Lincoln Aviator problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 245 owner complaints and 50 recalls on file for the Lincoln Aviator (2005–2027). The 2020 Aviator has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.
- Complaints
- 245
- Recalls
- 50
- Model years
- 9
- Worst year
- 2020
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Lincoln Aviator years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator — 106 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
- 2022 Lincoln Aviator — 45 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
- 2021 Lincoln Aviator — 40 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
- 2023 Lincoln Aviator — 24 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
- 2025 Lincoln Aviator — 16 complaints; top problem: Electrical System
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2005 (3 complaints).
Every Lincoln Aviator model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Aviator | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2026 Aviator | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Seats & Seat Belts |
| 2025 Aviator | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | Electrical System |
| 2024 Aviator | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Electrical System |
| 2023 Aviator | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2022 Aviator | 45 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 21 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2021 Aviator | 40 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 28 | Electrical System |
| 2020 Aviator | 106 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 30 | Electrical System |
| 2005 Aviator | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Airbags |
Most common Lincoln Aviator problem areas (all years)
- Electrical System71 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech51 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain32 complaints
- Engine28 complaints
- Body & Structure26 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers25 complaints
- Brakes21 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion21 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts19 complaints
- Lighting12 complaints
Complaint trend
Lincoln Aviator recalls
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Risk: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
Risk: A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other Lincoln models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology