2025 Lincoln Aviator Safety Report
2025 Lincoln Aviator: Strong Crash Ratings, Extensive Early Recalls, and Emerging Mechanical Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator
Reliability Score
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission/Transfer Case Failure Reported failure requiring replacement of transfer case and transmission on a brand new vehicle with very low mileage. |
High | Rare | 0-200 miles |
| Second-Row Seat Malfunction Seats sliding up and folding while the car is moving due to a sticking button, posing a serious safety risk. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Steering Lock-Up Steering locks up during low-speed maneuvers, reported multiple times within the first 650 miles. |
High | Occasional | 0-1000 miles |
| Electrical System Faults Multiple electrical and mechanical issues, including frequent failure to start and various fault messages (BSM, Cross traffic, front camera, pre-collision, reverse camera). |
Medium | Occasional | 0-5000 miles |
| Brake System Malfunction Vehicle behaving erratically, attempting to engage brakes automatically, resulting in uncontrollable driving conditions and 'Antilock brake fault' messages. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Rearview Camera/Driver Assistance Loss Recall for Image Processing Module A (IPMA) potentially causing loss of rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features. |
High | Common | all miles |
| Improperly Secured Seat Belt Anchors Recall for improperly secured second-row outer seat belt anchor bolts, increasing injury risk in a crash. |
High | Common | all miles |
| Trailer Hitch Assembly Bolts Loose Recall for loose trailer hitch assembly bolts, potentially causing loss of vehicle handling or trailer detachment. |
High | Common | all miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator:
Complaints and recalls related to second-row seat malfunctions (sliding/folding unexpectedly) and improperly secured seat belt anchors.
Reported transfer case and transmission replacement at very low mileage, and a recall for incorrectly machined transmission valve bodies leading to unexpected vehicle movement.
Reported steering lock-ups during low-speed maneuvers.
Multiple electrical issues including failure to start and various fault messages.
Erratic braking behavior, automatic brake engagement, and slow brake response reported.
Recall for software issue causing loss of rearview camera image and driver assistance features.
Recall for windshield glass with visible air bubbles obscuring driver's vision.
Recall for trailer tail lights failing to illuminate due to improperly manufactured body connector.
Recall for insufficient adhesive bonding of rear door window bars and C-pillar trim, potentially causing detachment.
Recall for improperly tightened front subframe mounting bolt, reducing crash performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Lincoln Aviator
Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side; 4-star rollover). However, it has an unusually high number of early recalls (13) for a new model year, addressing significant safety concerns like seat belt security, rearview camera function, and transmission issues. Early consumer complaints, though few, also highlight serious mechanical and electrical problems, suggesting potential reliability concerns despite strong crash performance.
What are common problems with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
The most reported issues in early complaints include second-row seat malfunctions, steering lock-ups, and significant powertrain problems like transfer case and transmission failure at very low mileage. Recalls also indicate widespread potential issues with seat belt anchors, rearview camera systems, trailer hitches, and transmission valve bodies.
How many recalls does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator have?
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator has 13 recalls issued by NHTSA, covering a range of components from seat belts and rearview cameras to trailer hitches and transmission parts.
Are there any issues with the transmission in the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
Yes, there is a reported complaint of a transfer case and transmission replacement on a brand new vehicle with only 180 miles. Additionally, there is a recall for certain 2025 Aviator vehicles due to an incorrectly machined transmission valve body, which could lead to unexpected vehicle movement.
What are the safety ratings for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator received an Overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high number of early recalls and emerging serious mechanical complaints for a new model year, potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly investigate if all recalls have been addressed and consider an extended warranty.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Lincoln Aviator
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 13 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2025 Lincoln Aviator an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.