43 of the
719 complaints filed about the Lincoln Aviator
are about the glass, mirrors and wipers —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
43
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window failed to roll up or down as needed. The contact stated that the front driver's side window motor was previously replaced due to the same failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts would be available at the end of June 2026. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11750524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded. The contact stated it sounded like a shotgun when the sunroof glass exploded. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that the contact stated that the sunroof glass was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #11747993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
REF RECALL 26V117 (Wiper Motor failure) & MY (2) PRIOR NHTSA COMPLAINTS; 11681607 & 11688314 (Autosense wiper operation failure). Autosense wiping does not clear wIndshield enough for visibility & therefore can’t be relied upon for safe driving. The only way to get MANUAL INTERMITTENT wiper operation is to go to SYNC settings & turn off auto wiper while driving in rain on Hwy at 65+ mph. Seriously?! THIS IS DISTRACTED DRIVING AT ITS WORST. Took dealer 2+ yrs to discover the shipping protective film used on wiper sensor was NOT removed by Chicago assembly plant prior to installing the sensor. Apr 2025, dealer replaced my sensor however it failed again by Aug 2025. Dealer had car 10/28/25-12/22/25 to fix multiple issues incl Autosense wiping. No codes appear & they can’t ID root cause of problem. Took car back for service 12/29/25-2/13/26 (multiple issues incl this) & they still can’t ID root cause. Given there’s now also a recall for wiper motor failure I requested a loaner from Lincoln CHQ but they have refused. I’M REQUESTING NHTSA REQUIRE LINCOLN TO PROVIDE LOANERS UNTIL THEY FIX ALL WIPER OPERATION FAILURES.
NHTSA complaint #11730564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The driver-side front window regulator failed and was replaced on October 4, 2025. The passenger-side window regulator also failed and was removed and replaced on November 21, 2025. At the time each incident, the window would not raise using the car controls and remained stuck in the down position. Two window regulator failures on opposite sides of this vehicle just seven weeks and within roughly 2,400 miles apart does not indicate typical wear. It reflects a pattern failure consistent with a component defect. At the time of the October incident, I was actively driving the vehicle and the November incident when was while the car was parked, when the window failed and would not raise. After parking and then restarting my vehicle, the window remained fully or partially down and could not be returned to a closed and secured position. This created multiple safety and security risks, including: • Inability to secure the vehicle against theft or intrusion • Exposure to weather, rain, or debris • Increased cabin noise due to broken window • Risk of vehicle damage while parked without protection. The vehicle was left parked and unsecured solely due to the window malfunction. No police or insurance inspection occurred, as the incident did not involve a collision or theft, though the vehicle was left unsecured. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by the manufacturer, Lincoln and independent service center Firestone Complete Auto Care, who completed the repair. There was No warning lamps or dashboard messages that appeared prior to or during the failure. Both window regulator failed suddenly and without warning. In my research, numerous Aviator owners have publicly reported identical regulator failures, (Reddit and YouTube) which further reinforces that this is a systemic issue, not an isolated event.
NHTSA complaint #11705685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1.) Exhaust System Failure (Flex Pipe / Catalytic Converter) The vehicle’s exhaust system—specifically the flex pipe connected to the catalytic converter—cracked and malfunctioned. This component is available for inspection upon request. As a result of the failure, exhaust fumes entered the cabin, creating a significant safety risk due to potential exposure to carbon monoxide. Prior to the failure, I noticed a persistent rattling noise at low speeds and while the vehicle was idling. The issue was inspected and confirmed by the dealership; however, I was informed that the repair falls outside of warranty coverage. I would like to know if this falls under safety hazard for emissions. 2.) Sunroof Glass Shattering Incident While driving, the sunroof glass suddenly shattered and appeared to implode outward. According to the dealership technicians, this may have been caused by thermal stress or frame-related tension. The glass is no longer intact but the remaining components and frame can be inspected upon request. The incident posed an immediate safety hazard to both myself and other road users due to the sudden loss of glass and the potential for debris. I did not observe any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. After researching the issue, I found that similar sunroof glass failures have been reported across various Ford/Lincoln models, suggesting this may be a known manufacturer defect. The dealership has confirmed the damage but no inspection by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives has been conducted at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11702357 — 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.
