NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Lincoln Aviator Safety Ratings
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 16 recalls, and 21 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator's overall safety performance is significantly impacted by its defect record. While NHTSA crash-test scores are strong, an exceptionally low defect record score of 4.5 out of 20 points, stemming from 15 recall campaigns, limits the model to an Average NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100.
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator SUV 4WD received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator ranks 125 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 16 |
| Owner complaints | 21 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 125 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator maintains an Average NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, identical to its 2022 predecessor. This static overall score belies a significant weakness in its defect record, which scored only 4.5 out of a possible 20 points. Fifteen recall campaigns have been issued for this model year, addressing issues with seat belt anchors, fuel pump delivery, two distinct back-over prevention software problems, and a seat assembly switch. This wide range of safety-critical systems impacted by recalls prevents the 2023 Aviator from achieving a higher safety rating. In contrast, crash protection is a clear strength, earning 66 out of 70 points due to top-tier NHTSA star ratings in frontal and side impact tests. Avoidance technology received a middling 5 out of 10, despite the inclusion of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Lincoln Aviator perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance across multiple evaluations. It secured perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side crash protection. The rollover assessment presents the sole relative area for improvement, earning 4 out of 5 stars. NHTSA data indicates a 15 percent rollover risk for the Aviator, though it did achieve a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17354
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?
Yes, 15 recall campaigns cover the 2023 Aviator. Documented components include seat belt anchor bolts at the second row, back-over prevention software (two separate campaigns), a fuel pump concern in the gasoline delivery system, and a second-row easy-entry seat switch assembly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify all remedy statuses by VIN.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY26V451000
Risk: 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. 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 notif
Reported 2026-07-14
SEAT BELTS26V159000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2026-03-17
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2026-03-03
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-07-07
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-06-27
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY25V393000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-06-13
STRUCTURE:BODY25V407000
Risk: Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-06-13
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES25V338000
Risk: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-05-23
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V159000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-03-14
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-11-08
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION24V368000
Risk: A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-05-24
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V598000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-08-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
Twenty-one owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA against the 2023 Aviator. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 6 reports, Back Over Prevention with 5, and the Engine with 4. One alleged crash is included in the filings; no fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
21 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
A used-market shopper considering this 3-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. With 15 recall campaigns on record spanning seat belts, fuel delivery, and back-over software, confirming which remedies have been completed at the dealer level is a concrete, necessary step.
- The 2023 Aviator's defect record score of 4.5 out of 20 is the single largest reason the Safety Index stays at 76 rather than climbing higher, driven by 15 recall campaigns this model year alone.
- Two separate back-over prevention software recall campaigns affect the 2023 Aviator, meaning the rearview or camera system has been flagged through more than one distinct federal recall action.
- A fuel pump recall covering the gasoline delivery system is among the 2023-specific campaigns, a safety-critical concern that used-market buyers should confirm has been remedied by VIN before operating the vehicle.
- Despite the recall volume, NHTSA crash-test performance is genuinely strong: 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side, with only the 4-star rollover rating and a 15 percent rollover risk figure standing below the top mark.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Lincoln Aviator places
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Lincoln Aviator safety questions
Was the 2023 Lincoln Aviator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Lincoln Aviator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Lincoln Aviator earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Lincoln Aviator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 16 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 21 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Aviator years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17354), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Aviator 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 125 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.