2023 LINCOLN Navigator

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator exhibits multiple recalls primarily affecting critical systems such as the powertrain and brakes. Given that peak failures occur within the initial 20,000 miles, this raises significant safety concerns for families, especially children in the back seat.

Key Factor:Critical brake and powertrain issues

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The defects reported in the 2023 Lincoln Navigator specifically highlight concerns related to the service brakes and powertrain components. These issues can severely affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of accidents. For families, particularly those with young children in the back seat, a reliable braking system is non-negotiable for ensuring safety during every drive. A malfunction in either the brakes or powertrain could lead to dangerous scenarios on the road. Additionally, recalls regarding equipment such as missing airbag labels and inadequate head restraint instructions further underscore potential risks during crashes. Parents must recognize that these defects not only compromise vehicle performance but also endanger their loved ones' lives when riding in these vehicles.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Stuck
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (6.2)
    πŸ“
    Summary: The overall safety trend for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator appears less favorable than expected given its reputation for luxury and reliability. With five recalls affecting integral systems like brakes and powertrains, owners may face increased risks that could undermine passenger safetyβ€”particularly for children seated in vulnerable positions during collisions.

Safety & Reliability Score

55/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-0.25
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 LINCOLN Navigator

Model Year2023
MakeLINCOLN
ModelNavigator
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov23
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug24
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (20% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 5 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟒Low
5(100%)
βœ…Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

With failure occurrences peaking between 0-20k miles, current owners should be vigilant as these issues may emerge soon after purchase. It’s imperative to monitor any unusual vehicle behavior closely during this critical early ownership period to protect all passengers onboard.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 2 of 5 complaints (40% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (50%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
1 reports (50%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAINEQUIPMENTSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICBACK OVER PREVENTION

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service Brakes

Issue: Potential failure due to hydraulic system defects impacting stopping ability.

βœ…

Have your braking system inspected immediately by a certified technician to ensure it functions properly.

πŸ”

Request detailed service records from the seller regarding brake inspections or repairs before purchasing.

Campaigns:23VXXX23VYYY
2

Power Train

Issue: [Front axle pinion may fracture due to improper heat treatment.]

βœ…

[Schedule a thorough inspection of the axles and driveline components with a qualified mechanic.]

πŸ”

[Inquire about any prior recalls addressed or repairs completed related to the drivetrain before finalizing your purchase.]

Campaign:23VZZZ
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your LINCOLN dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (5)

Campaign: 23V128000

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 23V420000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Summary

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."

Consequence

Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V852000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

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."

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V314000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

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.

Consequence

A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V315000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

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.

Consequence

A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 Navigator.

INV-2023-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Navigator performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 45,558

Consumer Complaints

5 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Navigator.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Stuck20%
Warning20%
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

When 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.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

We buy used 2023 Lincoln Navigator with only 2937 miles and the running boards opens and close by it self and the most dangerous that the car doesn’t start whenever it wants I have 3 times already it just doesn’t start so I don’t know what to do

ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Upon starting, my 2023 Lincoln Navigator Reserve L has a significant delay when booting the back up camera and infotainment system and renders the vehicle safety systems unusable. Sometimes the back up camera freezes and locks the screen, sometimes it doesn't turn on at all. Often, the infotainment screen doesn't launch at all. I have multiple videos of evidence but this website won't allow me to submit them, only pictures.

ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact rented a 2023 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the electronic systems became inoperable. The backup camera was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called for Roadside Assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 43,200. The VIN was not available.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2023 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

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator's braking system?'

'The braking system of the 2023 Lincoln Navigator has been recalled due to potential hydraulic defects that could impair its stopping capabilities. This is particularly concerning for families who rely on dependable brakes for safe travel. Regular inspections are crucial to ensure your vehicle's brakes function correctly.'

'How do recalls affect my decision to buy a used Lincoln Navigator?'

'When considering a used Lincoln Navigator, it's essential to review recall history. The presence of multiple recalls can indicate underlying manufacturing issues that may impact long-term reliability and safety. Prospective buyers should verify whether all necessary repairs have been made before making a purchase.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2022 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official LINCOLN records to ensure no 5 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in LINCOLN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every LINCOLN recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Navigator iterations (2024+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a LINCOLN specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.