NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Lincoln Navigator L
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Lincoln Navigator L is the extended-wheelbase version of Ford's flagship full-size luxury SUV, stretching to accommodate up to eight passengers in three rows of genuine premium space. Aimed squarely at buyers who want maximum presence, towing capability, and upscale comfort in a body-on-frame package, the Navigator L competes at the top of the American luxury SUV segment alongside rivals like the Cadillac Escalade ESV.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Lincoln Navigator L for its exceptionally refined interior, smooth ride quality, and commanding road presence. Most agree it delivers a genuinely premium experience that competes credibly with European and domestic luxury rivals. Some reviewers note the tall, truck-based platform can feel less agile than car-based alternatives, but the overall reception is strongly positive for buyers prioritizing comfort and space.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20366
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V165000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/
Reported 2026-03-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL26V104000
Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-20
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V831000
Risk: Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other drivers that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear lightbar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C66. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE25V823000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V488000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Reported 2025-07-25
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL25V439000
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S51.
Reported 2025-06-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.