Lincoln · Known Issues

2025 Lincoln Aviator Problems: 6 Known Issues

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

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 Owner-Reported Panoramic-Roof Glass Shattering - Inspection Required, Owner-Reported Unexpected Braking and Cruise Speed Changes With Driver-Assist Engaged ($0-$500 repair), IPMA Resets Can Disable Rearview Camera and ADAS - Recall 26S21 / 26V165 and Aviator Transmission Safety Recalls: Park and Direction-Control Defects. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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All 6 Known Issues

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On the 2021-2022, 2024-2025 Lincoln Aviator, aviator owners have filed complaints about two kinds of driver-assist behavior. Neither has a recall that we could find. Cruise speed changing on its own: A 2021 owner reported that a 75 mph cruise setting reset itself to 85 mph and then to 105 mph on two occasions over four days. A 2022 owner reported the vehicle accelerating from about 55 mph to 85 mph with cruise on. That owner's dealer tried a software reset and then replaced the SYNC module, and the problem came back the next day. A 2025 owner reported a 56 mph setting climbing to 65 mph before they braked. One likely factor is Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. Lincoln says this mode changes the cruise set speed on its own to match the speed limit the Speed Sign Recognition camera detects, plus or minus a tolerance the driver can set. That means the set speed can change without the driver touching a button. A 2023 owner described the system slowing to a 55 mph sign and then speeding back up to 65 mph about a mile later with no driver input; that owner believed outdated navigation map data was overriding the camera's sign reading. Unexpected braking: A 2025 owner reported the car braking hard for an obstacle that wasn't there, nearly causing rear-end collisions. The car spent about a month at the dealer for software updates, and the owner says the problem continued afterward. Another 2025 owner reported the brakes engaging on their own on a residential street, with "Antilock brake fault" and "Pre-collision assist not available" on the dash. In that case the dealer said system updates fixed it. On a Lincoln owner forum, a 2025 owner describes repeated "Pre-collision assist not available" and "Active cruise control not available" alerts, with the pre-collision alert sometimes appearing while the car was sitting still. That owner said a service advisor called it a known issue awaiting a software update, but this has not been confirmed by any Lincoln bulletin. These events are intermittent, and owners report dealers clearing codes without finding a cause.

Common Symptoms

Cruise set speed jumps above the selected speed (for example 75 to 85 or 105 mph) without driver input
Vehicle speeds up or slows on its own with adaptive cruise on, sometimes after passing a speed-limit sign
Hard automatic braking with no obstacle ahead
'Pre-collision assist not available', 'Antilock brake fault' or 'Active cruise control not available' messages
Dealer clears codes or cannot find a cause

How to Fix

1. Check the cruise mode first. If unexpected speed changes happen, look in Settings > Driver Assistance > Cruise Control to see whether Intelligent (speed-sign-based) cruise is selected. Lincoln says that mode changes the set speed on its own to match detected speed-limit signs, and that it can be set above or below the posted limit or turned off altogether. One 2021 owner whose set speed jumped to 85 and 105 mph switched from Intelligent to standard adaptive cruise. 2. Record each event. Note the date, time, speed, road, and any messages shown, such as "Pre-collision assist not available", "Antilock brake fault", or "Active cruise control not available". Take a photo of the dash if you can safely do so. These events are intermittent, and a record makes it easier for the dealer to match stored fault codes. 3. Ask the dealer about module software updates. In owner reports, software updates fixed some unexpected-braking cases but not others. We found no recall or service bulletin specifically for this behavior. Repeat cases with no fix have been escalated to Lincoln. You can also report the event to NHTSA. 4. Cost: Diagnosis and software updates are normally a dealer warranty matter. One 2023 owner was told to pay $149 for a navigation map update after Lincoln declined warranty coverage for a speed-limit cruise problem. Until it is resolved, use adaptive cruise cautiously and be ready to override with the brake or accelerator.

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Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $500

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceVerifiedUpdated Nov 7, 2026

On the 2020-2021, 2023, 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 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.

Find a nearby Lincoln dealer in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.

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.

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Manually Verified

High ConfidenceVerifiedUpdated Nov 7, 2026

NHTSA Recalls42 recalls

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The accessory protocol image module (APIM) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.

Campaign #24V36800024/05/2024

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

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Campaign #25V39300013/06/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.

Campaign #25V40700013/06/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #26V12300004/03/2026

+ 37 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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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. Documented issues include: Owner-Reported Panoramic-Roof Glass Shattering - Inspection Required, Owner-Reported Unexpected Braking and Cruise Speed Changes With Driver-Assist Engaged, 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: Owner-Reported Panoramic-Roof Glass Shattering - Inspection Required and Owner-Reported Unexpected Braking and Cruise Speed Changes With Driver-Assist Engaged and IPMA Resets Can Disable Rearview Camera and ADAS - Recall 26S21 / 26V165 and Aviator Transmission Safety Recalls: Park and Direction-Control Defects. 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. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2021, 2023, 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 2021-2022, 2024-2025 Lincoln Aviator Owner-Reported Unexpected Braking and Cruise Speed Changes With Driver-Assist Engaged?

Aviator owners have filed complaints about two kinds of driver-assist behavior. Neither has a recall that we could find. Cruise speed changing on its own: A 2021 owner reported that a 75 mph cruise setting reset itself to 85 mph and then to 105 mph on two occasions over four day… Repairs typically run $0-$500. 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 2020-2021, 2023, 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 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.

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.

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.

All 6 Known Issues

2021-2022, 2024-2025 Lincoln Aviator: Owner-Reported Unexpected Braking and Cruise Speed Changes With Driver-Assist Engaged#

2025 Lincoln Aviator: IPMA Resets Can Disable Rearview Camera and ADAS - Recall 26S21 / 26V165#

2025 Lincoln Aviator: 2025 Aviator Loses Backup Camera and Driver Aids After IPMA Resets (Recall 26V165000)#

2020-2021, 2023, 2025 Lincoln Aviator: Owner-Reported Panoramic-Roof Glass Shattering - Inspection Required#

2020-2021, 2023, 2025 Lincoln Aviator: Aviator Transmission Safety Recalls: Park and Direction-Control Defects#

2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator: C-Pillar Trim and Rear-Door Window Bars May Detach - Recall 25S66 / 25V407#