2003 Lincoln Aviator: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2003 Lincoln Aviator? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 111 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2003 Lincoln Aviator Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2003 Lincoln Aviator trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2003 Lincoln Aviator Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Lincoln Aviator has 111 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Aviator
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 111
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 14
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 12 / 17
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2003 Lincoln Aviator Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2003 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2003 Lincoln Aviator shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2003 Lincoln Aviator
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and structural components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and structural components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Lincoln Aviator, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 111 NHTSA complaints for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator, the most frequently reported issues involve the transmission/drivetrain, engine, and structural components. There is one recall and five crash-related complaints, but the data is limited to a single model year and consumer-submitted reports.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reports.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint category.
- Structural issues and unintended acceleration are also notable concerns.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Structural Problems
All 2003 Lincoln Aviator Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 55 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Hercules HTS-Terra-Trac, Tire Size 245/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front tire sidewall separated in the center. There wer…
A YEAR AGO NOTICED WHEN SHIFTING AND UP TO DATE MY SHIFTER GEAR INDICATOR NOT SHIFT TO CORRECT GEAR INDICATOR AND FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY, I BELIEVED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE SHIFT CABLE BRACKET. I TAKE MY TRUCK TO AN TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THE TECH…
I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT IN THAT'S CONTROL ARM. THE TRANSFER CASE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER POSITION WAS NOT IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDICATOR DID NOT DISPLAY THE CORRECT GEAR THAT WAS BEING UTILIZED. ANTELOPE VALLEY FORD (LOCATED AT 1155 AUT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR FAILED TO SHIFT FROM PARK INTO ANY OTHER GEAR BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V313000 (POWER TRAIN);…
THE BUTTON ON THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER GETS STUCK. IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE DEPRESSED AT ANY GIVEN TIME. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR FOOT DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE TO ALLOW THE CAR TO BE PUT IT INTO GEAR. THE BRAKE SENSOR IS WORKING. AFTER READING MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM IT …
TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE IS BROKEN; INTERMITTENT PROBLEM MOVING GEER AND WHEN MOVED, IT MAY GENERATE A VIOLENT JERK BEFORE MOVING. MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. BUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V313000 IS ONLY COVERING A SELECTED AMOUNT OF VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED…
THERE HAS BEEN A UNPROVOKED CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE PANEL FOR A COUPLE YEARS NOW (WHICH SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL), WE HAVE NOT HAD ISSUES UNTIL THE REAR WINDOW STARTED FLYING OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 30MPH. THE LATCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO WATER SEEPIN…
I HAVE A LINCOLN AVIATOR 2003, IT HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT DOESN'T SHIFT GEARS WHEN IT'S SUPPOSED TOO. THOS HAPPENS WHEN I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR. IS ANYONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM?
THERE IS A CRACK BELOW MY BACK WINDOW THAT CAUSES LOTS OF AIR TO COME IN AND ALSO LOTS OF WATER LEAKS AND WHEN IT RAINS I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO WORK WITH ME TO GET THIS REPAIRED IT GETS VERY COLD IN THERE WITH ALL THE COLD AIR THAT COMES IN WITH MY S…
SHIFTER KNOB ON 03 AVIATOR BROKE OFF. THE SHIFTER WAS LOCKED IN DRIVE, HAD TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND BRACE THE TIRES FROM ROLLING ON AN INCLINE. WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR WITH ME. SCARY!!!!!! THE PROBLEM IS A PLASTIC PIECE BROKE IN THE SHIFTER COLUMN. HAS YET TO BE FIXED. QUOTED $…
ON MY 2003 AVIATOR THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AT VARIOUS TIMES DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH AND MY CAR ALARM GOES OFF. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS, BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE THIS YEAR 2016. MY BATTERY HAS DIED TWICE IN TWO DAYS. SO FRUSTRATED WITH …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, LEFT HARM AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE…
TAKATA RECALL WHEN I PARK IN MY DRIVE WAY MY CAR WON'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK I HAVE TO HAVE IT PUSHED AN ROCKED BACK AN FORTH TO GET THE GEAR TO SHIFT AN IT WON'T LET ME DRIVE IT IN DRIVE GEAR I CAN ONLY DRIVE IT IN 3RD GEAR IT HAS THIS JURK WHEN I STOP TO PARK IT CONSTANTLY GETTING …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
I WAS LEAVING MY RESIDENCE ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHICH SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT. UPON RECOVERING FROM THE INITIAL SHOCK, I OBSERVED THE SIDE WINDOW/CURTAIN AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE HADN'T BEEN HIT OR INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAD TO STOP THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, SEVERAL MONTHS A…
CRACKS IN REAR HATCH PANEL. *TR
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR WHEN IT BASICALLY STOPPED GOING AND WOULDN'T CHANGE GEAR OR SPEED UP. (THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT'S GOTTEN STUCK IN GEAR, THE 1ST TIME WAS WHEN IT WAS PARKED AND WOULDN'T MOVE BUT THE GEAR SHIFT MOVED FREELY). WE GOT IT BACK…
OUR 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM - ONCE IN PARK, YOU CANNOT MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT TO ANY OTHER GEAR - IT'S STUCK. OCCASIONALLY, MY HUSBAND CAN WIGGLE A WIRE UNDERNEATH THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS SO WE CAN SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE BUT THIS CONTINUE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator.
2003 Lincoln Aviator Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2003 Lincoln Aviator Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Lincoln Aviator reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 111 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2003 Lincoln Aviator shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln Aviator?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (55 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (17 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Lincoln Aviator?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Lincoln Aviator?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Lincoln Aviator, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 111 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Lincoln Aviator?▾
The 2003 Lincoln Aviator shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Aviator reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Lincoln Aviator based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.