NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 7 recalls, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, positioning it within the Strong safety band. This score is primarily driven by solid crash-protection performance and a clean dynamic tip result in rollover testing. However, the Navigator's overall safety assessment is tempered by a modest avoidance-tech score and the presence of seven active recall campaigns for this model year.
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator ranks 119 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 119 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator shows a meaningful recall count for a single model year, with seven separate campaigns. This contributes to a defect record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20. Two of these recalls address back-over prevention software. One campaign specifically targets front brake lines on 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. Another recall, distinct to this model year, concerns engine oil for 2024 Navigator units equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine. The vehicle earns an overall Safety Index of 80 out of 100. This is a one-point decrease from the 2023 model's 81, placing both model years in the Strong band. Crash protection is a strength, contributing 63.8 of a possible 70 points. This is supported by a 5-star side impact rating and a "No Tip" dynamic rollover outcome. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 significantly lowers the overall index, indicating incomplete active-safety technology accreditation. While the 15 owner complaints are a modest figure, some allegations directly concern crashes and issues with lane departure and forward collision avoidance systems, which aligns with the noted weakness in avoidance technology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator earns a 5 out of 5 star rating in the side-impact crash test. Its rollover performance is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk probability, and a "No Tip" result was recorded in the dynamic tip test. NHTSA has not published an overall or frontal crash rating for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19181
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved include back-over prevention software (two separate campaigns), the integrated trailer brake control electrical system, front hydraulic brake lines that may contact the engine air intake, and an engine oil and lubrication concern specific to 2024 Navigators equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION25V198000
Risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S30.
Reported 2025-03-28
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION24V851000
Risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S70.
Reported 2024-12-20
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Lincoln Navigator?
Fifteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Suspension (5 reports), Power Train (3), and Wheels (3), followed by Electrical System, Lane Departure, and Forward Collision Avoidance systems (2 each). Three reports allege crash involvement.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Lincoln Navigator?
Seven recall campaigns have been issued for the 2024 Lincoln Navigator. Shoppers considering this SUV should prioritize running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup. Ensuring all applicable remedies have been completed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer is essential, as open recalls transfer with the vehicle and remain the owner's responsibility.
- The 2024 model year carries seven NHTSA recall campaigns, including one targeting the engine oil and lubrication system specifically on 2024 Navigator vehicles equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine, a defect scope that does not apply identically to prior model years.
- Two separate back-over prevention software recalls affect this model year, meaning the rear-detection system has been flagged twice through distinct campaigns, and remedy completion for both should be confirmed by VIN.
- The Safety Index dropped one point versus the 2023 Navigator (80 versus 81), driven in part by a defect record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20, the lowest of the three index components for this year.
- NHTSA has not issued an overall or frontal crash-test star rating for the 2024 Lincoln Navigator EL SUV 4WD; only the side (5 stars) and rollover (4 stars, No Tip) results are available, so the full NCAP picture for this year remains incomplete.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Lincoln Navigator places
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Lincoln Navigator safety questions
Was the 2024 Lincoln Navigator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Lincoln Navigator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 2024 Lincoln Navigator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Lincoln Navigator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Lincoln Navigator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Lincoln Navigator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19181), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator 2024.
- 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 119 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.