Lincoln Aviator problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

The most consequential Aviator recalls are 26V-402, a park pawl defect on 2020–2021 models that can lead to a rollaway, and 25V-455, a fuel pump failure on 2021–2023 models that can stall the engine. Second-row easy-entry seats, rear cameras and wiper motors are also covered, and 2020–2022 Grand Touring plug-in hybrids have a battery recall.

CarWhere lists 12 documented Aviator issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Aviator generations at a glance

Lincoln Aviator generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
Second generation	2020–present	Transmission park pawl can engage while moving (recall 26V-402) · Low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (recall 25V-455) · Easy-entry second-row seat can unlatch (recall 26V-451) · Rear camera image can appear flipped (recall 26V-123) · Windshield wiper motor can fail (recall 26V-117) · 360-degree camera can lose the rear image (recall 23V-342) · Seat belt anchor bolts may be loose (recall 25V-093) · Engine intake valves can break (recall 24V-635) · Grand Touring high-voltage battery cells can short (recall 23V-626) · Rear door window bars and C-pillar trim can detach (recall 25V-407) · Phone interference can distort the rear camera (recall 24V-368) · Camera module resets can drop the rear camera and driver aids (recall 26V-165)

Second generation Aviator problems (2020–present)

Transmission park pawl can engage while moving (recall 26V-402) (2020–2021)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2021
Years:: 2020–2021
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V-402 covers 2020–2021 Aviator and Explorer models along with the 2018–2021 Navigator and Expedition and 2021 F-150, about 741,195 vehicles in all, because the transmission park pawl may engage while moving and damage the park system, which can lead to a rollaway. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software and replace damaged parts; Ford expected the remedy in April 2027.

Symptoms

Grinding or ratcheting noise from the transmission at low speed
Vehicle that does not hold firmly in Park

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup; until the remedy is ready, the recall will show as open
Use the parking brake every time you park until the repair is done

NHTSA recall: 26V402 (2026-06) · 741,195 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

Low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (recall 25V-455) (2021–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2021–2023
Years:: 2021–2023
Powertrain:: All

Recall 25V-455 covers 2021–2023 Aviator models along with the Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, F-150 and other Ford models, about 850,318 vehicles in all, because the low-pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine while driving. On the Aviator the fix is a powertrain control module software update.

Symptoms

Engine stall or loss of power while driving
Hard starting

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 25V455 (2025-07) · 850,318 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][2]

Easy-entry second-row seat can unlatch (recall 26V-451) (2020–2027)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2027
Years:: 2020–2027
Powertrain:: All with second-row easy-entry seats

Recall 26V-451 covers 2020–2027 Aviator and 2020–2026 Explorer models, about 387,911 vehicles, because the switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats can bind or stick, letting a seat unlatch, tip or slide. It builds on 25V-393 (304,662 2020–2025 vehicles). Dealers inspect the switch and replace the bezel around it as needed, in phases.

Symptoms

Second-row seat that does not lock firmly upright
Easy-entry switch that sticks

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V451 (2026-07) · 387,911 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][5][2]

Rear camera image can appear flipped (recall 26V-123) (2020–2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2024
Years:: 2020–2024
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V-123 covers 2020–2024 Aviator and Explorer and 2020–2022 Corsair and Escape models, about 889,950 vehicles, because the center display may flip or invert the rearview camera image. Dealers update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software.

Symptoms

Rear camera image upside down or mirrored

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V123 (2026-03) · 889,950 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6][2]

Windshield wiper motor can fail (recall 26V-117) (2020–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2022
Years:: 2020–2022
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V-117 covers 2020–2022 Aviator, Corsair, Explorer and Escape models, about 604,533 vehicles, because the windshield wiper motor may fail. Dealers inspect and replace the front wiper motors; interim letters went out in April 2026 with the final remedy expected in November 2026.

Symptoms

Wipers that stop, slow down or park in the wrong position

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V117 (2026-03) · 604,533 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][2]

360-degree camera can lose the rear image (recall 23V-342) (2020–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2023
Years:: 2020–2023
Powertrain:: All with 360-degree camera

Recall 23V-342 covers 2020–2023 Aviator and Explorer and 2020–2022 Corsair models with the 360-degree camera, about 442,973 vehicles, because the video output may fail and leave no rearview image. Dealers replace the camera. It expands an earlier recall, 23V-022, and a follow-up, 25V-159, covers vehicles repaired incorrectly.

Symptoms

Blank screen when shifting into Reverse

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 23V342 (2023-05) · 442,973 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][9][10][2]

Seat belt anchor bolts may be loose (recall 25V-093) (2020–2021)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2021
Years:: 2020–2021
Powertrain:: All

Recall 25V-093 covers 2020–2021 Aviator and Explorer models, about 240,510 vehicles, because seat belt buckle anchor bolts, and on some second-row center seats the retractor and anchor bolts, may not be properly secured. Dealers inspect every seating position and replace parts where bolts are loose.

