Seats: power adjust
Free remedy
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 2 NHTSA variants
2026 Lincoln AviatorRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2026 Lincoln Aviator. Most complaints involve seats (2) and latches/locks/linkages (1). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
20–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
4
Top: seats
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Seats: mid
Remedy pending
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.
Visibility: defroster
Free remedy
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2026 – Sep 2026
- Seats2
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Seats
2 reports
“Ford's remedy is to disable the memory seatback in recall 26S53. This is not a remedy. This is disabling a feature that I paid for on this vehicle. Not sure why Ford / Lincoln think this is ok. I understand that this could put a child or person at harm in the back seat. But the recall shows a complete disable. Not a temporary disable while we find a solution to the issues. I have also filed a formal complaint with Lincoln Client Relationships Center, with the help of the Lincoln recall phone number on the letter I received in the mail.”
Latches/locks/linkages
1 report
“The contact owns a 2026 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the hood unlatched unexpectedly and raised up towards the windshield. The view ahead of the vehicle was blocked due to the failure. The dealer was contacted by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S10)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Aviator AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 447 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5LINCOLN AVIATOR GAS SUV N/A AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.1%
Overall
5 / 5
LINCOLN AVIATOR GAS SUV N/A RWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.7%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2026 Aviator questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Lincoln Aviator have?
6 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2026 Lincoln Aviator problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are seats (2), latches/locks/linkages (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Lincoln Aviator get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Lincoln Aviator at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2026 Lincoln Aviator?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Lincoln Aviator 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026