Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Lincoln
  6. /
  7. Aviator
Lincoln · Known Issues

2025 Lincoln Aviator Problems: 6 Known Issues

2025 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2025 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example

2026 Lincoln Aviator Premiere silhouette · representative artwork, not equipment confirmation

Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator has 6 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Unexpected Acceleration and Phantom Braking With Driver-Assist (Co-Pilot360 / BlueCruise) Engaged ($0-$500 repair), Aviator Transmission Safety Recalls: Park and Direction-Control Defects, IPMA Resets Can Disable Rearview Camera and ADAS - Recall 26S21 / 26V165 and Owner-Reported Panoramic-Roof Glass Shattering - Inspection Required. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Aviator Safety/Recalls3
  • Aviator Transmission1
  • Aviator Body/Panels1
  • Aviator Exterior1
  • Recalls42
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls3
  • Transmission1
  • Body/Panels1
  • Exterior1
Recalls
42
  • FAQ

    • All 6 Known Issues

    Filter:
    ALL YEARS2026202520242023202220212020

    On the 2021-2025 Lincoln Aviator, owners across multiple model years report two opposite but related ADAS misbehaviors. With adaptive cruise / driver-assist (Co-Pilot360, ActiveGlide/BlueCruise) engaged, the Aviator has unexpectedly ACCELERATED toward a stopped vehicle instead of continuing to slow, and separately has applied PHANTOM BRAKING — abrupt, unprompted automatic braking triggered by harmless objects such as a crack in the driveway, overpass shadows, or roadside features. Some events come with 'Antilock brake fault' or 'Pre-Collision Assist not available' messages. These are hard to reproduce on demand and are documented in NHTSA complaints and owner forums; no broad recall specifically targets this behavior.

    Common Symptoms

    • Vehicle accelerates toward a stopped car while adaptive cruise/driver-assist is on
    • Sudden hard automatic braking for no real obstacle (phantom braking)
    • Abrupt stops triggered by pavement cracks, shadows, or overpasses
    • 'Pre-Collision Assist not available' or 'Antilock brake fault' messages
    • Driver-assist disengages unexpectedly during the event

    How to Fix

    Report any unexpected-acceleration or phantom-braking event to NHTSA (vehicle safety hotline / nhtsa.gov) and to the dealer, with date/time so the module can be scanned for stored events. Ensure all camera/radar sensors are clean, undamaged, and properly aimed (especially after any windshield or bumper work, which requires ADAS recalibration), and that the IPMA/ADAS modules are on the latest software (see related camera/IPMA recalls). Until resolved, use driver-assist features cautiously and keep ready to override with throttle/brake; treat repeated events as a safety concern warranting dealer investigation.

    Typical repair cost:$0 - $500

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2025 Lincoln Aviator 3.0L EcoBoost V6, certain 2025 Lincoln Aviators equipped with a five-radar Image Processing Module A configuration are included in Ford recall 26S21/NHTSA 26V165. Computational overload while tracking many moving objects in dense traffic can trigger repeated IPMA resets. The resets may cause intermittent or persistent loss of the rearview camera image and ADAS features. The cluster may show Front Camera Fault, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, or Lane-Keeping System Off; blind-spot indicators may illuminate. Inclusion is determined by VIN.

    Common Symptoms

    • Rearview camera image disappears
    • Front Camera Fault warning
    • Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning
    • Lane-Keeping System Off warning
    • Blind-spot indicators illuminate

    How to Fix

    Check the VIN for recall 26S21. Ford's remedy is a free IPMA software update that adds protections against object-tracking saturation; affected owners may receive it over the air or have a Ford/Lincoln dealer install it. Until the update is confirmed complete, respond to camera or ADAS warnings by relying on direct observation and mirrors and by treating the affected driver-assistance functions as unavailable. This record has no replacement-part purchase.

