Lincoln Aviator Complaints

125 consumer complaints on file.

#11699708November 16, 2025
SEATS
The 2nd row seats are malfunctioning, sliding up and folding while the car is moving. The button at the top of the seat seems to be getting stuck. There is a whole forum about this issue, with years of reports but never seems to be a recall - this is a SERIOUS safety issue: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698763November 11, 2025
STEERING
Steering locks up during low speed maneuvers. Problem began at approximately 192 miles and has repeated well over 25 times in under 650 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698286November 7, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
high voltage alert and vehicle shuts down and unable to drive and car locks up Should be recall# 23s53 and NHTSA campaign # 23v-626 It has not been repaired yet and this is very frustrating has happened 4-5 times Last incident happened on 11/7/2025 inside of a car wash & had to get towed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698036November 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My vehicle’s camera system, including the backup camera, is experiencing an issue where the passenger-side camera fails to display properly, showing only a blank black area. I have reported this issue to my dealership for future inspection. It is not yet clear whether the problem persists during daylight hours; however, it poses a significant safety risk at night when visibility is already limited. The loss of the passenger-side camera view creates a blind spot that could increase the likelihood of an accident or injury.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697630November 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
For the first 39 months of my ownership my 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring plug-in electric hybrid would not charge properly and resulted in thousands of charge station fault alerts. The dealership was dismissive of the issue for years because it seemed to work for the few minutes when they charged it on their high voltage charger even though I voiced concerns about the charger port being bad on the vehicle and it not working properly at home. My Aviator would not charge unless the plug was in the exact perfect spot and rarely would make it to a full charge before faulting out. Eventually the port started making SPARKING NOISES, ELECTRIC FIRE SMELLS, and SMOKES when plugged in. I was afraid my Aviator was going to start a fire and burn my house down, so I stopped charging it for at least 6 months until a new service manager finally took the time to investigate the issue. It was found in May 2024 that not only was the charger cable that came with my Aviator when I bought it defective but so was the charger port on my vehicle. The use, value, and safety of my vehicle impaired significantly for several years by this issue. I am reporting this so that there is awareness that the Aviator plug-in hybrid charger port and charger cable can be defective which results in loss of charging capability and could result in a fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697487November 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The "auto" mode on my Sync screen on my 2021 Lincoln Aviator does not always automatically switch between day and night based on ambient light levels. This is a blinding experience at night when the screen doesn't switch to night mode and the brightness is intense. This blinding screen makes it hard to see outside when it is dark which could lead to an accident. My dealer says I have the most up to date version of Sync for my vehicle and there is no fix for this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696698October 30, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This vehicle continues to randomly stall upon acceleration from a dead stop. There have been numerous times this has created a near- miss accident. It has been in for service on several occasions since owning it with no resolve. This issue has been ongoing since owning it and only getting worse. Current mileage is approx 23,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693917October 16, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the trim pieces on the liftgate partially detached. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle received an unknown recall repair and was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,333.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692643October 11, 2025
SEATS
I was sold on [XXX] this vehicle with an active recall. I was later told by the dealer, BeauTownsend Ford, that only they could fix this recall and no other dealer could touch the car until they fixed it. When an unrelated repair was needed I took it to my local dealer. They could not find record of the sale being registered with the Company, Lincoln, and therefore could not start the repair or assist in completing the safety recalls. When contacting BeauTownsend Ford, where the vehicle was purchased, they said my only option was to bring the car back to them. I asked about why the sale had not been registered and did not get an answer. I have reached out multiple time through email and phone and am not getting any response in my request for them to register the sale. The dealership this vehicle was purchased from: BeauTownsend Ford 1020 W National Road Vandalia OH 45377 I believe these actions are an effort to cover up a stop sale that they knowingly proceeded with. I have both repairs and safety recalls that I have attempted to have completed but am unable to unless I bring my vehicle to them since I am unable to get them to register this sale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691739October 6, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
1- ABS/Braking Issue The ABS system appears to be malfunctioning. On multiple occasions, typically once or twice a week, when I apply the brakes, the tires lock up and cause the vehicle to skid. This happens most often when descending hills or backing up on a sloped driveway. The wheels lock and slide until I release the brake pedal, posing a serious safety concern. 2- Severe Water Leak Interior Roof Area There is a significant water leak from the interior roof, specifically from the top center area near the rearview mirror, every time it rains. I’ve taken the vehicle to the dealer multiple times. They confirmed that all drain tubes are clear, all seals are functioning properly, and no water appears to be entering from the sliding moonroof. However, the issue persists. Water pours down like a waterfall through the vent (as shown in the attached photo), soaking the center console and creating an unsafe driving condition. I have also recorded videos showing the water intrusion. Living in Guam, where it rains frequently, this has become a major problem. 3- Malfunctioning Interior Ceiling Light The ceiling light on the driver's side (center dome light) turns on randomly and often remains on until manually switched off. The dealer has inspected this issue but reported no faults found. Despite this, the problem continues to occur intermittently. 4- Rear Camera Display Issue When shifting into reverse, the monitor occasionally turns completely blue, and the backup camera does not function. The blue screen remains until the vehicle is turned off and restarted. This happens sporadically and disrupts safe maneuvering.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691190October 3, 2025
