2021 Lincoln Aviator Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 31 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Lincoln Aviator has 31 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Lincoln Aviator Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Lincoln Aviator Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Lincoln Aviator SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: 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 2021 Lincoln Aviator has 31 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 26 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Aviator
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 31
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 26
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPGe combined
- 21
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 460
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Lincoln Aviator problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and battery, for reported faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and visibility/wiper components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on electrical and engine systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and battery, for reported faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and visibility/wiper components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on electrical and engine systems.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
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
Complaints for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator are concentrated in electrical faults, with engine problems and visibility/wiper issues also notable. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among the 2021 model year.
- Engine problems and visibility/wiper issues are the next most common complaint categories.
- Unintended acceleration, transmission/drivetrain, and fuel/propulsion system complaints each have 3 reports.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported component issue.
- Engine problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Visibility/wiper issues appear in a notable number of complaints.
Full breakdown
All 2021 Lincoln Aviator complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Interior front reading lights turn on and off randomly when driving and when not driving. This is incredibly distracting especially at night.
The vehicle is intermittently braking on its own while driving. The issue has become significantly worse over the course of a month. The dashboard message reads, “brake applied, power reduced”. This is a danger to both myself and other drivers as we are unable to control the spee…
My car start making a very loud squeaking noise when I turn or hit any small bumb in the road. So I took it to the shop and was told both front lower ball joint boots are broken the exact same way. Now what bother me is what the mechanic said next. I quote " some type of suspen…
The driver-side front window regulator failed and was replaced on October 4, 2025. The passenger-side window regulator also failed and was removed and replaced on November 21, 2025. At the time each incident, the window would not raise using the car controls and remained stuck in…
1.) Exhaust System Failure (Flex Pipe / Catalytic Converter) The vehicle’s exhaust system—specifically the flex pipe connected to the catalytic converter—cracked and malfunctioned. This component is available for inspection upon request. As a result of the failure, exhaust fumes …
My vehicle’s camera system, including the backup camera, is experiencing an issue where the passenger-side camera fails to display properly, showing only a blank black area. I have reported this issue to my dealership for future inspection. It is not yet clear whether the problem…
For the first 39 months of my ownership my 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring plug-in electric hybrid would not charge properly and resulted in thousands of charge station fault alerts. The dealership was dismissive of the issue for years because it seemed to work for the few mi…
The "auto" mode on my Sync screen on my 2021 Lincoln Aviator does not always automatically switch between day and night based on ambient light levels. This is a blinding experience at night when the screen doesn't switch to night mode and the brightness is intense. This blindin…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the seat folding switch on the third-row seat failed to function as intended. The seat was stuck in the down position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer…
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV lift gate safety stop does not function properly. It will come closing down extremely hard. This will happen when the button is pressed on the lift gate or the hands free feature is triggered. The lift gate will not safety stop and pop back open as i…
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator grand touring PHEV has on 3 separate occasions randomly gone into “brick” mode where power is to some components like the Sync screen, and some lights, but main dash won’t boot, the lock/unlock doesn’t work but lock icon flashes on door panel, the vehicle …
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while 5 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The message to “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact pulled over to right side of the road, turned off and restarted …
Trim piece on back drivers side window has fallen off while driving down the highway.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear door trim detached and flew off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that after it rained, water entered the interior of the vehicle through the sunr…
When pumping gas it always overflows. Tried several gas stations. Two different dealers have attempted to fix (they did confirm the issue). Each had had at least 3 attempts with no success. Lincoln seems disinterested in finding a remedy. This feels very unsafe to me in many ways…
Driving 75mph. Cruise set to 75mph. Vehicle randomly reset cruising speed to 85 and 105mph or two separate occasions over 4 days. I went through the settings and disabled intelligent cruise control and switched it to adaptive cruise control, which doesn't use radar and navigation…
I have been reporting an issue for over two years with multiple dealerships regarding a sulphur and other strong exhaust smell. This Sulphur smell is most problematic and occurs most often at least one per day. This issue started off intermittently but is now occurring as incre…
I am writing to express my frustration regarding the unresolved issue related to recall 24V368 concerning the rearview camera image. This has been an ongoing problem for several years, and despite receiving multiple safety recall notices and scheduling appointments with your serv…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufac…
The engine of my 2021 Lincoln Aviator with only 79,403 miles has failed, leaving myself and my family stranded on the side of a very busy interstate in another state far from home. There were absolutely no warnings given before the engine acted as if it had a significant loss of …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.
Safety recalls
2021 Lincoln Aviator recalls
26 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. 26 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:REAR
ENGINE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
STEERING
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SEAT BELTS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
STRUCTURE:BODY
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SEAT BELTS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Lincoln Aviator buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 31 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 26 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Lincoln Aviator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 2021 Lincoln Aviator?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (9 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (5 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 31 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?▾
Yes. 26 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 26 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Lincoln Aviator?▾
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Electrical Faults 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 2021 Lincoln Aviator based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
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.