NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Lincoln Navigator
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
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
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21450
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.