NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 12 recalls, and 26 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator achieved an Average rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 78 out of 100. This outcome is largely buoyed by strong crash-test performance as published by NHTSA. However, the Navigator's defect record significantly tempers its overall safety standing, marked by 12 recall campaigns. Among these was a critical park-outside or do-not-drive directive, a serious advisory that impacted consumer safety and vehicle usability.
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 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 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.3% |
| Recalls on file | 12 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 26 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator moves the NHTSA Safety Index two points upward from the 2020 model's 76/100 to 78/100, a modest but meaningful gain within the Average band. That improvement is almost entirely traceable to the crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, which reflects the vehicle's strong NHTSA showing: a 5-star overall rating backed by 5-star frontal and side results. The avoidance-tech score of 7.5 out of 10 reflects a mixed standard-equipment picture, with lane departure warning and electronic stability control fitted as standard but forward collision warning listed only as optional on this model year. The clearest drag on the 2021 Index is the defect record component, scored at just 4.5 out of 20. Twelve recall campaigns is a substantial figure for a single model year, and the presence of a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign makes the defect record the most consequential safety dimension for anyone currently operating this vehicle. The seat belt pretensioner and automatic transmission campaigns in particular span multiple model years and suggest systemic concerns that prospective owners and current registrants should treat as high priority.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator achieved 5 out of 5 stars in its overall NHTSA safety rating, demonstrating robust performance in crash protection. This included perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact tests. The vehicle's rollover rating stands 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 15452
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Lincoln Navigator carries 12 recall campaigns. Components involved include the automatic transmission, seat belt pretensioners, windshield wiper linkages, the sun/moon roof assembly, and the gasoline fuel pump. At least one campaign is classified as a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, signaling elevated risk that owners must address before operating the vehicle.
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
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES26V204000
Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-31
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY25V729000
Risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-24
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Reported 2025-07-07
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
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
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
ENGINE22V346000
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 2022-05-17
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
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT21V805000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
Reported 2021-10-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA has logged 26 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (7 reports), Power Train (4), and Steering (3). One crash has been alleged. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and are not established facts.
26 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator stands out in its model year for a particularly high number of recalls, with 12 open or historical campaigns. Among these is a critical park-outside directive. It is therefore essential that any owner or prospective buyer verify, through the VIN, that all necessary remedies have been completed by a dealership. This constitutes the primary safety consideration for the 2021 Navigator.
- The 2021 Navigator's defect record sub-score of 4.5 out of 20 is the primary reason the Safety Index does not score higher despite a near-perfect crash-test result, driven by 12 recall campaigns tied to this specific model year.
- One of the 12 recall campaigns for this model year carries a park-outside or do-not-drive classification, meaning affected vehicles should not be operated until the remedy is confirmed complete via VIN check.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning not every 2021 Navigator on the used market will be equipped with that specific crash-avoidance technology.
- Twenty-six unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Engine allegations leading at 7 reports, followed by Power Train and Steering concerns, and one alleged crash among the submissions.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lincoln Navigator places
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lincoln Navigator safety questions
Was the 2021 Lincoln Navigator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 12 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 26 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Navigator years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15452), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator 2021.
- 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 86 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.