RoadVitals

2023 Lincoln Aviator

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
16
Latest Jul 14, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and engine categories. 16 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 123 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical719.4%
  • Engine513.9%
  • Fuel system411.1%
  • Body & structure25.6%
  • Interior & seats25.6%
  • Transmission12.8%
  • Airbags12.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

16 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Jul 14, 2026
387,911 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
The risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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 notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S52View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS

Mar 17, 2026
561 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
The risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C18View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Mar 3, 2026
889,950 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C11View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Sep 15, 2026

Date of Incident:XXX (or your first observed date). Approximate Mileage: 26,955. Speed at Failure: 55 mph. Did a Crash or Injury Occur? No. Did a Fire Occur? No. "The vehicle is equipped with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (camera sign recognition integrated with navigation map data). On [XXX] between Bath and [XXX], the posted speed limit drops from 65 mph to 55 mph. The vehicle's front camera correctly reads the 55 mph sign and slows the car down to 55 mph. However, approximately 1 mile later, the system overrides the visual camera reading and defaults back to outdated internal navigation mapping data. Without driver input, the vehicle automatically accelerates back up to 65 mph—exceeding the legally posted speed limit by 10 mph on an active highway. Lincoln Customer Relationship Center (CRC Case #[XXX]) refused to service the vehicle control defect under warranty and told the owner to pay $149 out-of-pocket for map updates." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11764425
Incident
Sep 12, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 14, 2026

I bought this car in march 2026. It is a 2023 Lincoln aviator black label, it was a CPO. Within days of me having it, I noticed there were electrical issues. The interior light kept popping on for no reason. The cooling seat feature was also not working. The adaptive cruise control was also not working correctly. When you have the cruise control on the lane assist will cancel on you without warning. It also has issues maintaining the lane and wants to pull. I brought it back to Findlay Lincoln within a couple of weeks of purchasing the vehicle. They stated they fix it and that there was a corroded or melted wire that was causing the issue. Within days of picking it up, there were still issues. The lights were still coming on and the adaptive cruise control was still causing issues. Once they got me a loaner, they took the car back in. This time they had the vehicle for 26 days. He said there were no issues with the adaptive cruise control and it did not pull while he was driving it. Since July, I have been trying to get the vehicle back in. It was there last Friday for an oil change, I spoke with my service advisor then and informed him that I do not feel safe driving in the car. They said they did not have a loaner available. I went back there again on Thursday and spoke with the sales manager. I informed him the car was not safe to drive. That the pulling is getting stronger and that I am going to be hurt or I’m going to hurt someone else driving that car. The sales person, Carrie also drove with me in a vehicle and witnessed the car pulling

NHTSA ID
11764067
Incident
Apr 23, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 22, 2026

When driving at night the driver side map light will turn on randomly momentarily blinding the driver only way to turn off is to turn on interior lights and turn off may happen again with in seconds or can be minutes but does it 8-10 times in a 30 minute driving time dealership says it’s not covered under warranty because it’s a light issue however acknowledges it’s a common problem and wants $1,727.07 dollars to fix it and seemed to know exactly what the problem is. But is very dangerous to point where my wife refuses to drive the vehicle at night because its bad enough that it blinds you but then you have to take eyes off road to find the button in the dark to turn it off

NHTSA ID
11758725
Incident
May 15, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Jun 5, 2026

Subject: Request for Investigation / Status Update: Unresolved Safety Recall for 2023, Lincoln Aviator ​To Whom It May Concern, ​I am writing to formally request an update and urge an investigation into the lack of a remedy for an active safety recall on my vehicle. It has now been 10 months since the recall was officially issued, and the manufacturer has still not provided a resolution or made parts available. ​Here are the details of my vehicle and the recall: ​Vehicle: 2023 Lincoln Aviator ​VIN: [XXX] ​NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 25S75/25V455 ​ ​Date Recall Issued: July 2025, 10 months ago ​Federal law requires manufacturers to remedy safety defects within a reasonable timeframe. Waiting nearly a year for a safety-critical fix leaves me driving a vehicle with a known hazard, which is an unacceptable risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. ​When I contact the manufacturer or my local dealership, I am repeatedly told that "parts are not available" or that "the remedy is still under development." ​Could you please provide an update on the status of this campaign? Furthermore, I ask that NHTSA review this delay to determine if Lincoln is failing to meet its legal obligation to remedy this defect in a timely manner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11742296
Incident
Jun 5, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2026

