The hosts began the round of fixtures three points clear of danger after a season-best winning streak helped lift them out of the relegation zone.
Looking to build on that momentum early on, Auxerre came close from a corner, but Lille immediately responded with a chance of their own. Jonathan David received the ball in the box but could only prod his effort from a tight angle onto the near post.
Thankfully for Les Dogues fans, the away side were ahead soon after when David converted from the spot following a handball decision.
Lille began the second period on the front foot, but referee Stephanie Frappart was once again involved, this time pointing to the spot for an Auxerre penalty.
Remy Cabella’s clumsy challenge on Youssouf M'Changama allowed M'Baye Niang to step up and duly convert for 1-1.
Spurred on by a buoyant Stade Abbe Deschamps crowd and with their tails up, the hosts pushed for the lead, but Lille remained solid whilst continuing to pose a threat of their own.
Each of Christophe Pelissier's previous eight games had produced a winner, but ultimately, the sides could not be separated as the final whistle blew.
A total of 10 points from their last four Ligue 1 matches gives 14th-placed Auxerre a much-needed buffer over a congested drop zone, with survival likely to go down to the wire.
Meanwhile, having surrendered the lead, fifth-placed Lille will now be looking over their shoulder with a European spot far from in the bag.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gideon Mensah (Auxerre)