NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Strong performance band. This rating is supported by a clean recall record; as of publication, no recalls have been issued for the 2026 model year. NHTSA crash test scores are strong overall, though the vehicle's notably low avoidance-tech score bears consideration by prospective owners.
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus SUV received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus achieved a perfect 5-star rating from NHTSA in its overall, frontal, and side crash evaluations. These results place it at the highest tier for passive safety. Its rollover assessment stands at 4 stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk, consistent with the previous model year. Despite strong crash-test performance, the Nautilus registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, a minor decrease from the 2025 model's 89. This difference is largely attributable to its active-safety suite. The vehicle's avoidance-tech sub-score is 2 out of 10, reflecting the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. Electronic stability control is the sole active safety feature listed as standard equipment. In terms of defect history, the 2026 Nautilus earns a perfect 20 out of 20 for its recall record, with no campaigns issued to date. NHTSA has received six owner complaints, a low number for a current model year. None of these complaints involve allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities. The 2026 Nautilus offers robust occupant protection and a clean recall record, but its active safety technology offering lags.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in its core crash evaluations. It secured perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side impact assessments. The rollover resistance category presents a relative area for improvement, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a 17 percent rollover risk, though the vehicle did not tip in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21448
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisories and no do-not-drive orders have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be filed at any time after a model enters service.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?
Six unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Nautilus. The top component is Unknown Or Other, accounting for four of the six reports. Additional unverified allegations touch Lane Departure, Service Brakes, and Visibility/Wiper systems. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?
While no recalls are on file for this current model year, VIN-level recall verification through NHTSA's lookup tool remains essential, as campaigns can open after production. Buyers should confirm any remedy has been completed before taking delivery, and re-check periodically.
- The 2026 Nautilus scores a perfect 20 out of 20 on the defect-record component of the Safety Index, supported by zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file for this model year.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, a concrete gap compared to competitors that list those systems as standard.
- NHTSA's rollover assessment assigns the 2026 Nautilus a 4-star rating and a 17 percent rollover risk, with a No Tip result on the dynamic test, making rollover the one crash-test category that falls short of a perfect score.
- Six unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed against the 2026 Nautilus, with four categorized under Unknown Or Other and single reports each touching Lane Departure, Service Brakes, and Visibility/Wiper, none alleging crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus places
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Lincoln Nautilus safety questions
Was the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2026 Lincoln Nautilus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21448), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Nautilus 2026.
- 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 75 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.