NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Lincoln Navigator L Safety Ratings
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L launches with six recalls already issued, a significant volume for a new release. While this is a notable concern for potential owners, the large SUV achieves a strong overall crash protection rating from NHTSA. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100 positions it firmly within the Strong safety band.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100 and a 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L ranks 107 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 | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 107 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L posted a 3 out of 5 stars in the rollover resistance test, a notable contrast to its 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash protection. This year model achieves a Safety Index of 86/100, placing it in the Strong band, with an excellent crash-protection component of 62 out of 70. Its crash-avoidance technology component scored a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. However, the defect record component registered 14 out of 20, reflecting six recall campaigns concentrated within this single model year. Two separate recalls address the Electronic Brake Control Module for both hardware and software issues. Additional campaigns cover the rear lightbar lens and back-over prevention software. The 11 unverified consumer complaints submitted to NHTSA cluster around braking and electrical issues, aligning with the recall themes. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparison.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. Its rollover performance, however, presents a notable area for consideration, earning 3 out of 5 stars with a 20-percent rollover risk. Despite this, the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20366
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L have any recalls?
Yes, six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include back-over prevention software, the integrated trailer brake control electrical system, rear exterior lighting lens cracking, and two separate electronic brake control module issues, one addressing hardware and one addressing software. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L?
Eleven unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and the Electrical System, each cited three times, followed by unverified allegations involving Steering and Vehicle Speed Control. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L's six recalls are a significant factor in assessing its safety profile, especially the two separate campaigns addressing its brake control module. Consumers should verify that all recall work, particularly these critical brake-related fixes, has been completed. An open recall on a used vehicle remains the responsibility of the vehicle, not the previous owner.
- Two distinct recall campaigns target the 2025 Navigator L's Electronic Brake Control Module, one for a hardware defect and one for a software defect, making brake system recall verification a priority for this specific model year.
- NHTSA awarded the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, and 5 stars side, but assigned only 3 stars for rollover with a 20-percent rollover risk, a gap that is specific to this vehicle's test results.
- The defect record component of the Safety Index scored 14 out of 20, the lowest of the three Index components, directly reflecting the six recall campaigns recorded against this model year.
- All 11 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year cluster around Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and the Electrical System, categories that overlap with active recall campaigns, suggesting these are not isolated consumer concerns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L places
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Lincoln Navigator L safety questions
Was the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2025 Lincoln Navigator L crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L. 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 Navigator L years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20366), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator L 2025.
- 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 107 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.