MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Lincoln Navigator

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

7Recalls
15Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV competing at the top of the American market alongside the Cadillac Escalade and Infiniti QX80. Built for buyers who want commanding presence, generous three-row seating, and premium refinement, the Navigator has anchored Lincoln's lineup since its debut and remains one of the most recognizable large luxury SUVs on the road today.

VERDICT

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Navigator for its refined, spacious interior and strong road presence, placing it among the most comfortable entries in the full-size luxury SUV class. Most professional assessments highlight its polished driving experience and upscale features as genuine strengths, while acknowledging that its size and truck-based platform come with handling and efficiency compromises typical of the segment.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 19.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19181

Index breakdown

Crash protection63.8/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record11.5/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSuspension 5Power Train 3Wheels 3Electrical System 2Lane Departure 2Forward Collision Avoidance 2

Other Navigator years

Rivals in SUV (2024)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 19181), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Lincoln Navigator 2024. Class rank 122 of 144 in SUV 2024. Methodology · Disclosure