Last updated: 2026-07-25

2025 Lincoln Aviator Reliability Report
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 14 recalls and 13 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
14
Complaints
13
Complaint Rate
5.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$807
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- SEATS (2)
Should You Buy the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
At 68/100, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Its complaint rate of 5.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 3.8. The most common reports involve electrical system (3).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
See also the 2024 Lincoln Aviator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Only 13 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Owners of the 2025 Lincoln Aviator report issues related to the vehicle's... (3 complaints)
Compare 2025 Lincoln Aviator With

2025 Acura MDX
Reliability: 76/100

2025 BMW X5
Reliability: 64/100

2025 Audi Q7
Reliability: 68/100

2025 Lexus RX
Reliability: 83/100

2025 Volvo XC90
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 14 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
Recall Overview
14
recalls on record
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator has 14 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 3.8
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Lincoln Aviator Recall Details
14 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
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.
Consequence
Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.
SEATS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Consequence
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Consequence
Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.
Showing 10 of 14 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2025 Lincoln Aviator? Check its history first
Every 2025 Lincoln Aviator has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Lincoln Aviator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln AviatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$807
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–21 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$3,800/yr
Fuel + repair
17–18 city / 25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator RWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Lincoln Aviator.
Inspect transfer case and transmission for unusual noises
Test steering at low speeds for lock-up issues
Check for active recalls and verify sale registration with Lincoln
Test second-row seat movement for unexpected sliding or folding
Verify proper function of cruise control and collision warning systems
Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially brake-related
Test vehicle start-up reliability, especially after stalling
2025 Lincoln Aviator Common Problems by Component
13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Lincoln Aviator report issues related to the vehicle's braking system. Common symptoms include the parking brake fault light activating upon starting the vehicle and significant braking failures at highway speeds. One owner describes a catastrophic failure where the vehicle lost all power brake assistance, leading to an extended stopping distance and critical alerts on the instrument cluster. Another owner reports delayed brake response at approximately 2,000 miles, potentially linked to a computer chip issue, though the dealer could not replicate the problem. These complaints highlight serious safety implications, including increased risk of accidents due to loss of control and extended stopping distances.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Lincoln Aviator report several electrical system issues, with frequent mentions of the vehicle failing to start, sometimes taking up to two hours to restart after stalling, particularly at traffic lights. Complaints also describe erratic vehicle behavior, such as the brakes engaging automatically without driver input, accompanied by dashboard warnings like "Antilock brake fault" and "pre-collision assist not available." Some owners note problems with the second row seat moving unexpectedly while driving. These issues often appear within the first few months of ownership, with some cases involving multiple visits to dealerships without a permanent resolution. Safety concerns are evident, as unexpected braking and stalling in traffic pose risks, especially for families using the vehicle as their primary mode of transportation.
SEATS
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator's second-row seats, specifically that they can malfunction by sliding up and folding while the vehicle is in motion, with the button at the top of the seat potentially getting stuck. This presents a safety risk as the unintended movement of seats can occur during driving. Additionally, one owner describes difficulties related to an active recall, where the vehicle's sale was not registered properly, complicating repair and recall processes. These complaints suggest potential challenges for used car buyers in addressing safety recalls and obtaining necessary repairs, particularly if the vehicle's sale was not properly documented with the manufacturer.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintOn 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)
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintI purchased a brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator on 9/27/25, with 33 miles on it. I do not even make it home from the dealer before it started making a scrubbing/grinding noise, which subsequently led to the replacement of the transfer case and transmission on a vehicle with approx 180 miles on it. It calls into question the safety, reliability and quality of the vehicle
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintSteering locks up during low speed maneuvers. Problem began at approximately 192 miles and has repeated well over 25 times in under 650 miles.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintI bought Lincoln Aviator 2025 Model. After 2 weeks my car started showing all the faulty error sign. To be specific with sign I have the following sign on : BSM, Cross traffic system fault, front camera fault, pre-collision alert. Reverse camera malfunction sign. I have my other 3 friend that have the same problem. Is there a recall on 2025 model ? I am at the dealer dealing with this after going through 2 weeks of buying my car.
When Do 2025 Lincoln Aviator Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Aviator Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Aviator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Aviator year is 2024 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (68/100) and 2023 (66/100).
2024
2025
(Current Model)
2023
Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid
The worst Lincoln Aviator year is 2020 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to electrical system (29) issues.
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Aviator reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 68/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 68/100 | Good |
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
How many recalls does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator have?
Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Lincoln Aviator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lincoln Aviator.
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