 100 in the Average band for the 2023 model year to 84 out of 100 in the Strong band for 2024, an eight-point gain driven primarily by the crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of a possible 70. That near-ceiling protection figure is the clearest strength of this specific model year. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the most notable drag on the total index, signaling that while standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning are present, the overall technology package did not score as competitively as the crash structure did. The defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 reflects the seven active recall campaigns, which span safety-critical systems including seat belt anchors, back-over-prevention software, and trailer hitch hardware. That breadth across structural and restraint categories makes recall verification a first priority for any shopper. The complaint volume of five reported allegations is low for a vehicle of this vintage, and none allege crash, fire, injury, or death, which is a contextually positive data point even accounting for the unverified nature of NHTSA complaints.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Lincoln Aviator perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Lincoln Aviator achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with the agency awarding perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash-test disciplines. Its rollover resistance did not quite match these results, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a 15 percent rollover risk. The Aviator did, however, pass the dynamic tip-test with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19171
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover the 2024 Aviator. Named components include seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row, a back-over-prevention software defect affecting the imaging system, trailer hitch assembly bolts, a second-row easy-entry seat switch, and rear door window bars with C-pillar trim that may have insufficient retention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but shoppers should confirm remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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
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
TRAILER HITCHES25V687000
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-10
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
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION24V368000
Risk: A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (APIM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S35.
Reported 2024-05-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Lincoln Aviator?
Five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2024 Aviator, with zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The top alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other components (3 reports), the Electrical System (2 reports), and Structure (1 report). All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Lincoln Aviator?
Used car buyers considering a 2024 Aviator must check the VIN for open recalls. Seven campaigns cover this model year, addressing issues with seat belts, trailer hitches, and various software components. Remedy completion rates differ across individual vehicles. Buyers should confirm in writing that a franchised dealer has completed all recall repairs.
- The 2024 model year produced an eight-point Safety Index jump over the 2023 Aviator, moving from the Average band (76/100) to the Strong band (84/100), with a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 anchoring that improvement.
- Seven distinct recall campaigns are on record for 2024, covering seat belt anchor bolts, back-over-prevention imaging software, trailer hitch assembly bolts, a second-row seat easy-entry switch, and rear door window bar and C-pillar trim retention, making VIN-level recall verification essential.
- Rollover is the only crash-test discipline below 5 stars, scoring 4 out of 5 with a 15 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test, a distinction that separates this year's profile from a clean sweep.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the weakest component of the 2024 index breakdown, indicating that the standard safety-technology suite did not score as strongly as the vehicle's physical crash protection, a year-specific nuance worth weighing against the otherwise strong overall index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Lincoln Aviator places
The 2024 Lincoln Aviator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Lincoln Aviator safety questions
Was the 2024 Lincoln Aviator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Lincoln Aviator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Lincoln Aviator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Lincoln Aviator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Lincoln Aviator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Lincoln Aviator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Lincoln Aviator. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Aviator years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19171), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Aviator 2024.
- 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 99 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.