Abstract This study investigates the optimization of friction stir welding (FSW) parameters for aluminum alloy (AA) 5083 alloy joints to enhance performance characteristics. Weld speed (WS), tool rotational speed (RS), and tool shoulder profiles were selected as input parameters of the study. The AA 5083 FSW joint’s macro and microstructure examination, tensile strength (TS), % of elongation (%EL), impact energy (IE), micro-hardness (MH), and wear rate (WR) were considered performance characteristics. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array used to design, plan, and conduct experiments, to optimize the single performance characteristics, maximize the TS, %EL, IE, and MH, and minimize the WR performance characteristics. The VIKOR technique is considered for multi-performance characterization purposes, it gives the multi-criteria decision solution of a single optimization solution. It also assigned the ranking order list with suitable calculated weights. Further, a novel Taguchi-VIKOR approach was applied to optimize the multi-performance characteristics of FSW–AA 5083 joints and then assign them with rankings. An ANOVA analysis was conducted to identify the prominent input parameter corresponding to the multi-response condition and their levels. The multi-response optimization effects observed the best conditions as a concave tool (CC) profile, 1400 rpm RS, and 40 mm/min WS. It resulted in significant improvements in mechanical properties, with TS reaching 201.65 MPa, % of EL at 9.48%, IE at 16 J, MH at 92.4 HV, and WR reduced to 0.00265 mm 3 /min.