2023 Lincoln Navigator Safety Report
2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (5) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Exterior Lighting | Compare exterior lighting issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Lincoln Navigator with 7 complaints and 6 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Lincoln Navigator before buying across this generation. |
Lincoln Navigator Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Lincoln Navigator years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lincoln Navigator | 14 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Lincoln Navigator | 15 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Lincoln Navigator | 7 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Lincoln Navigator | 26 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Lincoln Navigator | 24 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Lincoln Navigator | 57 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Lincoln Navigator Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Exterior Lighting
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System,Back Over Prevention
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Back Over Prevention issues Lincoln onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
Reliability Score
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Over Prevention Software Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigators due to potential software issues with back over prevention systems. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System, Integrated Trailer Brake Control A recall has been issued for 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 models due to electrical system issues with integrated trailer brake control. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brake Hydraulic Foundation Components Ford Motor Company has recalled certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles due to potential issues with service brake hydraulic foundation components. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Running Boards Some 2023 Lincoln Navigators have been reported to have running boards that open and close by themselves, which can be a safety hazard. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator:
23% of reported issues involve exterior lighting.
20% of reported issues involve back over prevention systems.
18% of reported issues involve electrical system problems.
15% of reported issues involve service brake hydraulic foundation components.
Recall Details for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 30, 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 Ma...
Summary: 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 Veh...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 are expected to be mailed March 17, 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 Ma...
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 avail...
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Lincoln Navigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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...
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
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 t...
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 appro...
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 About the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
Has the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
The 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR involve exterior lighting (1 complaints), electrical system,engine (1 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,back over prevention, unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR have?
There are no fire reports for the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.
Should I buy a 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 5 complaints, 7 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR are: 1. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (1 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). EXTERIOR LIGHTING is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Be aware of potential recalls and check for any outstanding issues before purchasing a used 2023 Lincoln Navigator. The 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR has 5 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
The 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 5 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Back over prevention software and Electrical system, integrated trailer brake control.
What are the known issues with the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR?
Known issues with the 2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR include: Back over prevention software, Electrical system, integrated trailer brake control, Service brake hydraulic foundation components, Running boards. These are based on patterns found across 5 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
Common issues include exterior lighting motion checks, back over prevention software problems, electrical system issues, and running boards that open and close by themselves.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
Yes, recalls have been issued for back over prevention software, integrated trailer brake control, and service brake hydraulic foundation components.
What should I do if I notice any issues with my 2023 Lincoln Navigator?
Contact Ford Motor Company or your local dealership to check for any recalls and address the issue promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential recalls and check for any outstanding issues before purchasing a used 2023 Lincoln Navigator.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Lincoln Navigator
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16