2023 Lincoln Navigator

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

Lincoln Navigator
Pictured: 2019 Lincoln Navigator 'Reserve', front 8.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD, L 4dr SUV 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 23 hwy
Length
209.8–222 in
Curb weight
5,856–6,056 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 21.2% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 210 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,856 lb (4dr SUV 4WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway), 6% worse than the 2023 standard SUV average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 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 Navigator — a carry-over year in the data.

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

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.5L turbo 6-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

ReserveBL

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Jefferson County, Kentucky

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2023 Navigator configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD209.8 in79.9 in76.4 in122.4 in67.7 / 67.3 in5,856 lb50/50
L 4dr SUV 4WD222 in79.9 in76.4 in131.5 in67.7 / 67.3 in6,056 lb50/50

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
Navigator 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-6%$3,550462
Navigator 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-6%$3,550468
Navigator 4WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700498
Navigator 4WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-10%$3,950510
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.2 MPG2023 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD 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 Navigator SUV 4WDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.1%
2023 Lincoln Navigator SUV RWDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2023 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 Lincoln Navigator (this car)19 MPGNot rated8
2023 Land Rover Range Rover23 MPGNot rated17
2023 Lexus LX19 MPGNot rated5
2023 BMW X722 MPGNot rated8
2023 Infiniti QX8016 MPG★★★★★1
2023 BMW XM14 MPGNot rated6
2023 Lincoln Aviator23 MPG★★★★★16

Recalls (8)

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Mar 31, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V204000 · 422,613 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. 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.
Electrical System › Adas · Mar 18, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V165000 · 254,640 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 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.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights · Feb 20, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V104000 · 4,381,878 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · May 9, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V314000 · 273,789 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
Risk
A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S47.
Back Over Prevention › Software · May 9, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V315000 · 1,076,138 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, 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 notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
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.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jun 9, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V420000 · 691,133 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Risk
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Power Train › Axle Assembly · Feb 24, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V128000 · 240 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
Risk
A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S07.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

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

Owner-reported problems

7Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
43,200 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System4
Back Over Prevention2
Unknown Or Other1
Engine1
Exterior Lighting1
Structure › Body1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/11: 124/04: 124/05: 124/07: 125/02: 126/05: 126/09: 123/1124/0424/0524/0725/0226/0526/09max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 Lincoln Navigator buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Back Over Prevention — 2 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  4. Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 43,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 Navigator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Navigator years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Navigator18–Not rated10
2026 Navigator17209.8 inNot rated20
2025 Navigator17209.8 in★★★★★613
2024 Navigator18209.8 inNot rated716
2022 Navigator19209.8 inNot rated1421
2021 Navigator18209.8 in★★★★★1233
2020 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1332
2019 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1085
2018 Navigator19209.8 in★★★★★1252
2017 Navigator17207.5 in★★★★★532
2016 Navigator18207.5 inNot rated425
2015 Navigator18207.5 inNot rated421

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