Last updated: 2026-04-20
2023 Lincoln Navigator Reliability Report
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator scores 63/100 ("Good"). With 8 recalls and 5 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
8
Complaints
5
Complaint Rate
2.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1089
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,150–$3,500
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is 1 year after the 2022 refresh refresh.
- Year 6 in the Fourth generation (2018) (2018–2024).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation Navigator (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2018: Fourth generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is 1 year after the 2022 refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
At 63/100, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 is 1 year after the 2022 refresh refresh.
Owners log 5 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system and electrical system (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2024 Lincoln Navigator, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2022 Lincoln Navigator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$38 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury fullsize SUVs
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Infotainment and backup camera systems (3 complaints)
Compare 2023 Lincoln Navigator With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator has 8 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
2.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 12.1
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Lincoln Navigator Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
VISIBILITY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
Consequence
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Consequence
Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2023 Lincoln Navigator? Check its history first
Every 2023 Lincoln Navigator has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 Lincoln Navigator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 21.2%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln NavigatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1089
vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
18%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
17–19 MPG
Running cost: $4,250–$4,600/yr
Fuel + repair
15–17 city / 21–23 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Navigator 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Navigator 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Lincoln Navigator.
Test backup camera and infotainment system for delays or freezing
Verify running boards operate correctly and do not switch off automatically
Check headlights for proper alignment and ensure they do not get stuck in the down position
Start the vehicle multiple times to ensure reliable ignition
2023 Lincoln Navigator Common Problems by Component
5 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the electrical system of the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, particularly involving the infotainment and backup camera systems. Complaints frequently mention significant delays or complete inoperability of the backup camera and infotainment screen, sometimes resulting in frozen or non-responsive displays. One report involves a rented vehicle experiencing a complete failure of electronic systems while driving at highway speeds, with no warning lights activated. Another owner describes issues with the vehicle not starting intermittently and the running boards operating independently. These symptoms are noted at various mileage points, from as low as 2,937 miles to over 43,000 miles, with potential safety implications due to the loss of backup camera functionality and unexpected vehicle behavior.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint2023 Lincoln Navigator power running boards defaulting to off, even when turned to auto will automatically switch to off. The dealership has no idea what the problem is. Risher Lincoln Hot Springs Arkansas We have had the car less than 2 months
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintWhen the car starts the head lights run through a series of motion checks, they go left, right down and then back up. We run into an issue every few weeks where the headlights stay in the down position. This happened with our car and a loaner we received from the dealership. I do have video of the issue. That shows the lights stuck down, when you restart the car the lights run the motion checks and come back up as they should. When the lights stay in the down position they only illuminate about 30' in front of the car.
When Do 2023 Lincoln Navigator Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Navigator Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Navigator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Navigator year is 2025 with a reliability score of 64/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (64/100) and 2023 (63/100).
2025
2024
2023
(Current Model)
Lincoln Navigator Years to Avoid
No Lincoln Navigator years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Lincoln Navigator maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Navigator reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 61/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 64/100 | Good |
Lincoln Navigator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
How many recalls does the 2023 Lincoln Navigator have?
Is the 2023 Lincoln Navigator expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Lincoln Navigator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lincoln Navigator.
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