2023 Lincoln Aviator Problems: 12 Known Issues

How to Fix

Check the VIN for both 23S23 and 25S27. The 23S23 Aviator repair includes rear-camera replacement, strain-relief wiring, 360-camera alignment, and an IPMB update when directed by Ford's service tool. The 25S27 remedy updates the IPMB and validates the installed software part number before closing the campaign, free of charge. Do not buy a camera or module from this card. Until repaired, use mirrors and direct observation whenever the image is unavailable.

Owner tips & cautions

• WarningRecheck the VIN even if 23S23 shows a past repair; recall 25S27 covers specific vehicles whose intended software was not actually installed.

How to Fix

Check the VIN and schedule recall 24S35 if open. A Ford/Lincoln dealer installs the specified electromagnetic shielding on the APIM at no charge; the campaign is not an APIM replacement. Until completed, follow Ford's advice to refrain from cell-phone use while reversing and rely on mirrors and direct observation if the image is distorted.

Owner tips & cautions

• WarningUntil 24S35 is completed, do not use a mobile phone while reversing; keep it away from the console and use mirrors and direct observation if the display distorts.

How to Fix

Confirm both the audio symptom and rear water evidence, then follow the Aviator inspection sequence in TSB 23-2181. Correct only the leak path found: reseat or replace the specified grommet/strut when required, seat seals and connectors, repair plugs or washer-hose routing, and verify the BLIS module and harness grommets. If right-side water is present, follow the bulletin's ACM replacement step and use the VIN-specific parts catalog application. Dry and inspect affected connectors and trim as directed. Coverage depends on the vehicle's applicable warranty or service plan.

Owner tips & cautions

• TipPhotograph the wet side and first water path before drying; TSB 23-2181 uses location-specific inspection and only conditionally replaces the ACM.
• WarningDo not order an audio module from loss of sound alone; confirm water evidence, repair the leak path, and use the VIN-specific catalog application if replacement is required.

How to Fix

Diagnose with FORScan to confirm air bag vs. compressor failure. OEM bags $700-$1,100 per corner installed. For the front, Ford SSM 51640 now supplies complete front air spring/strut assemblies (LC5Z-3C098-A/C non-hybrid, LC5Z-3C098-B/D hybrid) and recommends replacing the full assembly. Compressor (Wabco/Continental unit) ~$600-$900 installed. Replace compressor dryer at the same time as a bag (~$80) — extends compressor life. If a suspension fault message with DTCs B1041/U2100 appears after a repair, SSM 51621 says the module may be stuck in diagnostic service mode; clear it with FDRS Transport and Factory Mode Deactivation rather than replacing parts.

How to Fix

Use Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) and select SUMA > Run All CM (Continuous Memory) DTCs. Do not run SUMA > OD and CM DTCs for this condition because the on-demand self-test can create the invalid codes. If that test was run, clear the condition with SUMA > Transport and Factory Mode Deactivation. If other DTCs or physical ride-height symptoms remain, follow Workshop Manual Section 204-05 normal diagnostics before selecting a part.

Owner tips & cautions

• WarningDo not replace a compressor, air spring, sensor, or solenoid from B1041/U2100 alone; SSM 51621 first corrects a diagnostic service-mode state.
• TipAsk whether an on-demand SUMA self-test was run immediately before the warning appeared and retain the complete FDRS fault report for any remaining diagnosis.

How to Fix

If glass breaks, maintain control, avoid abrupt steering, move to a safe location, protect occupants from loose fragments, and arrange recovery if visibility or occupant safety is compromised. Preserve photos of both glass surfaces, edges, the opening, nearby paint, weather, speed, and road conditions before cleanup. Have a qualified glass/body specialist inspect for an impact origin and installation or frame evidence. Report an unexplained safety event to NHTSA and Lincoln. Coverage and repair scope must be determined case by case.

Owner tips & cautions

• TipPhotograph the break pattern, both glass surfaces, edges, roof opening, and surrounding paint before cleanup so an impact origin or installation evidence can be assessed.
• WarningDo not assume spontaneous breakage or impact from appearance alone; preserve evidence and obtain a qualified inspection before making a defect or coverage claim.

