88 of the
730 complaints filed about the Lincoln Aviator
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
The Driver Seat Module (DSM) is known to develop software glitches across the 2020–2024 Aviator/Corsair/Explorer platform, causing the seat to not move to the correct programmed memory position . Lincoln’s fix (per Special Service Message 51406, issued for Corsair but describing the same shared module) is a dealer reprogram of the DSM software. However, this did nothing to improve the problem. •Symptoms include complete loss of seat adjustment where switches do nothing and the seat is stuck in place, memory functions failing to recall saved positions, intermittent operation with clicking noises but no movement, and the easy entry/exit function drifting out of correct position over time. Additionally, the drivers seat bladders and actuators engage without driver input and the seat controls on the touchscreen, increase and decrease bladder input and motor control beyond the selected settings. This often HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11764001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought this car in march 2026. It is a 2023 Lincoln aviator black label, it was a CPO. Within days of me having it, I noticed there were electrical issues. The interior light kept popping on for no reason. The cooling seat feature was also not working. The adaptive cruise control was also not working correctly. When you have the cruise control on the lane assist will cancel on you without warning. It also has issues maintaining the lane and wants to pull. I brought it back to Findlay Lincoln within a couple of weeks of purchasing the vehicle. They stated they fix it and that there was a corroded or melted wire that was causing the issue. Within days of picking it up, there were still issues. The lights were still coming on and the adaptive cruise control was still causing issues. Once they got me a loaner, they took the car back in. This time they had the vehicle for 26 days. He said there were no issues with the adaptive cruise control and it did not pull while he was driving it. Since July, I have been trying to get the vehicle back in. It was there last Friday for an oil change, I spoke with my service advisor then and informed him that I do not feel safe driving in the car. They said they did not have a loaner available. I went back there again on Thursday and spoke with the sales manager. I informed him the car was not safe to drive. That the pulling is getting stronger and that I am going to be hurt or I’m going to hurt someone else driving that car. The sales person, Carrie also drove with me in a vehicle and witnessed the car pulling
NHTSA complaint #11764067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding the recurring infotainment screen failure on my 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The center display repeatedly goes completely black while driving or when using Apple CarPlay. When this occurs, I lose the backup camera, navigation, audio, climate controls, and other vehicle functions. The loss of the backup camera creates a serious safety hazard when reversing. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Lincoln dealership numerous times for this same issue. The dealership has performed software updates, module programming, module replacement, diagnostics, and recall-related repairs. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the defect remains unresolved. I was informed there is currently no permanent repair for this recurring problem. I have spent significant time and money returning the vehicle for repairs and have opened multiple cases with Lincoln/Ford requesting a permanent solution and vehicle repurchase. Despite repeated unsuccessful repairs, Ford denied my request. This is an intermittent safety defect that occurs without warning and continues after multiple repair attempts. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this defect and determine whether the current recalls and repair procedures adequately correct this safety issue, as I believe other 2020 Lincoln Aviator owners may be experiencing the same unresolved problem.
NHTSA complaint #11760001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My fiance went out to start the car. The car wouldn't start, but the starter kept clicking for around 5 minutes even when she was out of the vehicle with the door shut. During that 5 minutes the car started to smoke really bad and you could smell an electrical fire. She ran in the house to get me. We started moving our other cars away from the Lincoln. As I was getting ready to call 911 the starter stopped clicking and the smoke from underneath the car went away. It has currently been at a Ford/Lincoln dealership for the past 2 weeks. They said that the starter fried that battery. This was really traumatic for my fiance because she constantly drives our kids around in the car. Now she's terrified that the car will catch fire again. We have video but it will not let me upload.