    Owner tips & cautions

    • WarningUntil recall 26S21 is completed, treat camera or ADAS warning messages as loss of those aids and rely on direct observation and mirrors.

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Manually Verified
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator is included in Ford's safety recall 26V165000. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) in these vehicles may experience multiple unexpected resets. Each reset takes down what the module supplies: the rearview camera image, plus the advanced driver assistance features built on it — pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. The 2025 Aviator was in Phase 1 of the campaign, with owner notification on 4/13/2026, making it one of the earliest vehicles addressed. Across every model in the campaign the recall covers 254,640 vehicles. Ford's consequence statement is straightforward: with the camera image and those assistance systems gone, the driver is less able to detect hazards behind and around the Aviator, which increases the risk of a crash.

    Common Symptoms

    • Rearview camera image lost while in reverse
    • Pre-collision assist unavailable
    • Lane-keeping assist unavailable
    • Blind-spot monitoring unavailable
    • Driver assistance systems cutting out more than once

    How to Fix

    Ford's remedy is a free software update to the Image Processing Module A. It can be installed by a Lincoln dealer, or delivered over the air (OTA) to the vehicle — 2025 Aviator owners were notified starting 4/13/2026, so the update should be available now. If camera or ADAS dropouts continue, have a dealer perform the IPMA software update; there is no charge. Confirm the recall applies to your specific Aviator by entering the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and looking for campaign 26V165000.

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

    On the 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator, three separate VIN-scoped transmission recalls affect limited Aviator populations. NHTSA 26V402 covers certain 2020-2021 vehicles whose separator-plate design can restrict flow to the park valve, allow temporary park-pawl engagement while moving, damage the park system, and create a later rollaway risk. NHTSA 23V070/Ford 23S06 covers certain 2023 Aviators whose transmission may contain a loose extra bolt that can block the park pawl even when the selector shows Park. NHTSA 25V164/Ford 25S19 covers specified 2025 Aviators built December 4-20, 2024, whose main-control valve body may cause no reverse or unexpected forward motion in Reverse or Neutral. These campaigns are not interchangeable and do not cover every listed model year.

    Common Symptoms

    • Vehicle movement after Park when the park system has been damaged on a 26V402-covered vehicle
    • Selector shows Park but the park pawl does not engage on a 23V070-covered vehicle
    • No reverse motion on a 25V164-covered vehicle
    • Unexpected forward motion with Reverse or Neutral selected on a 25V164-covered vehicle
    • Malfunction indicator and wrench warning for the 25V164 condition

    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 free remedy is updated PCM software plus inspection and replacement of damaged park-system components as needed. 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.

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Manually Verified
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator, nHTSA complaint records and Aviator owner discussions include reports of panoramic-roof glass shattering while driving. A complaint documents an alleged event; it does not by itself prove a common manufacturing defect or cause. Impact damage, edge damage, installation stress, thermal stress, body movement, or an unknown cause require physical inspection. No Aviator-specific panoramic-roof glass recall was identified in this audit.

    Common Symptoms

    • Sudden loud breakage sound from the panoramic roof
    • Panoramic-roof glass fragments or cracking
    • No obvious impact identified by the owner before inspection

    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; this record has no commerce link.

    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.

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Manually Verified
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator, ford recall 25S66/NHTSA 25V407 covers certain 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviators produced from October 19, 2018, through May 30, 2025. Insufficient adhesive bonding can allow a C-pillar trim applique or rear-door window division bar to detach while driving, creating a road hazard. Not every vehicle in the model-year range is included, so recall status must be checked by VIN.

    Common Symptoms

    • C-pillar trim applique lifts or loosens
    • Rear-door window division bar loosens
    • Trim flaps or detaches while driving
    • Recall notice or open VIN campaign

    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 purchase trim from this record; 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.

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Manually Verified
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
    NHTSA Recalls42 recalls

    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    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."

    Campaign #24V80100025/10/2024

    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    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."

    Campaign #24V85200008/11/2024

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    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.

