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.
The worst 2025 Lincoln Aviator problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes5
- Electrical5
- Driver assistance4
- Seats3
- Visibility3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes5
- Electrical5
- Driver assistance4
- Seats3
- Visibility3
- Engine2
- Steering2
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Transmission1
Recalls 15
Seats: front assembly: power adjust
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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.
Recall number 26V470000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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 on July 16, 2026.
Recall number 26V451000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ADAS
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 beginning March 25, 2026.
Recall number 26V165000 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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 on March 19, 2026.
Recall number 26V159000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
- Risk
- Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on beginning October 27, 2025.
Recall number 25V730000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
- Risk
- While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on October 15, 2025.
Recall number 25V687000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: tail lights
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Aviator 2025 owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2025. Explorer 2025 owner letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C42.
Recall number 25V543000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the side rear windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C33.
Recall number 25V484000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
- Risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Recall number 25V393000 · Recall details
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.
Recall number 25V407000 · Recall details
Structure: frame and members
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
- Risk
- A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025. Ford's number for this recall is 25S43.
Recall number 25V316000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
- Risk
- Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
Recall number 25V164000 · Recall details
Structure: frame and members
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
- Risk
- An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S03.
Recall number 25V020000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 24V852000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C34.
Recall number 24V801000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator 147
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Quality improvemenrs include: -Software update to improve responsiveness of the door control system after...
- 26S21 Recall remedy Infotainment system update to prevent rearview camera image interruptions
- "Steering Fault Service Required" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble...
- One of the front power windows stuck down or inoperative with a window regulator cable that has come off...
- 2025-2027
- Concerns with the auto folding mirror functionality not matching the status selected by the switch in the...
- Quality improvements include: -Power Steering Control Module update to prepare for future vehicle enhancements
- "Door Fault Service Required", "Transmission Not In Park" and/or "Hill Start Assist Not Available" message...
- Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel)...
- For 2020-2026 Aviator/Corsair and 2018-2026 Navigator vehicles, if diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM)...
2025 Lincoln Aviator fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 25 | 20 |
What 2025 Lincoln Aviator owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Everytime I start my vehicle the parking brake fault service now light comes on.
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.
The second row seat is moving or reclining while I’m driving. The car seat motor has a sound while it reclines.
On 12/4/25, I visited Corley's Lincoln and reported several issues. One issue was that the vehicle would accelerate or decelerate while using cruise control. There were several other issues, but the following two issues are safety issues. I visited again on 3/5/26 with several of the same issues, although the speed issue was not listed on the work order. They could not find any issues, but I encountered the same issues on my drive home. I immediately returned to the dealer, and they kept the vehicle from 3/6/2026 to 4/2/26. Again, the speed issue was not listed on the work order. At this point, I began to keep a log. On 4/19/26, I set the speed at 56 MPH while driving on [XXX] , and within a short time the speed increased to 65 MPH before I stepped on the brakes. I have tested the cruise control several times since with the same result. Also on 4/19/26. I was braking to a stop on [XXX] , when the crash warning was activated. There was no one in front of me and no cross traffic. The only cars were in the opposite left-turn lane, 6 lanes away and completely stopped. This has happened several times, usually while slowing to a stop. I did not report the crash alert to the dealer until 4/20/26. As of 4/27/26, I am still awaiting to hear of a resolution from the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Compare the 2025 Lincoln Aviator
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Questions about the 2025 Lincoln Aviator
Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, fewer than a typical Aviator model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
Brakes, with 5 complaints. Next is electrical (5).
How many recalls does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator have?
15 recalls, covering seats, electrical system and seat belts.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator get?
Official estimates for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 25 highway.
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