NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus achieved an overall crash-test rating from NHTSA. This strong performance, combined with its full score in avoidance technology, positions the Nautilus as a top contender for safety in its class. Our NHTSA Safety Index rates the vehicle at 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band.
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 based on 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 Nautilus ranks 10 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 10 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus marks a measurable step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed three points to 94/100 from the 2021 model year's 91/100, both within the Exceptional band but with this year landing notably closer to a perfect score. The gain is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The defect-record component contributes 18 of a possible 20 points, shaped by the two recall campaigns now on file. The engine hard-parts recall, which spans a wide range of Ford and Lincoln products including this year's Nautilus, is the weightier safety concern of the two. The back-over prevention software recall, issued more recently, is narrower in its safety implication but still requires attention. With only seven filed complaints and zero reported injuries or deaths among them, the complaint record for this year is notably quiet, reinforcing the strong index position.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus earns the top overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its performance is consistent across both frontal and side crash tests. Rollover protection registered a rollover risk at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result. All NHTSA crash-test categories have been rated for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16404
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. The first, issued in August 2024, targets internal engine hard parts across a broad Ford and Lincoln lineup including this vehicle. The second, issued in May 2025, addresses back-over prevention software. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive or park-outside order, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, 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 notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
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 Nautilus?
Seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2022 Nautilus. The top alleged components are Power Train with three reports, Structure with two, and one each for Electrical System, Unknown or Other, and Forward Collision Avoidance. All are unverified consumer allegations, and none involve reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus carries two open recall campaigns, necessitating a VIN check through the NHTSA database for any prospective buyer. Both campaigns address critical safety concerns: one involving engine hard parts and the other, back-over prevention software. Confirmed remedy completion is essential, as neither vehicle age nor mileage guarantees resolution of these issues.
- The 2022 Safety Index of 94/100 is three points higher than the 2021 model year's 91/100, both Exceptional but this year closer to the top of the scale.
- Two recall campaigns are on file specifically covering the 2022 model year: one for internal engine hard parts and one for back-over prevention software, both requiring VIN-level remedy verification.
- NHTSA's rollover assessment gives the 2022 Nautilus four out of five stars with a 16 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, the only sub-rating below five stars in the crash-test suite.
- All seven owner complaints on file carry zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, and the top alleged concern by volume is the Power Train component with three unverified reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus places
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Lincoln Nautilus safety questions
Was the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. 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 Nautilus 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 16404), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Nautilus 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 10 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.