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2003-2027 · 11 model years

Lincoln Aviator Problems by year

Owners have filed 494 complaints about the Lincoln Aviator across 11 model years, and it has 51 recalls. The 2025 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (18), while 2005 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain, followed by the electrical system.

Most complaints for its age202518 complaints · 15 recallsSee the 2025
Complaints
494
Recalls
51
Crashes
18
Fires
4
Injuries
17
Deaths
0

Aviator complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20270200-A
20260600-C
2025181500BrakesD
20247800Electrical systemB
2023241610Driver assistanceC
2022492141Driver assistanceD
2021422811Electrical systemC
20201113021Electrical systemD
200551030Body, doors & structureA
200481021Transmission & drivetrainB
2003111150Transmission & drivetrainB

Most common Aviator problems

Lincoln Aviator recalls 51

Latest Aviator complaints

2021 Lincoln AviatorOther & unknown

The driver's side door latch assembly (Part Number LC5Z-54219A65-H) on my 2021 Lincoln Aviator with approximately 79,300 miles has begun intermittently failing to latch when the door is closed. This issue first started approximately three weeks ago. The driver's door often requires multiple attempts to close before the latch finally engages. When it does latch properly, a distinct loud click can be heard. Prior to that click, the door may appear closed but is not securely latched. This is a major safety concern...

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because there is no reliable way to know whether the driver's door will remain closed while the vehicle is being operated. I am concerned that the door could unexpectedly open while driving, creating a serious risk of injury to the driver, passengers, and other motorists. I contacted my Lincoln dealership and was informed that the replacement door latch was on backorder. The dealership advised that there were approximately 80 other requests for the same part. This raises concerns that the issue may be more widespread than an isolated failure. The vehicle is scheduled for repair on November 6, 2026. I have been advised the repair will require the vehicle to remain at the dealership for more than one day. The vehicle was previously involved in a front-end collision; however, the damage was limited to the front bumper and related electronic components. There was no damage to the driver's door, door frame, latch assembly, or surrounding door structure. The current door latch failure developed long after the front-end repairs and appears unrelated to that accident. Because the driver's door latch is a critical safety component, I believe this condition warrants investigation. A door that does not consistently latch and remain secured during vehicle operation presents a significant safety hazard.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11775885
2020 Lincoln AviatorSteering

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving or while reversing, the steering wheel intermittently seized while turning left or right. The messages "Service Advance Track," "Drive Control Malfunction, Service Required," "Pre-Collision Assistance not Available," "Check Headlamp System, See Manual," and "Adaptive Steering not Available" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gear assembly and rack and pinion system, and the...

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parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where the rack and pinion was cleaned, and the steering wiring harness was cleaned of corrosion and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle received no additional repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11775737
2021 Lincoln AviatorVisibility & wipersBody, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the panoramic sunroof gasket deteriorated with chunks of the gasket missing. The contact inspect the gasket and became aware that the part was damaged by the elements. The contact was concerned that the gasket would allow water to leak into the vehicle. A dealer inspection appointment was scheduled. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Incident Visibility · StructureNHTSA 11774161
2022 Lincoln AviatorLightsSeats & seat belts

Drivers side seat controls (drivers side door), light which illuminates controls, started flickering incontrollably at +/- 33,000 miles, causing significant distraction to the driver as is within drivers' peripheral vision, during nightime driving. Reported to dealership McDavid Lincoln Frisco, states there is a failure in the seat control unit, causing the light flicker, and recommended a replacement of the whole seat control unit. 10/23/26, Repair has not yet been authorised, as vehicle is just out of the 4 year warranty period.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · SeatsNHTSA 11773694
2022 Lincoln AviatorFuel system

The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 11772963
2022 Lincoln AviatorBody, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle after an extended road trip, the contact noticed that the driver's side and passenger's side rear doors window bars and C-pillar trims had detached. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V407000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11772733

Questions about the Lincoln Aviator

Which Lincoln Aviator years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2003 (111), 2020 (111), 2004 (81). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2025 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Lincoln Aviator years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2005, 2004, 2003 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Aviator years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the transmission & drivetrain (120), electrical system (91), body, doors & structure (88) most often.

How many recalls does the Lincoln Aviator have?

NHTSA lists 51 recalls across all Lincoln Aviator model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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