Most common 2005 Lincoln Aviator problems
Share of the 51 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln Aviator complaints by model year
Best Aviator years: 2024. Years to avoid: 2020, 2022, 2003. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Lincoln Aviator:
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…
What 2005 Lincoln Aviator owners say
Body & structure all 28 →
I noticed a crack on the back panel of my tailgate. There was no accident or incident and since then I have noticed at least 3 other cars in my small town with the same defect. I have written to Ford and gotten no response. From what I have seen on the internet, this is not an isolated problem. I feel that Ford/Lincoln should recall the affected models of car (including Ford explorers) and make these repairs. The mechanism that keeps my tailgate window closed and locked is also broken and I think it is directly related to the crack in the tailgate. This compromises our safety in the car by making the car unable to be locked properly. Someone could easily get into the car from the tailgate and steal anything in the car, steal the car itself, and pose an immediate threat to our personal safety.
When purchased used 2 yrs old [redacted], I noticed a crack in the middle of the liftgate. I have owned this vehicle for almost 7yrs and have taken very good care of it, but I now have 3 cracks in the liftgate. It seems to be very thin across the bottom of the back window and every time you open and close the window, it puts stress across the bottom of it. This should be a recall because there are a lot of other owners with the same problem and obviously this is a defect!! Updated 4/19/2016
Transmission & drivetrain
Owner of 2005 Lincoln Aviator. I was not able to get the gear shift out of park. I had the Aviator towed to a family member's automotive garage and was told that I will need to have the entire gear shift replaced. Upon doing some research, it seems that this is a very common problem in this year, make, and model. I have read endless testimonies from other vehicle owners with the exact dispute. The part and labor will cost me approximately $1100.00 at my family's garage, one can only guess the dollar amount will double at the local dealership. My car is driveable, however, when in park, I will have to put my emergency brake on. I was also informed that the gear shift, if bumped, May move out of park even without the key in the ignition. I am appalled that Ford/Lincoln motor company has not taken responsibility of the defected mechanism. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Lincoln Aviator. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway on a small incline in light snow, the vehicle rolled away in reverse and crashed with another vehicle. There were no occupants in either of the vehicles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they found the gear shift selector has dislodged itself. The gear shift selector was replaced 3 previous times due to it becoming stuck in the drive position. The manufacturer was contacted and an investigator was sent to examine the failure. The gear shift selector was replaced a fourth time under warranty. The manufacturer would take no liability for the failures and there were no recalls on the vehicle. Repairs were made at the owner's expense. The failure persisted after the gear shift selector was replaced a third time within a year. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000 and the failure was 76,508. …
Steering
This vehicles steering shudders while making low speed turns, usually left turns. Dealers has bled the system once and it seemed to correct the issues. After about 3 weeks the steering began shuddering again while making left turns and even lane changes would cause the steering wheel to shudder. Upon second trip to dealer they stated they could not replicate the problem and the shudder was normal for the vehicle.
My power steering goes out, at start up the power steering is not working, can cut the car off and back on and it is OK been to the shop 3 times changed hose, modular, and steering gear, and today it happened again, also there is a crack down the middle of my back hatch under the glass, I have read 4 other peoples complaints that said the same thing in the same place.
2005 Lincoln Aviator engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 17 / 13 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Lincoln Aviator a good car?
Based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Aviator rates better than average: 47% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Aviator at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Lincoln Aviator?
The body & structure — 28 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (12) and steering (3).
How many recalls does the 2005 Lincoln Aviator have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln Aviator?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2022 and 2003. See the full Lincoln Aviator years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Lincoln Aviator problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.