How to Fix

Document the entry location before drying or disassembly, then have the vehicle water-tested in controlled sections so the first wet point can be traced. Inspect panoramic-roof drains and connections, glass/seal fit, roof and body seams, and the rear liftgate/spare-tire paths as indicated by the evidence. Do not use compressed air blindly because excessive pressure can disconnect or damage a drain. Select cleaning, reconnection, adjustment, sealing, or component repair only after the leak path is confirmed.

Owner tips & cautions

• TipPhotograph the first wet point and the conditions that reproduce it before the interior is dried; leak-path evidence is more useful than the location where water finally drips.
• WarningDo not force high-pressure air through an unverified drain path; a disconnected or damaged hose can turn an intermittent leak into a larger one.

How to Fix

Check the VIN in the NHTSA and Lincoln/Ford recall systems and follow the instructions for the campaign actually open. For 26V402, follow the current do-not-drive advisory and contact a Lincoln dealer for transport guidance; the planned free remedy is updated PCM software plus inspection and replacement of damaged park-system components as needed, but Ford expects the remedy to be available in April 2027 and will mail a second letter then. For 23S06, the dealer inspects for the loose bolt and replaces the transmission if the inspection fails. For 25S19, the dealer replaces the transmission main-control valve body. Do not buy transmission parts or combine a harsh-shift complaint with these recall remedies without VIN confirmation.

Owner tips & cautions

• WarningIf the VIN is included in recall 26V402, follow the current do-not-drive instruction and contact Lincoln for safe transport rather than driving to the dealer.
• TipAsk the dealer to identify the exact campaign number before service; the 2020-2021, 2023, and 2025 transmission recalls have different defects and remedies.

How to Fix

Have a Ford/Lincoln-capable technician confirm the transmission and build date, retrieve PCM/TCM faults, and follow TSB 22-2428 in order. The bulletin begins with available PCM/TCM programming and an adaptive-learning drive cycle, then uses the stored faults and clutch behavior to select an accelerated main-control break-in routine. If the condition remains, the procedure can require main-control overhaul and, only after the bulletin's later tests fail, condition-specific internal transmission repair. Parts and coverage must be selected by VIN and the actual failed step.

Owner tips & cautions

• TipRecord the exact shift or engagement event and ask for the PCM/TCM fault report plus the TSB decision-tree step that failed before approving internal transmission work.
• WarningDo not order a valve body or CDF part from harsh shifting alone; Ford's procedure can resolve the condition through programming, adaptive learning, or clutch cycling before parts are selected.

How to Fix

The remedy is a free rearview camera software update performed by a Lincoln dealer. Owner notification letters for 25S72 were mailed September 4, 2025. Rather than assuming previous camera work covered it, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and look specifically for 25V442000 — if it is listed as open, schedule the reprogram; there is no charge. Ford customer service: 1-866-436-7332.

How to Fix

Check the VIN and schedule the free Lincoln recall remedy if 25S66 is open. The dealer repairs or replaces the affected C-pillar appliques and rear-door window division bars. Do not use generic adhesive or buy replacement trim yourself; the campaign determines the approved preparation, repair, and replacement path. If trim is already loose, avoid manipulating it and ask the dealer for safe interim handling guidance.

Owner tips & cautions

• WarningDo not glue or order trim from a generic listing before VIN confirmation; the recall repair or replacement is performed free by the dealer.

How to Fix

Follow Ford Workshop Manual Section 415-00 Pinpoint Test E1. Use its 100 Hz speaker test sample and set fade/balance to the passenger-front speaker. If the rattle is isolated to the passenger-door switch bezel, remove the bezel per WSM 501-11, apply Rotunda flock tape 164-R4903 in the SSM's U-shaped placement over the underside of the bezel and switch, reassemble, and rerun Pinpoint Test E1. If the noise remains, continue the remaining Pinpoint Test E steps before selecting another component.

Owner tips & cautions

• TipUse the 100 Hz passenger-front speaker isolation test before removing trim; the SSM applies only when the noise is isolated to the switch bezel.