Source: GM Authority | Date: July 28, 2025
Intro
A shocking real-world warning: a 2025 Lincoln Aviator owner got into a fender bender at a stop sign—all because bad engine mounts caused crazy vibrations that distracted the driver. Caught on dash cam + OBD scan, this crash shows why engine mounts matter for safety, not just comfort. As luxury SUVs like the Aviator blow up for their smooth ride and tech, this is your wake-up call: catch bad mounts early or pay later.
What Happened: The Crash Breakdown
Rush hour. Busy city intersection. A 42-year-old driver in a brand-new 2025 Aviator (3.0L twin-turbo V6) pulls away from a red light… and immediately feels weird engine shaking.
“The whole car was pulsing,” the driver told cops. “I kept looking at the dash—thought it was a flat tire.”
Timeline of Failure
● First sign: Light rumble on takeoff → turns into hard shaking through steering wheel + seats.
● OBD scan after crash: Cracked rubber bushing in front-left engine mount (super common fail point under high torque).
● Result: Engine rocks too much under acceleration → vibration gets worse.
● Driver loses focus → blows the stop sign → clips rear bumper of stopped sedan.
● Damage: ~$1,200 in cosmetic fixes. No injuries—but could’ve been way worse.
Bystander quote: “That SUV was shaking like crazy before it hit the car.”
Root Cause: Why Engine Mounts Fail (And Why It’s a Big Deal)
Engine mounts aren’t just rubber blocks—they hold the engine still and kill NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). Lincoln uses hydraulic mounts in the 2025 Aviator for that buttery smooth luxury feel… but when they fail?Top Causes (Google’s Most Searched)l Hydraulic fluid leak (left side = #1 fail spot)
● Rubber tears or cracks from heat, potholes, or bad batches
● Engine rocks hard on throttle → thumping, clunking, shaking
GM Authority found more TSBs (service bulletins) for 2025 Ford/Lincoln mounts than last year. Reddit threads in r/Lincoln and r/MechanicAdvice are full of:
“My Aviator thuds when I punch it—bad mount?”
Ford rep: “Vibration isn’t just annoying—it’s a safety red flag.”
Prevention: Catch It Before You Crash
| Check | How Often | DIY Test |
| Visual inspection | Every 15,000 miles | Look for cracks, oil leaks, sagging |
| Hood pop test | Anytime you feel weird vibes | Engine on, brake + gas in gear, rev to 2,000 RPM → engine moves >1 inch? Bad mount. |
Pro tip: Use FordPass app to pull codes. Warranty covers mounts (4yr/50k miles).
Bottom line: A $150 mount fix beats a $1,200 body shop bill—or worse.
