NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing it in the Strong band. This six-point increase from the 2024 model's 80/100 reflects notable improvements in its crash protection scores. The vehicle also earned a clean sweep in avoidance technology evaluations. However, six recalls temper this otherwise strong showing, though the overall safety profile for the 2025 Navigator is genuinely competitive.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator ranks 106 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 | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 106 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator earned a perfect 10 out of 10 in the avoidance technology category, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. This contributed to its overall Safety Index score of 86/100, a six-point increase from the prior model year. Crash protection also climbed to 62 out of a possible 70 points. However, the defect record component received only 14 out of 20 points, attributable to six recalls in this single model year. Two of these campaigns targeted the Electronic Brake Control Module, with one addressing a software fault filed in mid-2025 and a second filed late-2025, indicating an ongoing remediation effort. A recall for a cracking rear lightbar lens introduced an exterior lighting concern. Additionally, a back-over prevention software recall and a trailer brake control campaign implicated shared Ford-Lincoln platform components. The 3-star rollover rating and 20 percent rollover risk are consistent with the Navigator's tall-body architecture, a factor for buyers prioritizing rollover safety. The 2025 model year demonstrates strength in crash performance, but its defect record presents a clear area of concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator earned a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, achieving perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. The vehicle's rollover performance presents a notable contrast, rated at 3 out of 5 stars with a measured rollover risk of 20 percent. However, the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20365
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components span brake-control-module software (two separate campaigns), exterior lighting due to rear lightbar lens cracking, an integrated trailer brake control electrical issue, and a back-over prevention software defect. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN before purchase.
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V831000
Risk: Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other drivers that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear lightbar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C66. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE25V823000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V488000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Reported 2025-07-25
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL25V439000
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S51.
Reported 2025-06-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
Eleven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged. The most frequently cited components are Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Electrical System, each with three reported complaints, followed by Steering and Vehicle Speed Control with two each.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator accumulated six recall campaigns, a notable figure for a single model year. Shoppers must use the VIN to confirm recall remedies prior to purchase, as open recalls transfer with vehicle ownership.
- The Safety Index rose six points year-over-year from 80/100 in 2024 to 86/100 in 2025, the largest driver being a higher crash-protection sub-score of 62 out of 70.
- Two separate Electronic Brake Control Module recall campaigns were issued for this model year, one in mid-2025 and one in late-2025, making brake-system recall remedy verification a priority for any VIN check.
- The rollover star rating is 3 out of 5 with a 20 percent rollover risk, the only crash-test category that did not achieve a top score, which is a specific and data-supported limitation of this model year.
- Eleven unverified owner complaints on file include three each against Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and the Electrical System, categories that overlap directly with active recall campaigns on this same model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Lincoln Navigator places
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Lincoln Navigator safety questions
Was the 2025 Lincoln Navigator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Lincoln Navigator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2025 Lincoln Navigator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Lincoln Navigator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Lincoln Navigator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20365), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator 2025.
- 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 106 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.