NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 13 recalls, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's safety profile presents a mixed record. A strong performance in federal crash testing is balanced against a substantial number of defect campaigns. The vehicle achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, which places it in the Average band. This assessment is heavily influenced by the 13 recall campaigns issued for this model year, one of which included a park-outside directive. Consumers considering the 2020 Navigator should closely examine its recall history.
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator received a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator ranks 96 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.3% |
| Recalls on file | 13 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 96 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2020 Navigator's defining characteristic is its defect record. This single component scores only 1 out of a possible 20 points, driving a three-point decline in the NHTSA Safety Index from 79 to 76 compared to the 2019 model. Despite this drop, the 2020 Navigator remains within the Average band. Crash protection for the 2020 Navigator is strong, earning 66 out of 70 points. This is anchored by 5 out of 5-star frontal and side-impact ratings from NHTSA. The avoidance technology score of 8.5 out of 10 points reflects the inclusion of standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. Lane departure warning, however, is only offered as an option for this model year. The defect record is heavily influenced by 13 recalls. These include a park-outside battery junction box campaign specifically affecting 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles, alongside two distinct campaigns addressing seat belt pretensioners. The continued submission of owner complaints, with the most recent filed in 2026, indicates that the defect record for the 2020 Navigator remains an ongoing concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This included 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side crash protection. Rollover protection was assessed at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14938
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
Yes. The 2020 Lincoln Navigator carries 13 recall campaigns. Key components include the automatic transmission, seat belt pretensioners (addressed across two separate campaigns), an engine-related battery junction box short-circuit issue, and a back-over prevention software defect. The battery junction box campaign is designated park-outside or do-not-drive, meaning owners should not garage the vehicle until the remedy is completed.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION26V402000
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th
Reported 2026-06-24
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER26V344000
Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous
Reported 2026-05-27
ENGINE25V628000
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Reported 2025-09-19
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER25V197000
Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
Reported 2025-05-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V346000
Risk: Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S56.
Reported 2025-05-23
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Reported 2024-11-08
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER24V099000
Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
Reported 2024-02-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V598000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
Reported 2023-08-25
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL23V420000
Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Reported 2023-06-09
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES22V250000
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Reported 2022-04-14
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY20V366000
Risk: An improperly welded headrest bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began July 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C12.
Reported 2020-06-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
Owners have filed 28 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 2 crashes and 2 fires. The most frequently alleged problem area is the power train, cited in 16 reports, followed by the electrical system with 4 alleged reports and the engine with 3.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
Thirteen recall campaigns have been issued for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. Shoppers considering this model must verify that all 13 campaigns have been remedied on any specific vehicle before purchase. Particular attention should be paid to the park-outside battery junction box recall.
- The 2020 model year specifically carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to a battery junction box short-circuit risk in the engine system, a campaign that does not apply to all Navigator model years.
- Two separate seat belt pretensioner recall campaigns affect this model year, one covering 2018 through 2022 vehicles and one covering 2018 through 2020 vehicles, making pretensioner remedy verification a priority for used-vehicle buyers.
- The defect record component scores just 1 out of 20 points for this model year, which is the primary reason the Safety Index fell three points from the 2019 Navigator's score of 79.
- Sixteen of the 28 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year allege power train problems, a category that aligns with the active automatic transmission recall covering 2018 through 2021 Navigator vehicles.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lincoln Navigator places
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lincoln Navigator safety questions
Was the 2020 Lincoln Navigator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Lincoln Navigator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lincoln Navigator 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 19.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Navigator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 13 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Navigator years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14938), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator 2020.
- 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 96 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.