RoadVitals

2025 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.
18
+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.
15
Latest Jul 21, 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.
0

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.

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.gov

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Jul 21, 2026
76,748 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
The risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S53View on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Jul 14, 2026
387,917 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

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS

Mar 18, 2026
254,640 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 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 March 25, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S21View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 15, 2026

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
Steering
Filed Oct 15, 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
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 15, 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
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Sep 15, 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
Visibility
Filed Aug 18, 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
Visibility
Filed Jul 2, 2026

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
Brakes
Filed Jun 7, 2026

Everytime I start my vehicle the parking brake fault service now light comes on.

NHTSA ID
11742535
Incident
Jun 6, 2026
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed May 22, 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.

IPMA-26.22.8.3.7B Explor

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER

26S21 Recall remedy Infotainment system update to prevent rearview camera image interruptions

DDM-26.21.7 Exlporer&Avia

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

SSM 55303

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.

SSM 55298

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 />

SSM 55279

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.

SSM 55256

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

Lincoln Aviator by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027020—
2026560—
2025Viewing1815051.4
2024780—
20232416055.8
20224921168.0
20214228166.3
202011130057.0
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.