Symptoms

Seat belt buckle that moves or rattles at its mount

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 25V093 (2025-02) · 240,510 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11][2]

Engine intake valves can break (recall 24V-635) (2021–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2021–2022
Years:: 2021–2022
Powertrain:: 3.0L EcoBoost V6

Recall 24V-635 covers 2021–2022 Aviator models with the 3.0L engine, along with Explorer, Bronco, F-150, Edge and Nautilus models with 2.7L or 3.0L engines, about 90,736 vehicles, because intake valves may break and cause engine failure and loss of drive power. Dealers run an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary.

Symptoms

Engine misfire, ticking or knocking
Sudden loss of power

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 24V635 (2024-08) · 90,736 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12][2]

Grand Touring high-voltage battery cells can short (recall 23V-626) (2020–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – Grand Touring PHEV, 2020–2022
Years:: 2020–2022
Powertrain:: 3.0L plug-in hybrid (Grand Touring)

Recall 23V-626 covers about 2,954 2020–2022 Aviator Grand Touring and Explorer plug-in hybrids because a manufacturing defect in a high-voltage battery cell can cause an internal short, battery failure, loss of drive power and a fire risk. Dealers run a battery control module diagnostic and replace the pack as needed.

Symptoms

Hybrid system or battery warning lights
Reduced or lost electric drive

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 23V626 (2023-09) · 2,954 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13][2]

Rear door window bars and C-pillar trim can detach (recall 25V-407) (2020–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2025
Years:: 2020–2025
Powertrain:: All

Recall 25V-407 covers about 132,914 2020–2025 Aviator models because the rear door window division bars and C-pillar trim may not be bonded well enough and can come off the vehicle. Dealers repair or replace the appliques and bars.

Symptoms

Loose or lifting trim around the rear door glass

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 25V407 (2025-06) · 132,914 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14][2]

Phone interference can distort the rear camera (recall 24V-368) (2020–2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2020–2024
Years:: 2020–2024
Powertrain:: All

Recall 24V-368 covers about 109,283 2020–2024 Aviator models because electromagnetic interference from a cell phone can make the rearview camera image flicker or distort. Dealers add shielding to the accessory protocol interface module.

Symptoms

Rear camera image flickers or breaks up, often with a phone in the cabin

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 24V368 (2024-05) · 109,283 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [15][2]

Camera module resets can drop the rear camera and driver aids (recall 26V-165) (2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: Second generation (2020–present) – 2025
Years:: 2025
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V-165 covers 2025 Aviator and Explorer, 2024–2025 Nautilus and 2022–2025 Navigator models, about 254,640 vehicles, because Image Processing Module A may reset repeatedly and drop the rearview camera and driver-assist features. 2025 Aviator owners were in the first notification phase, in April 2026; the software is updated by a dealer or over the air.

Symptoms

Rear camera image cuts out
Driver-assist features unavailable

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 26V165 (2026-03) · 254,640 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16][2]

Related Aviator research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Aviator was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Lincoln build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lincoln build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?

The largest documented Aviator issues are recalls for rear camera faults (26V-123, 23V-342, 24V-368), the 2021–2023 low-pressure fuel pump (25V-455), the 2020–2021 park pawl (26V-402) and second-row easy-entry seats that can unlatch (26V-451).

Which Aviator years have the most recalls?

The 2020 and 2021 model years appear in the most recalls, including the park pawl, seat belt anchor bolt, wiper motor and camera campaigns. 2021–2022 models with the 3.0L V6 are also in the intake valve recall (24V-635).

Is there a recall on the Aviator Grand Touring battery?

Yes. Recall 23V-626 covers 2020–2022 Aviator Grand Touring plug-in hybrids because a high-voltage battery cell can short internally. Dealers run a diagnostic and replace the battery pack as needed.

Is there an Aviator second-row seat recall?

Yes. Recall 26V-451 covers 2020–2027 Aviators because the easy-entry switch on the second-row outer seats can stick and let a seat unlatch, tip or slide. It expands the earlier 25V-393 campaign.

How do I check a used Aviator for open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Lincoln dealer, and ask the seller for repair orders. Several Aviator recalls have follow-up campaigns for vehicles repaired incorrectly, so check again even if earlier work was done.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recall 26V-402: Vehicle Rollaway Risk — NHTSA
DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Aviator — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-455: Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-451: Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-393: Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-123: Incorrectly Displayed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-117: Windshield Wipers May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 23V-342: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 23V-022: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-159: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-093: Improperly Secured Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 24V-635: Engine Intake Valves May Break — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 23V-626: High Voltage Battery May Short Circuit — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 25V-407: Rear Door Window Bars and C-Pillar Trim May Detach — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 24V-368: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display Properly — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V-165: Loss of Rearview Camera Image and ADAS Features — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Lincoln or Ford Motor Company. Lincoln, Black Label and the model names are trademarks of their owners.