Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Lincoln Aviator owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The vehicle down shift when turning into the first as it goes into second makes in awful noise. When I parked it and tried to start it and it was dead.the mechanic figure it had something to do with the starter he got under the vehicle to applied starter told me to start it and it did and it pinned him under the vehicle.they later said the belt had popped. The vehicle had ben leaking a lite fluid they believed it to be the differential oil. Its a four wheel drive. I had it towed to bohn Ford 6/5/17they are charging 350.00 to replace the belt.city st. Later park it at walmart parking lot where the people helped push the vehicle off the mechanic.the vehicle would roll back when put in drive.
My main problem is that the car has an intermittent transmission problem. The car slips out of gear and the engine races. I have mentioned the problem to the service department on several occasions and they tell me it?s my problem till it does it for them. The other day I got a letter from Lincoln saying that the factory had put the wrong transmission fluid in the car. The service department still does not think this is my problem. The car has been in for the ac being broken; the brake rotors have been replaced. The car makes a loud noise on start up and they told me it was normal, however I have asked other people with my molded car and the said that there car makes no abnormal noise on start up. There is a problem with my steering when the car is not in motion. Other problems are minor including some small electrical problems. …
1 year after purchase at 52,000 -replaced coils (recalled) , brake switch, cost just to lead and find issues after full service maintenance, $1500. 2 yrs in, transmission due to thing that is attached and looks like a brain plate to the transmission, (sms pack)still owing plus now, upcoming on latest transmission/computer/ at 84,000 :( s car has taken me completely upside down and in the hole owing $12,000 + $3000 for newest repair. Just got car back and now it feels like there is a potential small delay and wants to jump in the middle of traffic which I just experienced yesterday. Why is this car still on the road and not recalled. The problems go on and on and on. I emailed Ford and was basically told to take the car into their dealership where I can be robbed even further. Sad!! These are only a small fraction of links that are out there due to Lincoln having known issues. …
2004 Lincoln Aviator gears were slipping and would not shift; had it checked and was told the transmission was failing. 2 days later we had to have it towed to the shop because it was stuck in "neutral". Had to replace the transmission at only 63,000 miles. Never had a transmission fail with only 63K miles, all preventative maintenance is kept up on our vehicle. Loud noise at startup and A/C does not work, I believe it is the clutch. No help from Ford even though there are multiple complaints of transmission/power train problems. Also, read that the explorer was recalled for the same problem and that the explorer and Aviator are built with many of the same parts, however, no recall on the Aviator?
Dt: 2004 Lincoln Aviator . The consumer owned car for a year. While taking off from a stop pressed the accelerator and the car did not move. Had to press the gas pedal several times, and it took at least a quarter of a mile and then it finally took off. This has happened at least 6 times, and vehicle has been in repair shop 6 times also, the dealership was unable to duplicate this problem. The vehicle is in the repair shop, and they still can indicate what is wrong with the vehicle. The transmission solenoid pac was replaced per TSB 051504.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed while trying to shift into reverse. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal and tried to change gears but the vehicle would not respond. She then attempted to remove the key from the ignition but the key could not be removed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and the contact was advised that the gear shift assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 80,291.
Shifting from drive to reverse or vice versa with no response. Power train - gear shift cable disconnects causing loss of control of what gear the car is in. Selector then gives wrong information as to what gear you are in. Only some 2003 aviators have been recalled; I have a 2004. Website complaints show that all aviators 2002 to 2008 are affected. I told the Lincoln dealer about NHTSA and she said 'don't listen to them, they don't know what they are talking about." they are charging me $400 to fix the problem including the towing.
Lincoln Aviator with 54,000 on it and had to fix the transmission, shop said there was some grove on some part in the transmission. Very expensive problems with low miles. Also had a 2004 Mercury mountaineer with 64,000 miles, transmission started to make noises, about a week later it would not shift. Shop said some grove in something in the transmission. Had it fixed for $3,000. Later found out the transmission was out at 10,000 miles before we bought it.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the gear selectors came apart when attempting to shift gears. Gear failure while driving increases the risk for vehicle crash.he took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised that the entire shift assembly needed to be replaced. However because there was not an existing recall they would not assume responsibility for the repairs. The failure mileage was 53,000. The current mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that when attempting to shift gears, the gear shifter seized. The contact also stated that the key was stuck in the ignition cylinder. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA investigations
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular…
Transmission complaints in other Aviator years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Lincoln Aviator?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Lincoln Aviator, 26% of the model year's 81 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Lincoln Aviator transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Lincoln Aviator. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Lincoln Aviator transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.