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Emergency escape issue Like many modern cars the aviator was designed with electric opening doors. Of the four doors, only the front driver side door has a manual override in case of emergency. That means if a major accident was to occur on that ONE door and disable the vehicle the other 3 doors do not have a way to exit. Why would the nhtsa allow a vehicle on a road that at a minimum doesn't have a override for left side and right side or more than one door?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690950October 2, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. It was unknown whether a warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690747October 1, 2025
SEATS
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the seat folding switch on the third-row seat failed to function as intended. The seat was stuck in the down position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688868September 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the garage, the garage became extremely hot, and the fans underneath the vehicle activated. The contact opened the garage. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Engine Now” message was displayed. The powertrain control module had detected a fault with the high-voltage system, and a message was displayed. After researching, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V626000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,990.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688314September 19, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Reference my NHTSA complaint # 11681607 dtd 8/19/25 regarding the problem with Autosense wipers that I’ve had since I bought my Aviator 2.5 yrs ago. As I previously reported, problem was finally resolved in April when dealer replaced the Autosense sensor. I have come to learn that the plastic covering dealer found on the sensor (see attached pic) is actually a protective film for part shipment & should have been removed by the assembly plant prior to installing the sensor but was NOT. There are other owners that have this same ‘wipers gone wild’ condition with Autosense wiping in which the windshield does not clear enough for safe driving & you need to switch to manual wiper operation to clear the windshield. This plant assembly error should trigger a recall with all manufacturers that use this part, not just Lincoln.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688306September 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Aviator was parked with trunk open to load groceries from shopping cart. Must have stepped under bumper such that it triggered the kick sensor to close the tailgate. The problem is, it did NOT detect spouse’s body, did NOT stop the tailgate from closing & as a result, hit him on the head. He jolted out of the way & the tailgate continued to close all the way. This is serious safety issue!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11683995August 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV lift gate safety stop does not function properly. It will come closing down extremely hard. This will happen when the button is pressed on the lift gate or the hands free feature is triggered. The lift gate will not safety stop and pop back open as it should unless a significant amount of force is used; this is usually 2 or more people trying with all their strength to stop it from closing on them. I have been hurt by this and so has my child. This is a serious safety issue. I have included screenshots from the video (the system won’t let me send the video) I took replicating the issue with it completely crushing a box at the height of my head.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11683805August 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator grand touring PHEV has on 3 separate occasions randomly gone into “brick” mode where power is to some components like the Sync screen, and some lights, but main dash won’t boot, the lock/unlock doesn’t work but lock icon flashes on door panel, the vehicle won’t start. This is after short trips out with my family for the evening. Not a fob issue. All 3 times the same. First occurrence at just over 11,000 miles, again in Sept 2023, and happening again June 2025. Roadside assistance dispatches tow trucks, the vehicle can never be jump started. Electric parking brake is engaged and will not disengage even when manually put in neutral. Always takes dispatching several different tow trucks to get one equipped with skates to drag the vehicle on to a flatbed tow truck, or old school wheel lift truck to be able to tow the vehicle since the electric parking brake will not disengage in this situation. Last time this happened it took 6 separate trucks to come out over 3 days to find one that could tow it in metro Detroit, the heart of the auto industry. This is a defect in the system of my vehicle that poses a safety issue because it prevents a regular tow truck from being able to tow this vehicle. I have had the dealership look at it many times, there is no fix, tech says it is a defect. Each time I have reported it to the Lincoln Customer Experience Center, they don’t care enough to do anything. Not sure how to get help but I’m probably not the only one with this safety defect. There are other safety issues. The safety stop for the lift gate doesn’t always work and will hit you hard without stopping for an obstruction. I also have acceleration hesitation when stopped and turning in traffic, risk for accident. The electrical problems with my Aviator are endless but leaving me stranded with my children and unable to easily get help is a serious problem and unacceptable. Please let me know how you can help. Sincerely a concerned mother of 2 little boys.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681607August 19, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The AUTOSENSE wiper function has been erratic & not working properly since my Aviator was a yr old (2022). None of the Autosense wiper stalk positions worked correctly to clear the windshield enough for safe visability. I had dealer check this problem 3 times in 2023 & 2024 & they indicated no problem was found & no codes appeared. After experiencing dangerous visability issues on a 4 hr trip in which I needed to keep the regular wiper on to see (because Autosense didn’t clear windshield enough to see on Hwy), I left vehicle at dealer & refused to pick it up until problem was corrected once & for all. Since car is under warranty they decided to replace the sensor & found it to be defective (yellowed). Since replacing the sensor Autosense now works. This leads me to believe these sensors are failing prematurely. I’m posting this in case others are experiencing a similar problem with Autosense wipe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681596August 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VISIBILITY/WIPER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Despite multiple backup camera recalls & fixes, the backup camera blurs visibility & engages the backup collision avoidance system when there’s a steady rain thereby preventing me from backing car up my DW & parking in garage. The vehicle repeatedly stops & engages the rear collision avoidance system so much so that I had to turn it off in settings to back my car in. Cleaning the backup camera lense did not improve this condition. It appears the system cannot differentiate between rain & an object.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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