FaultScore

Lincoln Aviator driver assist problems

60 of the 719 complaints filed about the Lincoln Aviator are about the driver-assist systems — 8% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2020.

60

Complaints

8%

Share of all complaints

5

Crashes

0

Fires

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year

2020 Aviator 28 46.7%

Median failure at 79,000 miles

2021 Aviator 5 8.3%

Median failure at 33,500 miles

2022 Aviator 14 23.3%

Median failure at 34,000 miles

2023 Aviator 6 10.0%

Median failure at 24,000 miles

2025 Aviator 7 11.7%

What owners said

2025 Lincoln Aviator Glen Ellyn, IL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11739484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Lincoln Aviator Glen Ellyn, IL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11739484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Lincoln Aviator at 57,000 miles Flushing, NY

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The contact stated that the back over camera and alarm system would fail intermittently, and the park aid stopped message would display on the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the remedy for 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) would not be available till Q2 OF 2026, and they were unsure of when the remedy for 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) would be available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced any failure was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA complaint #11738033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Florence, AZ

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

To Whom It May Concern, Please see attached formal notice regarding recurring defects, safety-related recall issues, Certified Pre-Owned representations, and financing concerns associated with my 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve VIN [XXX] . This matter involves: • recurring suspension and electrical concerns; • safety-related rearview camera/SYNC recall issues; • repeated dealership repair activity; • diminished reliability and value; • Certified Pre-Owned reliance; • and unresolved manufacturer-level concerns despite extensive servicing history. Please escalate this matter immediately to executive customer relations and manufacturer review. I am requesting: • a formal manufacturer investigation, • preservation of all records associated with this VIN, • and review for buyback, goodwill compensation, warranty relief, or other global resolution options. Please confirm receipt and provide a case number immediately. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11736923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Florence, AZ

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve VIN [XXX] involving recurring safety-related electrical and visibility concerns. The vehicle has experienced repeated service-related issues involving suspension systems, electrical inspections, camera/display concerns, and manufacturer customer satisfaction programs. Most significantly, the vehicle is subject to an active manufacturer safety recall involving the SYNC/rearview camera display system. The recall states that the rearview camera image and display may become inverted or flipped, impairing rear visibility and increasing crash risk. This defect directly impacts driver visibility and safe vehicle operation while reversing. The vehicle has undergone repeated dealership servicing and diagnostic evaluations, yet the broader operational and safety concerns remain unresolved. The vehicle was also sold as a Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, creating reasonable reliance that the vehicle met enhanced inspection and safety standards. I believe the recurring nature of these defects, combined with the active recall and repeated repair activity, demonstrates a broader safety-related defect pattern warranting regulatory review and investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11736924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Lincoln Aviator Albuquerque, NM

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

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)

NHTSA complaint #11734097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Lincoln Aviator Albuquerque, NM

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)

NHTSA complaint #11734097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Lincoln Aviator at 24,000 miles Scottsdale, AZ Crash

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera did not function as intended. The contact stated that the rear-view camera display flipped the image to the front of the vehicle. In addition, the rear-view camera system did not alert the contact. The contact's vehicle crashed into a trailer. No injuries were sustained. No police report was filed. The contact vehicle sustained damage to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the back hatch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact later received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V368000 (Back Over Prevention) however the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA complaint #11733297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Oxford, CT

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

THIS REQUIRES A RECALL ASAP. Dealers are well aware of this problem as is Lincoln CHQ but Lincoln refuses to address it. Rear camera cannot differentiate between steady rain & an object which then causes car to engage the collision avoidance system which then prevents ability to drive in reverse gear. There have been many rearview camera recalls on this car & each has made things worse. The ONLY way I can drive car in reverse (in rain) is to TURN OFF collision avoidance system (insane). Having to turn off this safety feature when it’s needed the most (in rain) is VERY dangerous. I tapped a person backing out of a parking spot. He was walking in blind spot, couldn’t see him on rearview camera, parking sensor alerts failed, collision avoidance was off because I can’t drive in reverse in rain. Thank God he wasn’t injured. BEGGING NHTSA TO FORCE A RECALL BEFORE A HUMAN GETS RUN OVER.

