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2023 Lincoln Aviator: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 16 recalls on file for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator[1][2]. Rearview camera trouble runs through several of those recalls[3][4], and a second-row seat recall still has no remedy[5].
Reported problems
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Aviator, and 2 of them mention a crash[1]. None mention a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components, so the groups below add up to more than the total.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System[8] | 10 | 0 |
| Engine[9] | 8 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance[10] | 5 | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention[11] | 5 | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other[12] | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train[13] | 4 | 0 |
| Brakes[14] | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System[15] | 3 | 0 |
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts for the larger groups. What follows describes that sample only. It does not tell you how often a problem happens.
- Electrical System. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe rearview and 360-degree camera screens that flicker, pixelate or go dark, sometimes after a recall repair[8]. Others describe a screen that blacks out, a car that would not select a gear, and warnings that the vehicle was shutting down[8].
- Engine. In the sample, owners describe sudden power loss, stalling, sputtering with a check-engine light, and shutdown warnings while driving[9].
- Back Over Prevention. Owners in the sample describe a camera image that glitches, turns blue or black, or flips. Some say it came back after a recall repair. One text mentions waiting for repair parts[11].
- Forward Collision Avoidance. The sample includes camera flicker or loss, adaptive cruise control that behaved oddly, and one owner whose car rolled while warnings sounded[10].
We did not read samples for Power Train, Brakes or Fuel/Propulsion, so we make no claim about what owners describe there.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2023 model year[2]. We list each one below, newest first. Recall ids are NHTSA ids. Several are camera recalls that replace or follow earlier camera recalls[16][3][4].
- Remedy pending
Second-row seat switch (26V451). The switch that controls the easy-entry second-row outer seats can jam. A seat could then unlatch, tip or slide unexpectedly. A seat that moves may not hold a rider properly in a crash. Dealers will check the switch and replace the trim piece around it if needed, but the remedy is not yet available. The recall is phased, and a January 2027 date is mentioned for when the remedy is anticipated. This recall expands 25V393[5]. - Seat belt anchor bolts (26V159). The lower anchor bolts at the second-row outer seats may be improperly secured. A loose buckle may not restrain an occupant in a crash. Dealers will inspect the bolts and replace or repair them as needed[17].
- Flipped rearview image (26V123). The center display image may flip or invert when the car is in reverse. That fails the federal rear visibility rule and can reduce the driver's view behind the car. Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module software[18].
- Fuel pump (25V455). The low-pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine while driving, which raises crash risk. On vehicles other than Super Duty trucks, dealers will update the powertrain control module software[19].
- Blank or stuck camera image (25V442). A software error may leave the rearview camera blank, or leave the image on screen after the car leaves reverse. Either can reduce the driver's view or distract the driver. Dealers will update the rearview camera software[20].
- Rear door trim (25V407). Trim on the rear doors and the C-pillar may not be glued on well enough and could come off, creating a road hazard. Dealers will fix or swap the C-pillar trim pieces and the rear window bars[21].
- Second-row seat switch, earlier recall (25V393). The same easy-entry switch problem could let the second-row outer seats unlatch, fold or slide while driving. The listed remedy is an inspection and a bezel replacement as needed. Ford later expanded it with 26V451[22][5].
- Seat belt chime (25V338). This covers Aviators with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under 22V953. The unbuckled-driver chime may sound for less than 4 seconds[23], which fails a federal rule. Dealers will update the audio control module software[23].
- Camera video output, repeat repair (25V159). Cars that were repaired incorrectly under 23V342 may lose the video output, so the rearview image does not appear. Dealers will update the image processing module software[16].
- Air bag label (24V852). The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard, which fails a federal rule., which fails a federal rule. Ford will mail owners the labels[24].
- Camera flicker from phone interference (24V368). A cell phone in the car can interfere with the accessory protocol image module, so the rearview image flickers or distorts. Ford advises owners not to use a phone while reversing until the repair is done. Dealers will install shielding on the module[25].
- Rearview camera (23V598). The rearview camera, or the 360-degree camera if fitted, may show no image in reverse[26]. Dealers will replace the camera and update software and wiring as needed[26].
- 360-degree camera replacement (23V342). On cars with a 360-degree camera, the video output may fail and the rearview image may not appear[3]. Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera[3]. It expands and replaces 23V022, and cars fixed under that recall need the new remedy[3].
- Transmission and park (23V070). A loose bolt in the automatic transmission could keep it from engaging park, even if the shifter shows park. The car could roll away, raising the risk of a crash or injury. Dealers will check the transmission and swap it out when needed. The recall covers a small group, with 1,138 vehicles across several Ford models[27].
- 360-degree camera software (23V022). On cars with a 360-degree camera, the video output may fail and the rearview image may not appear[4]. Dealers will update the image processing module software. It expands and replaces 21V735[4].
