MODEL
Lincoln Navigator Safety
NHTSA safety across every Lincoln Navigator model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Lincoln Navigator we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 86 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 74. 72 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV competing at the top of the American market alongside the Cadillac Escalade and Infiniti QX80. Built for buyers who want commanding presence, generous three-row seating, and premium refinement, the Navigator has anchored Lincoln's lineup since its debut and remains one of the most recognizable large luxury SUVs on the road today.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator achieves 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, the highest score for the model across the 2019 to 2025 period. Federal crash testing for frontal and side impacts delivered 5 out of 5 stars. These results underscore robust occupant protection in a collision. However, the Navigator's rollover rating stands at 3 out of 5 stars, a common outcome for tall, heavy body-on-frame SUVs. This indicates a higher statistical risk of rollover than lower-profile vehicles. The recall history for the Navigator is a significant factor. Seventy recalls have been issued for the 2019 through 2025 model years. Two of these carried "park outside" or "do not drive" warnings, indicating safety concerns severe enough to recommend owners cease operating the vehicle. This volume and severity of recalls demands thorough review of specific vehicle identification numbers. Owner complaints total 173 across the analyzed years. These include 12 alleged crashes, 3 fire-related incidents, 8 injury allegations, and 1 death allegation. While these reports remain unverified, their presence suggests that real-world safety performance for some owners has deviated from crash-test outcomes. For prospective buyers, the 2025 model's improved Safety Index is a positive indicator, but investigation into prior model year recalls is essential.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Navigator for its refined, spacious interior and strong road presence, placing it among the most comfortable entries in the full-size luxury SUV class. Most professional assessments highlight its polished driving experience and upscale features as genuine strengths, while acknowledging that its size and truck-based platform come with handling and efficiency compromises typical of the segment.
- The 2025 Navigator earned the highest NHTSA Safety Index score of the covered generation at 86 out of 100, making it the safest model year to target if safety is your priority.
- Two recalls across the 2019 to 2025 period carried park-outside or do-not-drive advisories, meaning Lincoln identified issues serious enough to instruct owners to stop driving the vehicle until repaired. Always verify that any used Navigator has had these campaigns completed.
- The Navigator's rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars reflects the inherent physics of a tall, heavy body-on-frame SUV. Buyers should factor this in, particularly if the vehicle will be used in emergency maneuver situations or by less experienced drivers.
- Seventy total recalls across roughly six model years is a high volume. Before buying any Navigator from this generation, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all open campaigns have been resolved by a dealer.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Lincoln Navigator with 14 recalls.