NHTSA complaint #11730549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Oxford, CT

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

THIS REQUIRES A RECALL ASAP. Dealers are well aware of this problem as is Lincoln CHQ but Lincoln refuses to address it. Rear camera cannot differentiate between steady rain & an object which then causes car to engage the collision avoidance system which then prevents ability to drive in reverse gear. There have been many rearview camera recalls on this car & each has made things worse. The ONLY way I can drive car in reverse (in rain) is to TURN OFF collision avoidance system (insane). Having to turn off this safety feature when it’s needed the most (in rain) is VERY dangerous. I tapped a person backing out of a parking spot. He was walking in blind spot, couldn’t see him on rearview camera, parking sensor alerts failed, collision avoidance was off because I can’t drive in reverse in rain. Thank God he wasn’t injured. BEGGING NHTSA TO FORCE A RECALL BEFORE A HUMAN GETS RUN OVER.

NHTSA complaint #11730549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Port Saint Lucie, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

while moving in reverse, the vehicle automatic breaking system engages on and off giving a jerking movement of the car and makes you feel like you hit something. Once the vehicle is placed into Drive mode the same thing happens with the breaking system. because of this the check vehicle lights come on and gives a "Hill start assist warning" also "Pre-collision Assist Not Available". Also all wheel drive mode is not available and the drive mode selection no longer works. Took the car to the Lincoln dealership and they said it is a known problem and that there is a TSB out on this issue. The vehicle has only 66,000 miles on it and it is out of warranty. How can there not be a recall on this issue? They said they need to replace two shafts in the front end costing $5,000.

NHTSA complaint #11729043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Tell City, IN

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

Backup camera is not working properly and the lane departure system doesn’t work

NHTSA complaint #11721228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Tell City, IN

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Backup camera is not working properly and the lane departure system doesn’t work

NHTSA complaint #11721228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Lincoln Aviator at 43,300 miles Heath, TX

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a glitching screen. The vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V022000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) by the previous owner; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that failure had occurred after the recall repair the first time, and the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,300.

NHTSA complaint #11709130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Chicago, IL

BACK OVER PREVENTION

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11685955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Oxford, CT

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.

NHTSA complaint #11681596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Fort Myers, FL

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

I don't know the component or system that failed but sometimes when I am parked and put my car into reverse, the brakes lock up but my car will roll backwards. I have to either jam both feet on the brake pedal or quickly shift the car back into park and turn the car off and restart it. This usually will correct the problem. It feels like the brakes are locked and they are really hard to press. I drop kids off at school and this has happened in the parking lot several times with children walking behind me as I am getting ready to leave. I no longer am able to pull in forward to spots and have to back in to avoid reversing with people/cars behind me. I would rather hit a curb then potentially roll into a person or another car. I've taken it to the Lincoln dealership and they were not able to reproduce it or diagnose anything with it. Nothing shows up on their system as an error. It happens infrequently but I've owned the car since Nov 2024 and it's happened at least 10 times. My husband thinks its an electronic issue because it corrects itself when the car is restarted. It also randomly allows me to turn the wheel but the wheel does not turn back to 12. It stays at 3 but drives straight. This also is corrected by turning off the car and restarting. It has also been looked at by the dealership without any fixes.

NHTSA complaint #11680022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Fort Myers, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I don't know the component or system that failed but sometimes when I am parked and put my car into reverse, the brakes lock up but my car will roll backwards. I have to either jam both feet on the brake pedal or quickly shift the car back into park and turn the car off and restart it. This usually will correct the problem. It feels like the brakes are locked and they are really hard to press. I drop kids off at school and this has happened in the parking lot several times with children walking behind me as I am getting ready to leave. I no longer am able to pull in forward to spots and have to back in to avoid reversing with people/cars behind me. I would rather hit a curb then potentially roll into a person or another car. I've taken it to the Lincoln dealership and they were not able to reproduce it or diagnose anything with it. Nothing shows up on their system as an error. It happens infrequently but I've owned the car since Nov 2024 and it's happened at least 10 times. My husband thinks its an electronic issue because it corrects itself when the car is restarted. It also randomly allows me to turn the wheel but the wheel does not turn back to 12. It stays at 3 but drives straight. This also is corrected by turning off the car and restarting. It has also been looked at by the dealership without any fixes.

NHTSA complaint #11680022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Farmers Branch, TX Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Driving and slowing down accident brakes and frontal collision and airbags didn't go off

NHTSA complaint #11647320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Farmers Branch, TX Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Driving and slowing down accident brakes and frontal collision and airbags didn't go off

NHTSA complaint #11647320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Lincoln Aviator problems