2023 Lincoln Aviator Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#5 most-complained of 6 Aviator years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator has 24 NHTSA complaints, 16 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 20, ranking 5th worst of 6 model years with a 'Best' verdict relative to other Aviator years.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 16
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 17.5 city / 24.5 hwy
Top 2023 Lincoln Aviator problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System8 (33%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (33%)
- Engine6 (25%)
- Fuel System4 (17%)
- Other4 (17%)
- Structure & Body3 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (8%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Lane Departure1 (4%)
What owners report
- Backup and 360-degree cameras glitch or show a black/blue screen during reverse or when a phone is plugged in.
- Rearview camera image flips to show the front of the vehicle instead of the rear, in one case leading to a crash into a trailer.
- Moonroof glass reportedly shattered while driving, sending glass into the cabin.
- Second-row and third-row power seats have moved or ejected occupants unexpectedly when buttons were pressed.
- Seat belts reported as not working properly with no available fix at the time.
- Owners report recall parts, including for camera and fuel system issues, were unavailable for extended periods after notification.
2023 Lincoln Aviator recalls
16 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V451000Jul 14, 2026Structure & Body387,911 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, 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 explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V159000Mar 17, 2026Seat Belts561 vehicles
Seat belts
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V123000Mar 3, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras889,950 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
2023 Lincoln Aviator fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Aviator years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
- Among Aviator model years, 2023 ranks 5th worst of 6 with a Complaint Index of 20 and 24 complaints, earning a 'Best' verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are the Electrical System and Collision Avoidance & Cameras, each accounting for 33% of complaints, followed by Engine issues at 25%.
- Does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2023 Aviator, covering areas including Structure & Body, Seat Belts, Fuel System, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- What is the median mileage when problems occur on the 2023 Aviator?
- For the Electrical System, Engine, and Transmission & Powertrain problem areas, the median mileage at failure was 20,990 miles.
- How does the 2023 Aviator compare to other years?
- The 2023 Aviator's Complaint Index of 20 is lower than the 2020 (100), 2021 (60), and 2022 (80) model years, though the 2024 (0) and 2025 (40) years score even lower or similar.