Last updated: 2026-10-10

2023 Lincoln Aviator Reliability Report
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a good reliability standing, but rear camera glitches that return after recall repairs are its main weakness.
Recalls
16
Complaints
21
Complaint Rate
13.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$807
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Final second-generation year, with recurring rear camera faults after recall work and some reports of engine stalling, and fewer complaints than 2022.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- ENGINE (3)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (U611).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2nd generation Aviator (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2020: Second generation (U611) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (U611).
2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
Good, with caveats. This year holds a good reliability standing but rates below average against other 2023 SUVs, and it lands in the middle of the six scored Aviator years. It is the last year of the second generation. The 2022 rates worse, with 43 complaints against 21 here. The 2024 rates better and has far fewer complaints, though a newer year has had less time to collect them.
The rear camera is the problem to know about. Images pixelate or turn blue or black, often while reversing or turning the wheel, so the driver loses rear visibility. Several owners say the fault came back after recall work, including software updates and replaced cameras. One complaint involves a crash: no alert sounded and the SUV backed into a trailer. Engine stalling is rarer but more serious. Owners report it when pulling away and at highway speed, with near misses and repeated dealer visits. One case was getting worse at about 23,000 miles.
Ask for proof that every open recall was completed, and for service records showing whether the camera fault returned or any stalling was diagnosed.
Compared to the 2024 Lincoln Aviator, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2022 Lincoln Aviator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Backup and 360-degree camera images glitch, pixelate, or turn blue or black... (5 complaints)
- −BACK OVER PREVENTION: Rear-view camera glitches, or the display flips to the front view while the car... (3 complaints)
Compare 2023 Lincoln Aviator With