    Campaign #25V02000017/01/2025

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

    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.

    Campaign #25V16400014/03/2025

    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

    Campaign #26V11700003/03/2026

    + 37 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

    Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

    🔧
    A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
    Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
    Get ahead of Lincoln Aviator problems — free
    Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Lincoln Aviator. Free, no account needed.

    Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

    Other Lincoln Models

    Lincoln Nautilus22Lincoln Navigator18Lincoln MKZ10Lincoln MKX10Lincoln Town Car9Lincoln Corsair6

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?

    According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Unexpected Acceleration and Phantom Braking With Driver-Assist (Co-Pilot360 / BlueCruise) Engaged, Aviator Transmission Safety Recalls: Park and Direction-Control Defects, IPMA Resets Can Disable Rearview Camera and ADAS - Recall 26S21 / 26V165. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

    Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable?

    The 2025 Lincoln Aviator has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Unexpected Acceleration and Phantom Braking With Driver-Assist (Co-Pilot360 / BlueCruise) Engaged and Aviator Transmission Safety Recalls: Park and Direction-Control Defects and IPMA Resets Can Disable Rearview Camera and ADAS - Recall 26S21 / 26V165 and Owner-Reported Panoramic-Roof Glass Shattering - Inspection Required. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

    How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Aviator problems?

    Repair costs for known Lincoln Aviator issues range from $0 to $500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Unexpected Acceleration and Phantom Braking With Driver-Assist (Co-Pilot360 / BlueCruise) Engaged, typically costs $0-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

    What is the 2021-2025 Lincoln Aviator Unexpected Acceleration and Phantom Braking With Driver-Assist (Co-Pilot360 / BlueCruise) Engaged?

    Owners across multiple model years report two opposite but related ADAS misbehaviors. With adaptive cruise / driver-assist (Co-Pilot360, ActiveGlide/BlueCruise) engaged, the Aviator has unexpectedly ACCELERATED toward a stopped vehicle instead of continuing to slow, and separatel… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.

    What is the 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator Aviator Transmission Safety Recalls: Park and Direction-Control Defects?

    Three separate VIN-scoped transmission recalls affect limited Aviator populations. NHTSA 26V402 covers certain 2020-2021 vehicles whose separator-plate design can restrict flow to the park valve, allow temporary park-pawl engagement while moving, damage the park system, and creat… Severity: high.

    What is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator IPMA Resets Can Disable Rearview Camera and ADAS - Recall 26S21 / 26V165?

    Certain 2025 Lincoln Aviators equipped with a five-radar Image Processing Module A configuration are included in Ford recall 26S21/NHTSA 26V165. Computational overload while tracking many moving objects in dense traffic can trigger repeated IPMA resets. The resets may cause inter… Severity: high.

    What is the 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator Owner-Reported Panoramic-Roof Glass Shattering - Inspection Required?

    NHTSA complaint records and Aviator owner discussions include reports of panoramic-roof glass shattering while driving. A complaint documents an alleged event; it does not by itself prove a common manufacturing defect or cause. Impact damage, edge damage, installation stress, the… Severity: high.

    What is the 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator C-Pillar Trim and Rear-Door Window Bars May Detach - Recall 25S66 / 25V407?

    Ford recall 25S66/NHTSA 25V407 covers certain 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviators produced from October 19, 2018, through May 30, 2025. Insufficient adhesive bonding can allow a C-pillar trim applique or rear-door window division bar to detach while driving, creating a road hazard. Not ev… Severity: medium.

    What is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator 2025 Aviator Loses Backup Camera and Driver Aids After IPMA Resets (Recall 26V165000)?

    The 2025 Lincoln Aviator is included in Ford's safety recall 26V165000. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) in these vehicles may experience multiple unexpected resets. Each reset takes down what the module supplies: the rearview camera image, plus the advanced driver assistance… Severity: medium.

    Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

    Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.