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
Lincoln Aviator loss of power problems
18 of the 499 owner complaints about the Lincoln Aviator describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical mileage
- 62,500
By model year
- 20252
- 20231
- 20221
- 20211
- 20208
- 20042
- 20033
Often reported together
What owners say
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced excessive fuel consumption and reduced power, hesitation and jerking while accelerating. Additionally, while turning left, the steering was difficult to turn. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor while driving at high speeds. The contact associated the failure with the wheels, and the vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer where it was purchased and an alignment was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact was advised that the failure might be associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, a local dealer and Webb Ford, Inc. (9809 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322); informed the contact that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer, Ford Motor Company, was contacted and confirmed that the part was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
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.
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)
Transmission slipped and lost all power
My engine lost power and would not start. It was determined that it needed a new fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced and the car is starting to lose power again while driving.
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while pulling out of a driveway at 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, the tires locked up, and the vehicle veered to the right into rocks and bushes, causing damages to the front passenger's side axle. The message "Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile independent mechanic replaced the front passenger's side axle. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the battery had experienced an electrical shortage, and the battery was replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering harness and knuckle had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for the VIN to be added in Ford Campaign Number: 20S69. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
While turning a corner or going up a slight incline I lose power and the pedal becomes unresponsive for a few seconds. Then the car jutts forward and clunks.
Driving car on side street - going about 30 mph and car lost ALL power. Stopped completely in middle of road. No power - would not restart. NO FLASHERS. Since Aviator has "piano keys", the car would not go into Neutral and once we figured how to manually put car in neutral, we could not get the driver's door to close and latch. Car was placed on flatbed wrecker and driver had to tape the door shut for transportation. Luckily this happened during daylight hours and Sherriff's office sent a car to park behind us. Had this happened on my commute to office (at 0500) when it was DARK outside, it could have horrible - NO FLASHERS
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking space on a hill, the parking brake was engaged. and the vehicle was turned off. However, after exiting, the vehicle rolled back and crashed into two vehicles: an Audi A4 and a Kia Borrego. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, fire, police report, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brakes and transmission failed, which caused the vehicle to roll backward. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 47,375. The Lincoln app informed the contact via a notification that the power train malfunctioned and reduced power.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Recall number 24V635000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
- Risk
- Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.
Recall number 22V454000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
- Risk
- With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
Recall number 20V788000 · Recall details
Questions about the Lincoln Aviator loss of power
Which Lincoln Aviator years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (8 complaints), 2003 (3 complaints) and 2004 (2 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Lincoln Aviator?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history