2023 Acura MDX
Reliability: 79/100

2023 Audi Q7
Reliability: 66/100

2023 BMW X5
Reliability: 65/100

2023 Volvo XC90
Reliability: 70/100

2023 Lexus RX
Reliability: 85/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 16 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- ENGINE (3)
Recall Overview
16
recalls on record
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator has 16 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.3
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Lincoln Aviator Recall Details
16 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
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.
Consequence
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. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. 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.
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.
Consequence
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s 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.
Showing 10 of 16 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2023 Lincoln Aviator? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, and 16 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 Lincoln Aviator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln AviatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$807
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–21 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$3,950/yr
Fuel + repair
16–18 city / 24–26 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
23 MPG
Running cost: $3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
22 city / 25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator RWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator PHEV AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Lincoln Aviator.
Shift into reverse repeatedly while turning the wheel and watch the camera for pixelation, flipping, or blue or black screens.
Engage the front and 360-degree cameras several times and watch for flicker or a blank display.
Plug a phone into the vehicle and drive a while, confirming the center screen never goes black.
Request service records for camera recall repairs and ask whether camera faults returned afterward.
Accelerate firmly from a dead stop several times and feel for hesitation, sputtering, or stalling.
Check the oil level and ask for oil change records before buying.
Inspect the exhaust pipe joints for black carbon deposits that suggest leaks.
Confirm no check engine, oil pressure, or battery warnings appear during or after the test drive.
2023 Lincoln Aviator Common Problems by Component
21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsBackup and 360-degree camera images glitch, pixelate, or turn blue or black without warning. This often happens while reversing or turning the steering wheel, so the driver loses rear visibility. Several reports say the fault keeps coming back after recall work, including software updates and replaced cameras and image processing modules. A separate complaint describes the center screen going black when a phone is plugged in. It usually recovers once the phone is unplugged, but not always.
ENGINE
3 complaintsStalling on acceleration is the main concern. It is reported when pulling away from a stop and at highway speed, and owners describe near-miss accidents. Repeated dealer visits have not fixed it, and in one case the problem was getting worse at about 23,000 miles. One stall came after a hesitation followed by low oil pressure and low battery warnings. The dealer then found low oil and metal in the engine. Another complaint describes exhaust leaks at several pipe joints, marked by carbon deposits, and only one joint was repaired.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 complaintsSafety-relatedThe rear-view camera glitches, or the display flips to the front view while the car is in reverse. One of the three complaints involves a crash. In that case the system gave no alert and the vehicle backed into a trailer, damaging the rear hatch. Other complaints describe recall repairs that did not fix the glitching, and a recall repair delayed because parts were not available. Reported mileages range from 8,000 to 43,300.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsFront and rear camera images flicker or the screen goes dark at random, sometimes several times a day. These faults appear from delivery and continue after dealer software updates. The complaints also describe repeated dealer trips for recall work in a fairly new car. Other issues include a check engine light with sputtering while driving that came back within a week of service, and a sound like wind blowing into the cabin.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintSubject: Request for Investigation / Status Update: Unresolved Safety Recall for 2023, Lincoln Aviator To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request an update and urge an investigation into the lack of a remedy for an active safety recall on my vehicle. It has now been 10 months since the recall was officially issued, and the manufacturer has still not provided a resolution or made parts available. Here are the details of my vehicle and the recall: Vehicle: 2023 Lincoln Aviator VIN: [XXX] NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 25S75/25V455 Date Recall Issued: July 2025, 10 months ago Federal law requires manufacturers to remedy safety defects within a reasonable timeframe. Waiting nearly a year for a safety-critical fix leaves me driving a vehicle with a known hazard, which is an unacceptable risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. When I contact the manufacturer or my local dealership, I am repeatedly told that "parts are not available" or that "the remedy is still under development." Could you please provide an update on the status of this campaign? Furthermore, I ask that NHTSA review this delay to determine if Lincoln is failing to meet its legal obligation to remedy this defect in a timely manner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintMy 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a grinding noise when I back up. Also a rattle has begun at all speeds. I had vehicled check and the axles were found to be totally rusted. Prior to having it towed to the detail i did some research and found the following -- A 2023 Lincoln Aviator recall regarding a "rusted" or breaking axle generally refers to a serious issue where the rear axle bolt can fracture, causing the rear subframe to disconnect, potentially leading to a loss of control or rollaway . This issue often stems from stress corrosion, prompting recalls for subframe inspections and repairs. [XXX] +4 Key Information regarding 2023 Lincoln Aviator Recalls: Safety Risk: A fractured rear axle bolt can cause the axle to disconnect, causing sudden power loss, severe vibration, and increased crash risk. Scope: While often associated with the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer/Aviator, owners should check for 2023 model year issues relating to rear axle subframe integrity. What to Do: Visit the official Lincoln Recall Page and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for this or other active recalls. Repair: Authorized Lincoln Dealerships will inspect the axle bolt and rear subframe, performing necessary repairs at no cost to the owner. I had vehicle towed to dealer and was told that there is no recall for this issue. see video link of axles. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the garage, the garage became extremely hot, and the fans underneath the vehicle activated. The contact opened the garage. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Engine Now” message was displayed. The powertrain control module had detected a fault with the high-voltage system, and a message was displayed. After researching, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V626000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,990.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V407000 (Structure), 25V393000 (Seats), 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to press the button to raise the level of the third-row seats, the contact and her daughter were ejected from the seats. The contact stated that there were no injuries sustained. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there resistance while attempting to raise the seats. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintTop handlebar on passengers side fell off completely causing my mother a great fall. Nearly died the way her head bounced off on gravel with handle in hand. The SUV was only a month old. I have other people on a fb page stating their handle came off completely too but no accident like my moms. This is definitely a safety concern that a Black Label Vehicle should have passed inspection before leaving manufacturing plant. Was reported to dealer and they directed us with Lincoln directly. Case was open and has been in General Council over 30 days without a response. They keep coming up with suggestions such as take it back to dealer to get fixed and the dealer simply latched it on and telling us to be careful that it is not correctly put in and let us go this way. Lincoln has also advised to ask other Lincoln dealers for a second opinion? Makes no sense. After numerous calls, emails, faxes, and mailed letters Lincoln concierge is stating that General Council has tried contacting us back regarding this matter and has been unsuccessful. I find this very odd when they have a list of all contact methods for both my sister and I who have made complaint. We were told its 30 days for response and after the 30 days now concierge argues its 60 days. We have video of moms fall from ring camera and the handle was in her hand at fall. I have pictures of her bruises two weeks after incident, bruising on her shoulder was bad, and I have pictures of handle and roof of vehicle. I have not received not one sorry from Lincoln or "is your mother ok." NOTE* My mother was actually on her way to hospital that day, she has been battling an aggressive infection in the toe and was on antibiotic IV's daily and had her pic line in arm at the time of fall. We never really saw the fall until it dawned on me that the ring footage had been saved. My mom was afraid to say how bad fall was in concern of her treatment being stopped but incident was reported to her doctors and nurse
Best & Worst Lincoln Aviator Years
Best Lincoln Aviator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
(Current Model)
2022
Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 68/100 | Good |
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
Does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have rear camera problems?
Does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have engine stalling problems?
Is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator better than the 2022 or 2024?
Don’t buy a 2023 Lincoln Aviator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 Lincoln Aviator
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator does best on how many systems draw complaints (80/100) and worst on recall impact (49/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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