2023 Lincoln Aviator was accelerating out of Toll booth to 70mph. Upon acceleration the engine hiccupped but continued to operate. Approximately 2 miles later the low oil pressure indicator and low battery indicator popped up, no prior indications existed. Vehicle stalled within 0.5 miles as I was assessing what to do and to pull off to a safe place. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer at request of my insurance company to assess damage. Dealer found low oil and metal in engine and claimed owner failed to perform maintenance despite records of three oil changes over the last year. Dealer stopped investigation upon low oil finding and performed no other inspections. I am having the vehicle taken to another independent shop for investigation. The vehicle was involved in a low speed passenger side impact the month prior. Vehicle body was repaired but no inspection or work was completed on the engine.

NHTSA ID
11741279
Incident
Apr 23, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 23, 2026
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera did not function as intended. The contact stated that the rear-view camera display flipped the image to the front of the vehicle. In addition, the rear-view camera system did not alert the contact. The contact's vehicle crashed into a trailer. No injuries were sustained. No police report was filed. The contact vehicle sustained damage to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the back hatch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact later received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V368000 (Back Over Prevention) however the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID
11733297
Incident
Apr 14, 2026
Mileage
24,000 mi
BrakesPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Apr 1, 2026

My 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a grinding noise when I back up. Also a rattle has begun at all speeds. I had vehicled check and the axles were found to be totally rusted. Prior to having it towed to the detail i did some research and found the following -- A 2023 Lincoln Aviator recall regarding a "rusted" or breaking axle generally refers to a serious issue where the rear axle bolt can fracture, causing the rear subframe to disconnect, potentially leading to a loss of control or rollaway . This issue often stems from stress corrosion, prompting recalls for subframe inspections and repairs. [XXX] +4 Key Information regarding 2023 Lincoln Aviator Recalls: Safety Risk: A fractured rear axle bolt can cause the axle to disconnect, causing sudden power loss, severe vibration, and increased crash risk. Scope: While often associated with the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer/Aviator, owners should check for 2023 model year issues relating to rear axle subframe integrity. What to Do: Visit the official Lincoln Recall Page and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for this or other active recalls. Repair: Authorized Lincoln Dealerships will inspect the axle bolt and rear subframe, performing necessary repairs at no cost to the owner. I had vehicle towed to dealer and was told that there is no recall for this issue. see video link of axles. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11728513
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jan 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a glitching screen. The vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V022000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) by the previous owner; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that failure had occurred after the recall repair the first time, and the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,300.

NHTSA ID
11709130
Incident
May 15, 2024
Mileage
43,300 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB 26-2395

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delayed engagement  Harsh shift  Delayed shift  Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other transmission components and flush transmission fluid cooler only as ne

SSM55059

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow the necessary Pinpoint Test in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06 for DTC P0A1E and repair the vehicle as directed. Note that previous replacement of the BISG does not negate the need for subsequent BISG replacements if directed to do so by the appropriate Pinpoint Test diagnostics. Engineering is investigating this BISG quality concern. Monitor PTS for updates regarding this investigation.

26E04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update

TSB 26-2309

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).

TSB 26-2287

POWER TRAIN

This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with W721084-S439, and add a note for LV fluids XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 "Transfer Case Fluid". Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delayed engagement  Harsh shift  Delayed shift  Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other tra

SSM 54902

POWER TRAIN

For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification for transmission replacement.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Aviator by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027020—
2026360—
20251615051.8
2024780—
2023Viewing2416056.5
20224521169.4
20213928168.0
202010830057.0
2005510140.5
2004810239.9
20031111245.2

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.