NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Lincoln Navigator Safety Ratings
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, landing it in the Strong category. This rating is largely propelled by its stellar performance in crash-test assessments. However, the Navigator's safety profile is somewhat tempered by two active recall campaigns and a notably low score in avoidance technology evaluations.
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator received a 5-out-of-5 overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Lincoln Navigator ranks 129 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 129 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Lincoln Navigator?
For the 2026 model year, the Lincoln Navigator drops four points to a Safety Index of 82 out of 100, down from 86 in 2025. This decline keeps the vehicle within the "Strong" safety band but highlights a notable shift in its safety profile. A significant factor in this reduced score is the avoidance-tech sub-score, which registers only 2 out of 10. This low mark stems directly from the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard equipment. While electronic stability control is a standard feature, the omission of these active-warning systems substantially impacts the vehicle's preventative safety rating. The crash-protection sub-score remains a genuinely impressive aspect of the 2026 Navigator, earning 62 out of 70 points and reflecting near-perfect NHTSA star ratings for occupant protection. Despite two open recalls, the defect record sub-score is strong at 18 out of 20, suggesting that the scope and severity of these issues are relatively contained. The defining defects for this model year are a recall for seat power-adjust software and a separate campaign concerning the trailer brake control. Prospective owners who intend to tow should prioritize the trailer brake recall remedy.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Lincoln Navigator perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator achieved perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side impact protection from NHTSA, contributing to an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. However, its rollover performance stands as a notable exception to these strong results. NHTSA rated the Navigator 3 out of 5 stars for rollover risk, with a 20 percent measured risk of rollover. Dynamic tip testing did not record a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21450
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Lincoln Navigator have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the driver seat power-adjust obstacle detection software, which may malfunction. The second, a broader Ford campaign, addresses the integrated trailer brake control electrical system and spans multiple 2021-2026 Ford and Lincoln models. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available data.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST26V120000
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat may affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The seat control 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 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Lincoln Navigator?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged. There are no top components to flag. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, the complaint record may still be developing.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2026 Navigator already carries two open recall campaigns, a notable figure for a current-model-year vehicle. Shoppers must confirm that both the seat power-adjust and trailer brake control remedies have been completed by running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. This verification is essential before taking delivery or finalizing a purchase.
- The 2026 model year Safety Index of 82 out of 100 represents a four-point decline from the 2025 score of 86, driven primarily by a 2 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score reflecting the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
- Two recall campaigns are specific to this model year: a driver seat power-adjust obstacle detection software defect and a broader integrated trailer brake control electrical system issue shared with multiple 2021-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
- Rollover protection is the single weakest crash-test result, rated 3 out of 5 stars with a 20 percent rollover risk, a meaningful consideration for a large, tall SUV despite the dynamic tip test recording no tip.
- Owner complaints to NHTSA stand at zero for this model year, but because the 2026 Navigator is a current-production vehicle, the complaint record is still in its earliest stage and warrants monitoring over time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Lincoln Navigator places
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Lincoln Navigator safety questions
Was the 2026 Lincoln Navigator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Lincoln Navigator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2026 Lincoln Navigator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Lincoln Navigator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Lincoln Navigator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21450), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Navigator 2026.
- 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 129 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.