Last updated: 2026-10-10

2023 Lincoln Aviator
RELIABILITY SCORE: 66/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity65/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact49/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Final Year

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 16 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
  • ENGINE (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 11.3

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

26V4510002026-07-14

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.

26V1590002026-03-17

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.

26V1230002026-03-03

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 →

VIN History Report

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.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2023 Lincoln Aviator NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 14.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Lincoln AviatorRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Aviator RWD 3.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)182621$2,850
Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172420$3,000
Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162419$3,150
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Aviator PHEV AWD 3.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)222523$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.

5
3
3
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)ENGINE (3)BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)SUSPENSION (1)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)FUEL SYSTEM (1)Other (4)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Backup 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.

5 complaints total

ENGINE

3 complaints

Stalling 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.

3 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 complaintsSafety-related

The 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.

3 complaints total1 crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Front 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.

2 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint
2026-06-05

Subject: 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 complaint
2026-04-01

My 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 complaint
2023-10-24

The 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 complaint
2025-08-07

The 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 complaint
2024-07-05

The 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 complaint
2023-05-27

Top 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

Top Pick
70
Good

2024

8Recalls
5Complaints
66
Good

2023

(Current Model)

16Recalls
21Complaints
63
Good

2022

21Recalls
43Complaints

Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid

Lincoln Aviator Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Lincoln Aviator reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202057/100Mixed
202162/100Good
202263/100Good
202366/100Good
202470/100Good
202568/100Good

Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202568/100-2Good1413
202470/100+4Good85
2023(selected)66/100+3Good1621
202263/100+1Good2143
202162/100+5Good2838
202057/100—Mixed2999

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
It has a good reliability standing, but it rates below average among 2023 SUVs. Owners filed 21 complaints, and the main concerns are rear camera faults and a few reports of engine stalling. It also carries 16 recalls, so check that all repairs were completed before buying.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
Camera and display faults lead the list. Backup and 360-degree images glitch, pixelate, or go blue or black, and the center screen can go black when a phone is plugged in. Engine complaints come next, mainly stalling on acceleration, plus one report of exhaust leaks at several pipe joints.
Does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have rear camera problems?
Yes. Owners describe the rear-view image glitching or the display flipping to the front view while in reverse. Several say recall repairs did not stop it, even after software updates and replaced cameras. One owner reported no alert and backed into a trailer, damaging the rear hatch.
Does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have engine stalling problems?
A few owners report it. The SUV stalled when pulling away from a stop and at highway speed, causing near-miss accidents. Dealer visits did not fix it for some. One stall followed low oil pressure and low battery warnings, and the dealer found low oil and metal in the engine.
Is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator better than the 2022 or 2024?
It beats the 2022 on complaints, 21 against 43, and recalls, 16 against 21. The 2024 rates better, with 5 complaints and 8 recalls, but a newer year has had less time to collect complaints. Compare each car's recall completion and repair history.

Don’t buy a 2023 Lincoln Aviator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

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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