- Seat belt chime (22V953). On Aviators with a Revel Audio System, the unbuckled-driver chime may sound for less than 4 seconds[28], which fails a federal rule. Dealers will update the audio control module software[28].
Only 26V451 says its remedy is not yet available. Ask a dealer which recalls are open on a specific car, because the facts we use do not say which VINs are affected.
Fuel economy
EPA lists several ratings for the 2023 Aviator. All use a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo with an Automatic (S10)[6][29][30][31].
| Version | City / highway / combined | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aviator RWD[6] | 18 / 26 / 21 MPG | $3,200 |
| Aviator AWD[29] | 17 / 24 / 20 MPG | $3,350 |
| Aviator AWD, second listing[31] | 16 / 24 / 19 MPG | $3,550 |
The plug-in hybrid (Aviator PHEV AWD) is rated at 23 MPGe combined with 460 miles of range[30]. EPA lists two different AWD ratings and our facts do not say why. EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the SUV 4WD an overall 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal and side crashes and 4 stars for rollover[7]. Its rollover risk is 15.1%[7]. The SUV RWD gets the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 14.7%[32]. NHTSA also has a second SUV 4WD entry that is not rated[33].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list rates the 2023 Aviator with the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 393 hp[34]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
| Aviator 4DR SUV | Aviator 4DR SUV hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200 in | 200 in |
| Width | 79 in | 79 in |
| Height | 68 in | 68 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 119 in |
| Curb weight | 4,863 lb | 5,679 lb |
How 2023 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 111 | 1 |
| 2004 | 81 | 0 |
| 2005 | 51 | 0 |
| 2020 | 120 | 30 |
| 2021 | 45 | 28 |
| 2022 | 61 | 22 |
| 2023 | 30 | 16 |
| 2024 | 7 | 8 |
| 2025 | 18 | 15 |
| 2026 | 4 | 6 |
NHTSA's counts for each Aviator model year show 30 complaints and 16 recalls for 2023[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
- Complaints: 2023 has fewer than 2020 (120), 2022 (61) and 2021 (45)[2]. It has more than 2025 (18), 2024 (7), 2026 (4) and 2027 (0)[2].
- Recalls: 2023 has fewer than 2020 (30), 2021 (28) and 2022 (22)[2]. It has more than 2025 (15), 2024 (8), 2026 (6) and 2027 (2)[2].
- NHTSA's list also includes 2003 to 2005, with 111, 81 and 51 complaints and at most 1 recall[2].
Should you buy a used 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2023 Aviator has 16 recalls on file, and rearview camera problems run through several of them[2][3][4]. Its 30 complaints are fewer than 2020 to 2022 but more than every year from 2024 to 2027[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe camera glitches that returned after a repair[11]. Before you buy or keep one, check the VIN on NHTSA.gov for open recalls, since the second-row seat recall 26V451 has no remedy yet[5]. Gasoline versions carry an EPA fuel cost estimate of $3,200 to $3,550 a year[6][29][31].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the common problems on the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
- NHTSA has 30 complaints, and the largest groups are electrical (10) and engine (8)[1][8][9]. In a sample we read, owners describe rearview camera glitches and sudden power loss[8][9].
- How many recalls does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2023 model year[2]. The second-row seat recall 26V451 has no remedy yet[5].
- What gas mileage does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator get?
- EPA rates the RWD at 21 MPG combined and the AWD at 20 or 19 MPG combined[6][29][31]. The plug-in hybrid is rated 23 MPGe combined[30].
- Is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator safe?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover on the SUV 4WD and SUV RWD[7][32]. NHTSA also has a second SUV 4WD entry that is not rated[33].
- Is 2023 a good year for the Lincoln Aviator?
- It has 30 complaints and 16 recalls, which is fewer than 2020 to 2022 but more than 2024 to 2027 on both counts[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator (2 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln Aviator model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V342, filed May 12, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V022, filed January 23, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V451, filed July 14, 2026: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Aviator RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the back over prevention component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 25V159, filed March 14, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V159, filed March 17, 2026: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V123, filed March 3, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V455, filed July 7, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V442, filed June 27, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V407, filed June 13, 2025: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V393, filed June 13, 2025: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V338, filed May 23, 2025: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V368, filed May 24, 2024: Back Over Prevention › Display Function. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V598, filed August 25, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V070, filed February 10, 2023: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V953, filed December 23, 2022: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Aviator AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Aviator PHEV AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular Gas and Electricity: 23 MPGe combined, 460 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Aviator AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2023 Lincoln Aviator with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 393 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVIATOR 4DR SUV: length 200 in, width 79 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,863 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVIATOR 4DR SUV HYBRID: length 200 in, width 79 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 5,679 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov