SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
2025 Lincoln Aviator
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and driver assistance categories. 15 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 147 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | 2 | 2 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 3 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 4 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 5 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | 7 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 8 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 9 |
| May 2026 | 2 | 11 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 12 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 13 |
| Aug 2026 | 1 | 14 |
| Sep 2026 | 2 | 16 |
| Oct 2026 | 2 | 18 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Brakes518.5%
- Electrical518.5%
- Driver assistance414.8%
- Visibility311.1%
- Interior & seats311.1%
- Engine27.4%
- Steering27.4%
- Exterior lighting13.7%
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
15 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.govSEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
My 2025 Lincoln Aviator is experiencing a serious and dangerous malfunction involving the forward collision detection and automatic emergency braking system. The vehicle falsely detects an object or obstruction in front of it when the roadway is completely clear and then unexpectedly slams on the brakes without any driver input. This is not simply a false collision warning. The vehicle physically applies the brakes aggressively, despite there being no vehicle, pedestrian, or other obstruction requiring emergency braking. I have nearly been rear-ended by other vehicles as a direct result of these unexpected braking events. When the system activates, my vehicle abruptly decelerates without warning, leaving drivers behind me with little time to react. These incidents have placed me in immediate danger of being struck from behind and potentially causing a serious multi-vehicle collision. This is particularly concerning because I have no way of predicting when the vehicle will suddenly apply the brakes. I should not have to fear being rear-ended while driving simply because my vehicle's collision avoidance system incorrectly identifies an obstacle that does not exist. This malfunction was specifically reported to Courtesy Lincoln in Portland, Oregon, where my vehicle remained for nearly 30 days. I was informed that software updates had been performed to correct the problem. However, after the vehicle was returned to me, the same dangerous malfunction continued. The vehicle still falsely detects nonexistent obstacles and unexpectedly slams on the brakes.
- NHTSA ID
- 11771283
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2026
Unpredictable Steering and Potential Loss of Vehicle Control My 2025 Lincoln Aviator is experiencing a serious and ongoing steering malfunction that makes it extremely difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. While driving, the steering unexpectedly pulls aggressively to one side, almost as though the lane-keeping assistance system is attempting to force the vehicle in a direction I am not intending to travel. This occurs on smooth, level road surfaces as well as uneven roads. It is not limited to grooves, road imperfections, or specific driving conditions. I frequently have to make steering corrections to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. The problem becomes significantly worse at highway speeds. There have been instances where the vehicle has pulled so aggressively toward the concrete median barrier that I genuinely feared I was going to collide with the wall. I have also feared the vehicle pulling into adjacent lanes occupied by other motorists. I feel as though I am fighting against the steering system simply to keep the vehicle traveling straight. This creates a serious risk of losing control and being involved in a high-speed collision. I reported this concern to Courtesy Lincoln in Portland, Oregon. My vehicle remained at the dealership for nearly 30 days, during which I was informed that software updates were performed and that the problem had been corrected. Unfortunately, the same dangerous steering behavior returned after the vehicle was released.
- NHTSA ID
- 11771282
- Incident
- Oct 14, 2026
Multiple loss of power, misfires, rough running and abnormal shifting. These events have put my family and I at risk as well as posing a significant risk to other drivers sharing the road due to the sudden loss of power while on the highway. Lincoln is dismissive and not taking this seriously. The problem continues and it is currently in the shop for the 4th time
- NHTSA ID
- 11764477
- Incident
- Sep 12, 2026
This has now occurred on 2021 Lincoln Aviator and then Mark McLarty Ford Lincoln tricked me into buying a second Lincoln 2025 Aviator claiming the problem was a one-off incident. Our 2021 was traded for new 2025 Aviator and both have the exact problem, and we have since learned this affects another Ford Lincoln Models including Ford Explorer 2024. Both our 2021 and 2025 Lincoln Aviators have extreme water leaking into the cabin and onto the electrical controls and displays. Issue stated by the Mark McLarty service tech stated on both cars KINKED DRAIN LINES , causing severe water damage to the cars interior and electrical systems. Lincoln Aviators Have Blue Drive Automation and could have issues from high water leaks. I contacted both the dealer and Ford Lincoln all they wanted to do was sell me a third Lincoln Aviators and only solution from them was to cover our car it cannot be fixed. We asked for our money back as we know now they make these cars a Lemons, but unfortunately only thing they offer is 8k and buy another car , that is not fixing anything and at some point the car will leak if we do not clean these lines. I had a mechanic attempt to show me where and how the clean the lines and they could not show any routine maintenance to ensure the cabin sunroof drains wont clog with pollen. I am a XXX in [XXX] and would report incidents like this to FDA and other govt. and we would repair or replace not sell another defective device again and again, Lincoln is playing Russian Roulette with this defective drains. They have installed either faulty non-compliant drains or knowingly installing the lines in manner to cause issues. Refusing to repair a brand new car and cover it is not warrantying its negligence and will result soon in class action lawsuits against Ford Lincoln for knowing they sell defective cars is criminal! Our 2021 had severe issues leaking and now 2025 too, we wanted our money back at 3k and the refused fix n refund INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
- NHTSA ID
- 11764304
- Incident
- May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window failed to roll up or down as needed. The contact stated that the front driver's side window motor was previously replaced due to the same failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11757628
- Incident
- Aug 18, 2026
- Mileage
- 86,000 mi
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded. The contact stated it sounded like a shotgun when the sunroof glass exploded. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that the contact stated that the sunroof glass was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11747993
- Incident
- Jun 26, 2026
- Mileage
- 9,000 mi
Everytime I start my vehicle the parking brake fault service now light comes on.
- NHTSA ID
- 11742535
- Incident
- Jun 6, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden unprovoked, catastrophic, and total electronic and mechanical failure of the primary braking and ADAS. Driving at expressway speeds, the vehicle immediately lost all power brake assistance, threw immediate multi-system critical alerts on the instrument cluster, and became instantly undrivable. The vehicle is available for inspection at a local licensed Lincoln dealership service center. The failure occurred completely without warning while navigating heavy traffic at active highway speed on the expressway. The instant loss of power braking functionality dramatically extended the vehicle's stopping distance and significantly reduced control of a SUV in a high-speed environment. This sudden, unmanaged deceleration created an immediate, life-threatening risk of a high-speed rear-end or multi-vehicle pileup, placing the occupant of the vehicle and all surrounding motorists in extreme danger of severe injury or death. The driver was able to bring the vehicle to a stop in a precariously exposed location on a very narrow shoulder when one became accessible. Miraculously, the vehicle was not struck by fast-moving trucks while waiting for a tow-truck. Yes. The local authorized Lincoln dealership service technician team has confirmed the catastrophic code failures. Due to the severity and complexity of the total system shutdown, the local dealership escalated the vehicle to Lincoln factory corporate engineers. However, the root cause of the catastrophic failure was never identified and the technicians and engineers have given up further attempts. There were absolutely zero pre-existing symptoms, warning lamps, soft codes, or performance degradation prior to the exact moment of the failure. The system failure was instant. The instrument cluster simultaneously illuminated multiple critical alerts, including the primary braking system warning, ABS fault, and ESC failure alerts, accompanied by an immediate audible safety chime.
- NHTSA ID
- 11739484
- Incident
- Apr 30, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER
26S21 Recall remedy Infotainment system update to prevent rearview camera image interruptions
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Quality improvemenrs include: -Software update to improve responsiveness of the door control system after the vehicle enters a low-power state
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER
Some 2025-2027 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit one of the front power windows stuck down or inoperative with a window regulator cable that has come off of the window regulator pulleys. The torque specification is being increased for the 2 upper window regulator nuts from 97 lb-in (11 Nm) to 115 lb-in (13 Nm). Use a torque wrench to apply the updated 115 lb-in (13 Nm) torque specification when installing a new front window regulator. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-11 is in the process of being updated to reflect this change.<br /><br /> Engineering is currently working on a permanent solution for this condition. If the vehicle exhibits this condition, submit a Vehicle Concern Report. To submit a report, click on the "Submit Global Concern Report (GCR)" link at the upper right of the Professional Technician System (PTS) Vehicle ID screen (vehicle identification number ÝVIN¨ required) and fill out the form. Do not use the "Report A Problem" link to submit a report for this condition.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING
Some 2025-2027 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a "Steering Fault Service Required" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) C1B00, U2016, and/or U3000:96 set in the power steering control module (PSCM) after using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool to reprogram the steering column control module (SCCM) and/or the gearshift module (GSM). To correct this condition, perform the following: <br /><br /> - To clear DTCs C1B00 and U2016, disconnect the 12-volt battery for 5 minutes, then reconnect the battery. On hybrid vehicles, the auxiliary battery must also be disconnected.<br /> - To clear DTC U3000:96, download and run the "PSCM - Reset the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)" application using the latest software version of the FDRS scan tool.<br /> - If U211B is set in the PSCM, download and run the "Trusted Real-Time Operation Network (TRON) Module Authentication" application using the latest software version of the FDRS scan tool. When prompted, select the "TRON Diagnosis and Repair" option.<br /><br />
STRUCTURE:BODY
2025-2027 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility non-hybrid vehicles built on or after 05-Mar-2025 and 2025-2027 Aviator vehicles built on or after 24-Apr-2025 are no longer equipped with the passenger side underbody air deflector. The vehicle is not misbuilt. Do not submit a claim for this condition.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2027 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit concerns with the auto folding mirror functionality not matching the status selected by the switch in the center display screen menu. Examples include mirror auto folding not operating when the switch is enabled and/or auto folding continuing to function when the switch is disabled. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passenger door module (PDM). Power folding mirror operation from the physical button is not affected by this condition. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected by the end of Q2 2027. Replacement or reprogramming of the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), DDM, or PDM will not resolve this condition. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.<br /><br /> If the vehicle exhibits this condition, submit a Vehicle Concern Report. To submit a report, click on the "Submit G
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
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.