Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Corsair vs Lincoln Aviator
How the Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Aviator compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Lincoln Corsair vs Lincoln Aviator: The Corsair has 173 complaints over 7 years (24.7/year) and 79 recalls, while the Aviator has 486 complaints over 10 years (48.6/year) and 125 recalls. The Aviator also has more crash-related complaints (18 vs 7) and injuries (17 vs 9). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Corsair or Lincoln Aviator more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Corsair
The Lincoln Corsair is a compact luxury SUV that has been on the road for 7 years, accumulating 173 complaints and 79 recalls. That works out to about 25 complaints per year, with the most common trouble spots being the electrical system, back-over prevention (rear camera), and power train. Owners report issues like sudden loss of power, cars that won't start, and transmission shudder, which can mean unexpected shop visits and safety concerns.
Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is a larger, three-row luxury SUV with a 10-year history, but it has drawn 486 complaints and 125 recalls—roughly 49 complaints per year. The complaint pattern is dominated by power train problems (grinding, rattles, rusted axles), electrical gremlins (frequent no-starts), and structural defects (handles falling off). This suggests a higher rate of both minor and serious issues that could affect ownership satisfaction and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Corsair | Lincoln Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 173 Better | 486 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 79 Better | 125 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 18 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.7 Better | 48.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 Better | 17 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Lincoln Corsair
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM48
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER38
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION38
- 04POWER TRAIN17
- 05ENGINE16
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, cars that won't start, and a high-voltage battery recall for internal short circuits. These issues can leave you stranded and may require dealer visits for software or hardware fixes.
The rearview camera image can turn blue or fail, and recalls for backup camera software are common. This makes reversing less safe, especially in tight spots, and parts may not be available immediately.
Some owners experience transmission shudder when shifting, often around 125,000 miles, and a technical service bulletin exists for some models. This can lead to costly repairs if not addressed early.
Complaints include unexpected stalling and no-start conditions where nothing works except hazard lights. These random failures can be frightening and hard to diagnose, potentially leaving you stuck in traffic.
“Several problems have occurred, not sure if they are related or not. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. In my opinion as a retired mechanic the problem components might include transmission, torque converter, accelerator or any electrical c…”
“My 2022 Lincoln Corsair has an open NHTSA recall (25V789 / Ford 25SC4) for a high-voltage battery cell internal short circuit that can cause sudden loss of motive power. There is currently NO remedy available. Before this recall was issued, my vehicle already…”
Lincoln Aviator
- 01POWER TRAIN119
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
- 03STRUCTURE81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER54
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING34
Owners report grinding noises when reversing, rattles at all speeds, and rusted axles on relatively new vehicles. These symptoms suggest premature wear and can lead to expensive repairs or safety risks.
Frequent no-start conditions and multiple electrical issues are reported, even on brand-new models. This can make the vehicle unreliable for daily use and lead to repeated dealer visits.
Complaints include grab handles falling off, causing injuries, and recalls for frame and members. Such defects affect safety and indicate build quality concerns that buyers should inspect carefully.
Some owners report recurring problems across multiple vehicles, including issues that persist after trading in for a newer model. This pattern suggests systemic flaws that may not be fully resolved by recalls.
“My 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a grinding noise when I back up. Also a rattle has begun at all speeds. I had vehicled check and the axles were found to be totally rusted. Prior to having it towed to the detail i did some research and found the following -- A 202…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the garage, the garage became extremely hot, and the fans underneath the vehicle activated. The contact opened the garage. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer,…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Lincoln Corsair — 79 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources s…
The risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehic…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall i…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
The risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifi…
Lincoln Aviator — 125 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Vis…
The risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
The risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification lette…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
Buyer analysis
Lincoln Corsair or Lincoln Aviator: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Corsair has fewer issues per year (about 25 complaints/year) compared to the Lincoln Aviator (about 49 complaints/year). In practice, this means the Corsair may require less frequent trips to the shop and have a lower chance of experiencing major failures, though both have notable recalls and complaints.
Key differences
- The Aviator has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Corsair (48.6 vs 24.7 per year), with more power train and structural issues.
- Corsair complaints often involve electrical no-starts and backup camera failures, while Aviator complaints include grinding axles and falling grab handles.
- The Aviator has more crash-related complaints (18 vs 7) and injuries (17 vs 9), though neither has reported deaths.
- Both have numerous recalls, but the Aviator's recalls include transmission and frame issues, while the Corsair's include battery and fuel injector recalls.
- Check for open recalls on the high-voltage battery (25V789) and backup camera software, and confirm they have been remedied.
- Test the transmission for shudder during gear changes, especially around 125,000 miles, and ask for any TSB-related repairs.
- Inspect the axles for rust and listen for grinding noises when reversing or rattles at speed.
- Test all grab handles and interior fittings for security, and check for open recalls on structure and seats.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls and whether remedies are available.
- Take a test drive that includes reversing, gear changes, and starting the engine multiple times.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Lincoln models, focusing on electrical and power train systems.
- Review the vehicle's service history for repeated electrical or transmission repairs.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed and ask for documentation.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Lincoln Corsair | Lincoln Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 | 8 | 16 |
| 2024 | 21 | 7 |
| 2023 | 14 | 24 |
| 2022 | 35 | 45 |
| 2021 | 34 | 39 |
| 2020 | 61 | 108 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Lincoln Corsair or Lincoln Aviator in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Corsair vs Lincoln Aviator
- Lincoln Corsair total complaints
- 173
- Lincoln Aviator total complaints
- 486
- Lincoln Corsair total recalls
- 79
- Lincoln Aviator total recalls
- 125
- Lincoln Corsair avg complaints/year
- 24.7
- Lincoln Aviator avg complaints/year
- 48.6
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Corsair
- Lincoln Corsair top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Lincoln Aviator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN