NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 14 recalls, and 20 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a 74/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Average band. This rating reflects strong crash protection and full marks for its avoidance technology. However, its defect record significantly lowered the overall score, preventing it from being a standout safety pick for the year.
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100 and a 5-out-of-5-star side crash test result, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator ranks 122 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 | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 14 |
| Owner complaints | 20 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 122 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's safety profile is defined by an unusually broad recall picture, earning a defect record score of 0 out of a possible 20 points. This reflects the weight of 14 active recall campaigns impacting a single model year, spanning critical systems such as seat belt pretensioners, wiper linkages, back-over prevention software, trailer brake control, and the roof assembly. This breadth across multiple vehicle systems is the defining safety story for the 2022 Navigator. Despite this, the vehicle demonstrates strong crash protection, evidenced by a sub-score of 63.8 out of 70. The side crash test result, a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, is a clear safety positive. Furthermore, the avoidance technology component achieves a perfect 10 out of 10, confirming that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment. The overall Safety Index for the 2022 Lincoln Navigator is 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band, a four-point decrease from the 2021 model year's 78 out of 100, a regression driven entirely by the defect record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was unscored by NHTSA's NCAP program for overall and frontal crash protection in most configurations, limiting direct safety comparisons. Where tested, however, side-impact protection did earn a full 5 out of 5 stars. Rollover protection rated 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16406
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator carries 14 recall campaigns. Named components include seat belt pretensioners, windshield wiper linkages, back-over prevention software, the integrated trailer brake control within the electrical system, and the sun and moon roof assembly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but the volume and spread of these campaigns is significant and warrants VIN-level verification before purchase or continued use.
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
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
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V403000
Risk: A loss of exterior lighting can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the headlight control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C28.
Reported 2025-06-13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS25V314000
Risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S47.
Reported 2025-05-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL25V132000
Risk: Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.
Reported 2025-02-28
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
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Lincoln Navigator?
Owners have filed 20 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2022 model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 8 reports, followed by Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Unknown or Other categories each drawing 4 reported allegations. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator carries an exceptional 14 recall campaigns, making a VIN-specific search on the NHTSA website a critical first step for any prospective owner. Until outstanding recall work is confirmed completed by a Lincoln dealer, the vehicle's as-designed safety remains compromised.
- The 2022 model year carries 14 NHTSA recall campaigns, the highest defect-record burden in recent Navigator history, and that volume is the primary reason the Safety Index fell four points from the 2021 figure of 78 out of 100.
- The side crash test is the only NCAP star rating available for this configuration, and it is a maximum 5 out of 5 stars. Overall and frontal star ratings are not rated, so a full NCAP picture does not exist for this year.
- Unverified owner complaints to NHTSA flag the Electrical System as the most reported problem area with 8 allegations, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance with 4 reported allegations, a notable pairing given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment.
- The back-over prevention software recall issued in 2026 covers 2022 through 2025 Navigator models, meaning this is an open and relatively recent campaign that a used buyer is especially likely to encounter unresolved.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Lincoln Navigator places
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Lincoln Navigator safety questions
Was the 2022 Lincoln Navigator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Lincoln Navigator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 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 2022 Lincoln Navigator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Lincoln Navigator earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Lincoln Navigator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 14 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Lincoln Navigator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Lincoln Navigator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16406), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator 2022.
- 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 122 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.