Lincoln Aviator Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Lincoln Aviator options? We analyzed 10 model years (2003–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Lincoln Aviator has 462 owner complaints and 124 safety recalls across model years 2003–2026. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2003 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Aviator
- Model years analyzed
- 2003–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 462
- Safety recall campaigns
- 124
- Crash-related complaints
- 18
- Fire-related complaints
- 3
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2003 (111 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Lincoln Aviator: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe LINCOLN AVIATOR has 462 NHTSA complaints and 124 recalls on record. 18 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 462 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 124 federal recall campaigns
- 18 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
124 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
TRAILER HITCHES
TRAILER HITCHES
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
STRUCTURE:BODY
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
SEAT BELTS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
SEAT BELTS
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2003–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 462 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
462 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded. The contact stated it sounded like a shotgun when the sunroof glass exploded. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that the contact stated that the sunroof glass was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
Everytime I start my vehicle the parking brake fault service now light comes on.
The vehicle experienced a sudden unprovoked, catastrophic, and total electronic and mechanical failure of the primary braking and ADAS. Driving at expressway speeds, the vehicle immediately lost all power brake assistance, threw immediate multi-system critical alerts on the instrument cluster, and became instantly undrivable. The vehicle is available for inspection at a local licensed Lincoln dealership service center. The failure occurred completely without warning while navigating heavy traffic at active highway speed on the expressway. The instant loss of power braking functionality dramatically extended the vehicle's stopping distance and significantly reduced control of a SUV in a high-speed environment. This sudden, unmanaged deceleration created an immediate, life-threatening risk of a high-speed rear-end or multi-vehicle pileup, placing the occupant of the vehicle and all surrounding motorists in extreme danger of severe injury or death. The driver was able to bring the vehicle to a stop in a precariously exposed location on a very narrow shoulder when one became accessible. Miraculously, the vehicle was not struck by fast-moving trucks while waiting for a tow-truck. Yes. The local authorized Lincoln dealership service technician team has confirmed the catastrophic code failures. Due to the severity and complexity of the total system shutdown, the local dealership escalated the vehicle to Lincoln factory corporate engineers. However, the root cause of the catastrophic failure was never identified and the technicians and engineers have given up further attempts. There were absolutely zero pre-existing symptoms, warning lamps, soft codes, or performance degradation prior to the exact moment of the failure. The system failure was instant. The instrument cluster simultaneously illuminated multiple critical alerts, including the primary braking system warning, ABS fault, and ESC failure alerts, accompanied by an immediate audible safety chime.
The second row seat is moving or reclining while I’m driving. The car seat motor has a sound while it reclines.
On 12/4/25, I visited Corley's Lincoln and reported several issues. One issue was that the vehicle would accelerate or decelerate while using cruise control. There were several other issues, but the following two issues are safety issues. I visited again on 3/5/26 with several of the same issues, although the speed issue was not listed on the work order. They could not find any issues, but I encountered the same issues on my drive home. I immediately returned to the dealer, and they kept the vehicle from 3/6/2026 to 4/2/26. Again, the speed issue was not listed on the work order. At this point, I began to keep a log. On 4/19/26, I set the speed at 56 MPH while driving on [XXX] , and within a short time the speed increased to 65 MPH before I stepped on the brakes. I have tested the cruise control several times since with the same result. Also on 4/19/26. I was braking to a stop on [XXX] , when the crash warning was activated. There was no one in front of me and no cross traffic. The only cars were in the opposite left-turn lane, 6 lanes away and completely stopped. This has happened several times, usually while slowing to a stop. I did not report the crash alert to the dealer until 4/20/26. As of 4/27/26, I am still awaiting to hear of a resolution from the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased a brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator on 9/27/25, with 33 miles on it. I do not even make it home from the dealer before it started making a scrubbing/grinding noise, which subsequently led to the replacement of the transfer case and transmission on a vehicle with approx 180 miles on it. It calls into question the safety, reliability and quality of the vehicle
Read 14 more owner reports
The 2nd row seats are malfunctioning, sliding up and folding while the car is moving. The button at the top of the seat seems to be getting stuck. There is a whole forum about this issue, with years of reports but never seems to be a recall - this is a SERIOUS safety issue: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering locks up during low speed maneuvers. Problem began at approximately 192 miles and has repeated well over 25 times in under 650 miles.
