Lincoln Aviator Complaints (2025)

18 consumer complaints on file.

#11771282October 15, 2026
STEERING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771283October 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764304September 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764477September 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757628August 18, 2026
VISIBILITY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747993July 2, 2026
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742535June 7, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Everytime I start my vehicle the parking brake fault service now light comes on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739484May 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735438May 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
The second row seat is moving or reclining while I’m driving. The car seat motor has a sound while it reclines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734097April 27, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707901December 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I purchased a brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator on 9/27/25, with 33 miles on it. I do not even make it home from the dealer before it started making a scrubbing/grinding noise, which subsequently led to the replacement of the transfer case and transmission on a vehicle with approx 180 miles on it. It calls into question the safety, reliability and quality of the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#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
#11677763August 1, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
on 7/27/25 while driving on a residential street the car behaved extremely erratically and was attempting engage the brakes resulting in an uncontrollable driving condition. Brakes were engaging automatically and dashboard showed fault messages including "Antilock brake fault" and "pre-collision assist not available." Contacted Lincoln customer support and they arranged for a tow to the dealership and rental car. Dealership stated updates to system resolved the issue. Seems to be running fine now. If this incident had occurred on a highway it would have been extremely dangerous since the brakes were being engaged without driver knowledge and input.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664518June 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the failure might be due to a computer chip failure. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644862February 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
We have been experiencing multiple electrical and mechanical issues with our brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator since we bought it approximately 4 months ago. The car frequently fails to start, with at least ten or more instances of this problem. We have taken it to the dealership two or three times, but despite their claims that the issue has been fixed, the problem recurs within a week or two from picking the car up from the dealer. There was a time when the car has shut off while stopped at a traffic light, and when the light turns green, it won’t restart. In some cases, it has taken anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours before the car would finally start again. Additionally, various warning signals appear on the dash cluster, including alerts about the emergency brakes and collision warning system not functioning properly. Additionally, we experienced issues where the car doors won't open right away due to this mechanical issue. This is a serious safety hazard, as the car shutting off unexpectedly in traffic puts us at significant risk. It is especially concerning because this is our family vehicle, and we frequently travel with two infants in car seats and our elderly parents. Despite multiple visits to the dealership, the issue persists. We even reached out to the parent company, Lincoln/Ford, and they essentially told us that there is nothing they can do, this is a "known issue with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator". After researching online, we found that other 2025 Lincoln Aviator owners have reported similar electrical and mechanical problems. We are extremely concerned for our safety and fear that this issue could lead to a serious accident. However, this is our only vehicle, leaving us with no alternative but to continue driving it despite the risks. Please note, as I type this message, we have an appointment this week to drop the car off again for service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640906February 5, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I bought Lincoln Aviator 2025 Model. After 2 weeks my car started showing all the faulty error sign. To be specific with sign I have the following sign on : BSM, Cross traffic system fault, front camera fault, pre-collision alert. Reverse camera malfunction sign. I have my other 3 friend that have the same problem. Is there a recall on 2025 model ? I am at the dealer dealing with this after going through 2 weeks of buying my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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