NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 8 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator presents a mixed safety profile. Its eight recall campaigns and elevated defect record are notable concerns for prospective owners. However, the Navigator achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, placing it in the Strong band, reflecting robust crash-protection performance and a suite of standard active-safety technologies.
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator EL SUV 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 and a 5/5 NHTSA side-impact star rating, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator ranks 102 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 102 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, moving it into the Strong band. This seven-point gain over the 2022 model's 74/100 score is largely attributable to its 63.8 out of 70 crash-protection sub-score. On the ratings NHTSA published, the vehicle achieved 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection and a 4 out of 5 star rollover rating with a No Tip outcome. However, the defect record sub-score of 12/20 constrains the overall index. Eight recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 Navigator. These address concerns with brake hydraulics, wiper linkages, back-over prevention software, and trailer brake control electronics. The recall concerning brake lines, which affects 2022 through 2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles, represents the most direct mechanical safety issue documented. Owner complaints remain relatively low at six, though four of these are concentrated in the Electrical System category, aligning with recall activity in that area. The vehicle's avoidance-technology sub-score is 5/10. This is the weakest component of the index, partly due to forward collision warning being listed as both standard and optional depending on the configuration, rather than a universal standard feature across all trims.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator EL SUV 4WD achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating in side-impact crash tests. Its rollover rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk noted in testing. The dynamic tip test resulted in No Tip. It is important to note that NHTSA has not published an overall or frontal crash rating for this vehicle.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17364
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
Yes. Eight recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include windshield wiper linkages, back-over prevention software (two separate campaigns), an integrated trailer brake control electrical system, and front hydraulic brake lines that may contact the engine air intake. No park-outside or do-not-drive order appears in the data provided, but the brake-line campaign warrants prompt attention.
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
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
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
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY23V128000
Risk: A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S07.
Reported 2023-02-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
Six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Navigator. The most frequently alleged component is the Electrical System, cited in four reports, followed by Back Over Prevention in two reports. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as defects.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
Eight recall campaigns are on record for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. Prospective owners should verify that all necessary remedies have been performed, particularly those addressing brake line integrity and back-over prevention software. This due diligence is a critical safety measure before purchase.
- The 2023 Navigator's Safety Index of 81/100 represents a seven-point year-over-year increase from the 2022 model's 74/100, the single largest driver of that gain being a crash-protection sub-score of 63.8/70 anchored by the 5/5 side-impact result.
- Eight recall campaigns are on record for this model year, with components spanning front hydraulic brake lines, windshield wiper linkages, back-over prevention software, and an integrated trailer brake control electrical system.
- NHTSA has not assigned an overall or frontal star rating to the 2023 Navigator EL SUV 4WD; the absence of those ratings means neither a strong nor a weak crash-test conclusion can be drawn from them.
- Four of the six unverified owner complaints reported to NHTSA cite the Electrical System, a pattern that overlaps with the trailer brake control and back-over prevention software recall campaigns active on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Lincoln Navigator places
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Lincoln Navigator safety questions
Was the 2023 Lincoln Navigator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17364), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator 2023.
- 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 102 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.