I was sold on [XXX] this vehicle with an active recall. I was later told by the dealer, BeauTownsend Ford, that only they could fix this recall and no other dealer could touch the car until they fixed it. When an unrelated repair was needed I took it to my local dealer. They could not find record of the sale being registered with the Company, Lincoln, and therefore could not start the repair or assist in completing the safety recalls. When contacting BeauTownsend Ford, where the vehicle was purchased, they said my only option was to bring the car back to them. I asked about why the sale had not been registered and did not get an answer. I have reached out multiple time through email and phone and am not getting any response in my request for them to register the sale. The dealership this vehicle was purchased from: BeauTownsend Ford 1020 W National Road Vandalia OH 45377 I believe these actions are an effort to cover up a stop sale that they knowingly proceeded with. I have both repairs and safety recalls that I have attempted to have completed but am unable to unless I bring my vehicle to them since I am unable to get them to register this sale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
on 7/27/25 while driving on a residential street the car behaved extremely erratically and was attempting engage the brakes resulting in an uncontrollable driving condition. Brakes were engaging automatically and dashboard showed fault messages including "Antilock brake fault" and "pre-collision assist not available." Contacted Lincoln customer support and they arranged for a tow to the dealership and rental car. Dealership stated updates to system resolved the issue. Seems to be running fine now. If this incident had occurred on a highway it would have been extremely dangerous since the brakes were being engaged without driver knowledge and input.
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the failure might be due to a computer chip failure. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
We have been experiencing multiple electrical and mechanical issues with our brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator since we bought it approximately 4 months ago. The car frequently fails to start, with at least ten or more instances of this problem. We have taken it to the dealership two or three times, but despite their claims that the issue has been fixed, the problem recurs within a week or two from picking the car up from the dealer. There was a time when the car has shut off while stopped at a traffic light, and when the light turns green, it won’t restart. In some cases, it has taken anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours before the car would finally start again. Additionally, various warning signals appear on the dash cluster, including alerts about the emergency brakes and collision warning system not functioning properly. Additionally, we experienced issues where the car doors won't open right away due to this mechanical issue. This is a serious safety hazard, as the car shutting off unexpectedly in traffic puts us at significant risk. It is especially concerning because this is our family vehicle, and we frequently travel with two infants in car seats and our elderly parents. Despite multiple visits to the dealership, the issue persists. We even reached out to the parent company, Lincoln/Ford, and they essentially told us that there is nothing they can do, this is a "known issue with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator". After researching online, we found that other 2025 Lincoln Aviator owners have reported similar electrical and mechanical problems. We are extremely concerned for our safety and fear that this issue could lead to a serious accident. However, this is our only vehicle, leaving us with no alternative but to continue driving it despite the risks. Please note, as I type this message, we have an appointment this week to drop the car off again for service.
I bought Lincoln Aviator 2025 Model. After 2 weeks my car started showing all the faulty error sign. To be specific with sign I have the following sign on : BSM, Cross traffic system fault, front camera fault, pre-collision alert. Reverse camera malfunction sign. I have my other 3 friend that have the same problem. Is there a recall on 2025 model ? I am at the dealer dealing with this after going through 2 weeks of buying my car.
In addition to the recall for the C-pillar appliques and window division bars (NHTSA ID Number: 25V407000), the chrome trim piece directly below the window also suffers from insufficient adhesive bonding. See the photo below. It came lose while driving at high speeds.
Problem: 2024 Lincoln Aviator has electronic door release switches on all four doors (both front and rear). If an emergency occurs and: •The driver’s door is blocked or jammed •Electrical systems fail (e.g., due to a crash, battery failure, fire, or water submersion) Then all four doors can simultaneously become inoperable, trapping all passengers besides the driver inside, as there is NO mechanical backup to manually release the front passenger door or both rear doors. This puts all the 2nd and 3rd row occupants and the front seat passenger in grave danger is access to the driver door is blocked or limited for any reason. ONLY THE DRIVER’s door has an emergency manual release latch. There is NO MANUAL RELEASE ON PASSENGER SIDE or for rear doors in this 3 row SUV. ⸻ ️ Why This Is Dangerous: •Passengers, especially in the rear seats, may be unable to exit the vehicle. •First responders may not be able to open the doors quickly. •This could lead to injury or death in fire, submersion, or crash scenarios.
