Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | 2 | — | Too new |
| 2026 | 4 | −60% | 6 | Seat | Few |
| 2025 | 18 | 1.3× | 15 | Electrical | Average |
| 2024 | 7 | −56% | 8 | Electrical | Good |
| 2023 | 24 | typical | 16 | Collision Avoidance | Average |
| 2022 | 46 | 2.0× | 21 | Collision Avoidance | Caution |
| 2021 | 40 | typical | 28 | Electrical | Average |
| 2020 | 110 | 2.5× | 30 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2005 | 51 | −47% | — | Body | Good |
| 2004 | 81 | typical | — | Transmission | Average |
| 2003 | 111 | 1.6× | 1 | Transmission | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Aviator year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Lincoln Aviator problems
Latest Lincoln Aviator recalls
Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Remedy: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical system › ADAS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features,…
Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Lincoln Aviator should you avoid?
2020, 2022 and 2003 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Aviator years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Lincoln Aviator?
2024 has the fewest complaints compared with other Aviator years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (120), electrical system (91) and body & structure (81). Transmission complaints peak in the 2003 model year.
How many recalls has the Lincoln Aviator had?
51 recalls across 2003–2027. The model year with the most is 2020. See all Lincoln Aviator recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.