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.
Reference my NHTSA complaint # 11681607 dtd 8/19/25 regarding the problem with Autosense wipers that I’ve had since I bought my Aviator 2.5 yrs ago. As I previously reported, problem was finally resolved in April when dealer replaced the Autosense sensor. I have come to learn that the plastic covering dealer found on the sensor (see attached pic) is actually a protective film for part shipment & should have been removed by the assembly plant prior to installing the sensor but was NOT. There are other owners that have this same ‘wipers gone wild’ condition with Autosense wiping in which the windshield does not clear enough for safe driving & you need to switch to manual wiper operation to clear the windshield. This plant assembly error should trigger a recall with all manufacturers that use this part, not just Lincoln.
NHTSA complaint #11688314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The AUTOSENSE wiper function has been erratic & not working properly since my Aviator was a yr old (2022). None of the Autosense wiper stalk positions worked correctly to clear the windshield enough for safe visability. I had dealer check this problem 3 times in 2023 & 2024 & they indicated no problem was found & no codes appeared. After experiencing dangerous visability issues on a 4 hr trip in which I needed to keep the regular wiper on to see (because Autosense didn’t clear windshield enough to see on Hwy), I left vehicle at dealer & refused to pick it up until problem was corrected once & for all. Since car is under warranty they decided to replace the sensor & found it to be defective (yellowed). Since replacing the sensor Autosense now works. This leads me to believe these sensors are failing prematurely. I’m posting this in case others are experiencing a similar problem with Autosense wipe.
NHTSA complaint #11681607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln Aviators 2020-2024 using the Sync 3 Radio screen. Have a issue not switching to dimmed/night mode during night time driving. This is a major safety issue because when driving a night you have a super bright display inches from your eyes creating a blinding issue at night. This issue has been reported by many folks, a simple Google search will reveal this. Unless NHTSA steps if to doing something 10s of thousands Lincoln Aviators 2020-2024 are on the road with blinded drivers. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11676669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear door trim detached and flew off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that after it rained, water entered the interior of the vehicle through the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached driver's rear door trim and clogged drain tubes in the sunroof assembly. The driver's side rear door trim was not replaced. The dealer repaired the clogged drain tubes in the sunroof assembly. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced a recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11669232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a loud banging sound above the contact’s heads. The contact became aware that the sunroof had fractured into several pieces, leaving a large hole in the sunroof. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11650747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a humming sound coming from the sunroof. Additionally, the contact noticed a fluttering sound coming from underneath the vehicle and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the sunroof assembly needed to be adjusted. In addition, the contact was informed that the undershields on the front under-carriage of the vehicle were warped due to fractured bolts. The contact was informed that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,928.
NHTSA complaint #11617331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle shifted from drive to neutral. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle failed to shift to park. The battery was drained, and the vehicle had to be jumpstarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V534000 (Visibility, Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The sunroof exploded outward. We were on expressway @70 MPH and did not notice any road debris nor under any bridges at time. Dealer could not find any other damage to windshield or car body. Had 6 people in car at time. Collected all glass that fell in, but only about 1/3 of total glass area, so feel most went up and out. Dealer admits to 3 other cars in their shop with sunroof issues. Was like an explosion and we were already in right hand lane so safe to pull over and see what had happened. Other passengers felt calmness of driver prevented accident.
NHTSA complaint #11519557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Aviator doesn't start the first time I push the start engine button anytime after I fill up the tank. It takes it about 5 times of me hitting the start engine button before it finally turns over. Before then, it just sounds like wants to start, but doesn't. I am once again taking it back to the dealership to have the back up camera looked at. Before it would work sporadically, now when I put the car in reverse, it just shows a solid blue screen. And I always get an error message about rear assist not working. I've tried troubleshooting it, but still nothing works. Additionally, the presets for XM radio do not stay when set. This infotainment center does not function efficiently and has delays and no memory.
NHTSA complaint #11510578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.