The headlight control switch emits high pitch noise.When you toggle the switch To go between the different Segments of the headlight switch. I've brought it to the dealer and the tech was able to determine where the noise Was coming from. I had advised them.I had disconnected the battery prior and made the noise go away.So that's what they did and now they say it's a non issue cause the noise went away. I have a video demonstrating the issue with the switch.I'm afraid of an issue of fire. It's been. To the dealership twice now, for this issue and it still has not been resolved.I've spoke to corporate Lincoln in regards to the issue.And it's supposed to be escalated.But i'm getting ghosted by everyone at this time. This issue started in the first week of my ownership.It was worse than that point in time.It was so bad.I was unable to drive the car because it was giving me such severe migraine headaches because of the pitch of the noise. The noise when present is very distracting when you are trying to operate the vehicle safely.
I took my new car through the car wash I notice water go in the car some how and I could hear this gargling I thought it was coming from the A pilar. I also notice this when it rainned would do the same thing. I took it in to the dealership and they told that it was the drain lines from the moon roof. two week later it rained again and took my car and could hear that same noise that water was in the car. I have called the dealership again to get back in so see what is causing this
The vehicle was already in for service once for this issue and is going back a second time the rear camera when backing up randomly starts to flicker and go crazy, and sometimes blanking out. The first fix replaced the camera to no avail. It seems to happen randomly, but about 50% of the time. I have video of the rear backup camera going crazy.
Subject: Request for Investigation / Status Update: Unresolved Safety Recall for 2023, Lincoln Aviator ​To Whom It May Concern, ​I am writing to formally request an update and urge an investigation into the lack of a remedy for an active safety recall on my vehicle. It has now been 10 months since the recall was officially issued, and the manufacturer has still not provided a resolution or made parts available. ​Here are the details of my vehicle and the recall: ​Vehicle: 2023 Lincoln Aviator ​VIN: [XXX] ​NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 25S75/25V455 ​ ​Date Recall Issued: July 2025, 10 months ago ​Federal law requires manufacturers to remedy safety defects within a reasonable timeframe. Waiting nearly a year for a safety-critical fix leaves me driving a vehicle with a known hazard, which is an unacceptable risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. ​When I contact the manufacturer or my local dealership, I am repeatedly told that "parts are not available" or that "the remedy is still under development." ​Could you please provide an update on the status of this campaign? Furthermore, I ask that NHTSA review this delay to determine if Lincoln is failing to meet its legal obligation to remedy this defect in a timely manner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 Lincoln Aviator was accelerating out of Toll booth to 70mph. Upon acceleration the engine hiccupped but continued to operate. Approximately 2 miles later the low oil pressure indicator and low battery indicator popped up, no prior indications existed. Vehicle stalled within 0.5 miles as I was assessing what to do and to pull off to a safe place. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer at request of my insurance company to assess damage. Dealer found low oil and metal in engine and claimed owner failed to perform maintenance despite records of three oil changes over the last year. Dealer stopped investigation upon low oil finding and performed no other inspections. I am having the vehicle taken to another independent shop for investigation. The vehicle was involved in a low speed passenger side impact the month prior. Vehicle body was repaired but no inspection or work was completed on the engine.
Showing 20 of 462 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Lincoln Aviator
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Lincoln Aviator, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Lincoln Aviator has 462 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Lincoln Aviator has 124 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 18 of the Lincoln Aviator's 462 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Lincoln Aviator vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Lincoln Aviator vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Lincoln Aviator has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Lincoln Aviator.
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Lincoln Aviator reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable?
Poor. The Lincoln Aviator has 462 NHTSA owner complaints and 124 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Lincoln Aviator years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2003 (111 complaints), 2020 (99 complaints), 2004 (81 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (113 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (84 complaints); STRUCTURE (81 complaints).
Does the Lincoln Aviator have recalls?
Yes — 124 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Lincoln Aviator. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.