NHTSA complaint #11754312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have been having issues with my breaks sticking when applied. To the point that it’s completely stopping my car and i need to use my foot to release the brake from behind. I have had the dealership look at this issue and they can’t seem to find the problem. They also broke my car and claimed they did not feel the sticking. I’ve had the dealership look at my vehicle twice for this issue. It is a safety risk with children in my vehicle. Also everyone i lock my vehicle. My alarm is going off saying someone is opening the door on my Lincoln app. Additionally, every time i start my car it says the passenger door is open, when it’s not. The sync Bluetooth constantly connects and disconnects or if i plug my phone i to the charger for CarPlay it does not work. This biggest problem is my brakes sticking. Like i said when i am braking gradually they are sticking to the floor and not releasing. Thai doesn’t always happen but it has happen a lot recently. I need this fixed!!!!! Multiple recalls that are not available as well
NHTSA complaint #11751230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start, the vehicle was , the hood was raised, the contact went back to the vehicle to try to start, the vehicle would not turn over with clicking in the engine. the vehicle began to smoke with very thick white smoke, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle of the drivers side front seat. The battery was disconnected and a manual latch was discovered on the drivers side door. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. After starting the vehicle, I exited without intentionally placing the vehicle in gear. The vehicle began rolling backward unexpectedly after I exited. I was struck and injured by the vehicle, resulting in a laceration to my shin requiring eight stitches. At no point did I intentionally place the vehicle in a position that would allow it to move. The vehicle did not adequately engage Park or activate any automatic safety features to prevent movement when the driver exited. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability of the electronic shifter system and automatic park/braking safety features. This failure created a dangerous condition and resulted in physical injury. The dealership states it cannot reproduce the problem nor can they determine what caused the vehicle to roll back. There were no warnings prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11741638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The vehicle is intermittently braking on its own while driving. The issue has become significantly worse over the course of a month. The dashboard message reads, “brake applied, power reduced”. This is a danger to both myself and other drivers as we are unable to control the speed of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11722796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On January 29, 2026, at approximately 4:00 PM, the vehicle experienced unintended movement while in PARK and powered off. The vehicle had been placed in Park, the engine was turned off, and the driver exited. Shortly afterward, the vehicle rolled unexpectedly while unattended. The vehicle remained parked and was not driven due to safety concerns. Wheel blocks were placed behind the tires until the scheduled dealer appointment on February 4, 2026. The dealer inspected the vehicle and was able to replicate the condition. The failure was diagnosed as a malfunctioning parking pawl solenoid within the transmission system. The dealer confirmed the vehicle could be physically rolled after being placed in Park and powered off. This condition presents a serious safety risk, including risk of injury or death if a person, child, or object were behind the vehicle. There were no prior warning messages or alerts before the incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11717852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We purchase car on [XXX]. On [XXX] there is a significant leak in the panoramic sunroof that completely floods the trunk (unsure if this is related to the next problem). Our car is at the dealer for repairs 12/12/25 - 1/8/26 and is "fixed" as per the dealer. On [XXX] it starts running independently in the driveway when we are not home and both keys are untouched inside our locked home. We return a call from a concerned neighbor to enter our home, get the key, and turn off the car. After this incident the car is nearly undriveable because so many error messages begin to populate the screen. With the unpredictable nature of the car starting it is extremely frightening to depend on this car and know if it is going to suddenly start running (or driving!) unsupervised which could lead to all different kinds of compromised safety situations, especially since our driveway has easy access to the main street where kids often play. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11710596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
high voltage alert and vehicle shuts down and unable to drive and car locks up Should be recall# 23s53 and NHTSA campaign # 23v-626 It has not been repaired yet and this is very frustrating has happened 4-5 times Last incident happened on 11/7/2025 inside of a car wash & had to get towed
NHTSA complaint #11698286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upon starting the vehicle around 7p on Friday, 10/31/25, the following errors flooded the screen: Hill start assist not available Service advancetrac 4WD Malfunction service required Pre-collision assist not available Rear sense breaking not available Additionally, cruise control could not be turned on and utilized. There was no incident to trigger these. The car had been sitting parked and off for ~2 hours prior to being turned on. No issues or errors prior to this date and time of turning on the vehicle. The warnings detailed describe how our safety was put at risk. All of these safety and basic features no longer functioned and our children’s safety was put at risk due to this electronic issue causing major functionality breaks/discontinuation of functions. Reproduced and confirmed by Capital Mazda of Cary (NC). Quoted to repair at our expense and “remove and throw out the electronic and replace with a manual.” Furthermore we’ve been informed verbally by our service associate that Ford (parent company) is aware of this safety issue. A TSB was located with a summer 2023 date. Lincoln customer service has stated this would’ve been covered under warranted “if it had come up while under warranty.” This dealership is the only place that has reviewed the vehicle and conditions and provided the explanation and information.
NHTSA complaint #11697895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle’s camera system, including the backup camera, is experiencing an issue where the passenger-side camera fails to display properly, showing only a blank black area. I have reported this issue to my dealership for future inspection. It is not yet clear whether the problem persists during daylight hours; however, it poses a significant safety risk at night when visibility is already limited. The loss of the passenger-side camera view creates a blind spot that could increase the likelihood of an accident or injury.
NHTSA complaint #11698036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For the first 39 months of my ownership my 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring plug-in electric hybrid would not charge properly and resulted in thousands of charge station fault alerts. The dealership was dismissive of the issue for years because it seemed to work for the few minutes when they charged it on their high voltage charger even though I voiced concerns about the charger port being bad on the vehicle and it not working properly at home. My Aviator would not charge unless the plug was in the exact perfect spot and rarely would make it to a full charge before faulting out. Eventually the port started making SPARKING NOISES, ELECTRIC FIRE SMELLS, and SMOKES when plugged in. I was afraid my Aviator was going to start a fire and burn my house down, so I stopped charging it for at least 6 months until a new service manager finally took the time to investigate the issue. It was found in May 2024 that not only was the charger cable that came with my Aviator when I bought it defective but so was the charger port on my vehicle. The use, value, and safety of my vehicle impaired significantly for several years by this issue. I am reporting this so that there is awareness that the Aviator plug-in hybrid charger port and charger cable can be defective which results in loss of charging capability and could result in a fire.
NHTSA complaint #11697630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The "auto" mode on my Sync screen on my 2021 Lincoln Aviator does not always automatically switch between day and night based on ambient light levels. This is a blinding experience at night when the screen doesn't switch to night mode and the brightness is intense. This blinding screen makes it hard to see outside when it is dark which could lead to an accident. My dealer says I have the most up to date version of Sync for my vehicle and there is no fix for this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11697487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1- ABS/Braking Issue The ABS system appears to be malfunctioning. On multiple occasions, typically once or twice a week, when I apply the brakes, the tires lock up and cause the vehicle to skid. This happens most often when descending hills or backing up on a sloped driveway. The wheels lock and slide until I release the brake pedal, posing a serious safety concern. 2- Severe Water Leak Interior Roof Area There is a significant water leak from the interior roof, specifically from the top center area near the rearview mirror, every time it rains. I’ve taken the vehicle to the dealer multiple times. They confirmed that all drain tubes are clear, all seals are functioning properly, and no water appears to be entering from the sliding moonroof. However, the issue persists. Water pours down like a waterfall through the vent (as shown in the attached photo), soaking the center console and creating an unsafe driving condition. I have also recorded videos showing the water intrusion. Living in Guam, where it rains frequently, this has become a major problem. 3- Malfunctioning Interior Ceiling Light The ceiling light on the driver's side (center dome light) turns on randomly and often remains on until manually switched off. The dealer has inspected this issue but reported no faults found. Despite this, the problem continues to occur intermittently. 4- Rear Camera Display Issue When shifting into reverse, the monitor occasionally turns completely blue, and the backup camera does not function. The blue screen remains until the vehicle is turned off and restarted. This happens sporadically and disrupts safe maneuvering.
NHTSA complaint #11691739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.