Makes›Lincoln›Aviator›2023

2023 Lincoln Aviator

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.

Lincoln Aviator
Pictured: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label in Chroma Caviar Dark Grey, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV, 4dr SUV Hybrid
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 22 city / 26 hwy
Length
200 in
Curb weight
4,863–5,679 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
16 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2023 standard SUV (18.8 MPG).
  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • 16 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator is a standard SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and part-time 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 200 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,863 lb (4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (22 city / 26 highway), 22% better than the 2023 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 16 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2023

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Aviator — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Aviator →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV200 in78.7 in67.7 in119.3 in66.5 / 66.5 in4,863 lb51/49
4dr SUV Hybrid200 in78.7 in67.7 in119.3 in66.5 / 66.5 in5,679 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Aviator PHEV AWD Plug-in Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive22 / 25 / 23+22%$2,900209
Aviator RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+4%$3,200424
Aviator AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350451
Aviator AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19+1%$3,550466
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2023 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2023 Lincoln Aviator SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.1%
2023 Lincoln Aviator SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2023 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 Lincoln Aviator (this car)23 MPG★★★★★16
2023 Land Rover Range Rover23 MPGNot rated17
2023 Porsche Cayenne19 MPGNot rated2
2023 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★4
2023 Lexus RX36 MPGNot rated4
2023 Volvo XC9027 MPGNot rated7
2023 Audi Q721 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (16)

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jul 14, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts · Mar 17, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V159000 · 561 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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 › Software · Mar 3, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V123000 · 889,950 vehicles

Problem
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 driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 7, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Structure › Body · Jun 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V407000 · 132,914 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jun 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V393000 · 304,662 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Risk
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 23, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V338000 · 4,442 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-953. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C18.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Mar 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V159000 · 49,399 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 8, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · May 24, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V368000 · 109,283 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The accessory protocol image module (APIM) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.
Risk
A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (APIM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S35.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V598000 · 177,402 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · May 12, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V342000 · 442,973 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Feb 10, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V070000 · 1,138 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
Risk
The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jan 23, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V022000 · 382,759 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · Dec 23, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V953000 · 101,001 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C35.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 Lincoln Aviator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

30Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
20,990 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System10
Engine7
Unknown Or Other4
Back Over Prevention3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Service Brakes3
Power Train3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/01: 223/02: 123/06: 123/07: 423/08: 123/09: 124/03: 124/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/11: 125/08: 225/09: 125/10: 125/12: 126/01: 126/04: 226/06: 226/07: 126/08: 126/09: 226/10: 123/0123/0724/0324/0725/0926/0126/0726/10max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 Lincoln Aviator buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 16 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Back Over Prevention — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,990 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Aviator years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Aviator20–Not rated20
2026 Aviator21199.6 inNot rated64
2025 Aviator21199.6 in★★★★★1518
2024 Aviator21200 in★★★★★87
2022 Aviator23200 in★★★★★2263
2021 Aviator23200 in★★★★★2845
2020 Aviator23200 in★★★★★30120
2005 Aviator13192.9 inNot rated010

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →