2021 Lincoln Aviator Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the Aviator at the same age

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Aviator at the same age. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (12 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). 28 recalls cover this model year.

40complaints
28recalls
1crashes
1fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2021 Lincoln Aviator problems

  • Electrical system~60,000 miles
    1230%
  • Other / not specified~33,000 miles
    718%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~60,000 miles
    718%
  • Engine & cooling~60,000 miles
    615%
  • Driver assistance~50,000 miles
    513%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~130,000 miles
    513%
  • Body & structure~60,000 miles
    410%
  • Seats
    410%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~98,000 miles
    410%
  • Brakes
    410%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    38%
  • Lights
    38%
  • Suspension~33,000 miles
    25%
  • Steering~33,000 miles
    13%
  • Air bags
    13%

Share of the 40 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lincoln Aviator complaints by model year

2003200420052020202120222023202420252026202711181511104046247184
Owner complaints per model year, Lincoln Aviator. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Aviator years: 2024. Years to avoid: 2020, 2022, 2003. Compare all years →

2021 Lincoln Aviator recalls (28)

Seats › Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA recall 26V-451 · Jul 14, 2026 · 387,911 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 26V-402 · Jun 24, 2026 · 741,195 vehicles

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.

Seat belts

NHTSA recall 26V-159 · Mar 17, 2026 · 561 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026.

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 26V-123 · Mar 3, 2026 · 889,950 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

NHTSA recall 26V-117 · Mar 3, 2026 · 604,533 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 25V-455 · Jul 7, 2025 · 850,318 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge.

Show 22 more recalls

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-442 · Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and…

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Structure › Body

NHTSA recall 25V-407 · Jun 13, 2025 · 132,914 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.

Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332.

Seats › Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA recall 25V-393 · Jun 13, 2025 · 304,662 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025.

Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices

NHTSA recall 25V-338 · May 23, 2025 · 4,442 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-953.

Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery

NHTSA recall 25V-349 · May 23, 2025 · 8 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V626. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Battery Energy Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-159 · Mar 14, 2025 · 49,399 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Seat belts

NHTSA recall 25V-093 · Feb 14, 2025 · 240,510 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if…

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 24V-852 · Nov 8, 2024 · 27,678 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard.

Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical

NHTSA recall 24V-635 · Aug 23, 2024 · 90,736 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Back over prevention › Display function

NHTSA recall 24V-368 · May 24, 2024 · 109,283 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The accessory protocol image module (APIM) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (APIM), free of charge.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery

NHTSA recall 23V-626 · Sep 8, 2023 · 2,954 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 23V-598 · Aug 25, 2023 · 177,402 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 23V-342 · May 12, 2023 · 442,973 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 23V-022 · Jan 23, 2023 · 382,759 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023.

Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices

NHTSA recall 22V-953 · Dec 23, 2022 · 101,001 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less…

Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 21V-870 · Nov 10, 2021 · 20 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021.

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 21V-735 · Sep 22, 2021 · 228,297 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Air bags › Side/window › Curtain

NHTSA recall 21V-652 · Aug 23, 2021 · 592 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Compressor

NHTSA recall 21V-534 · Jul 15, 2021 · 33,298 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L gasoline engines. The wire harness may not be secured properly, possibly contacting the air conditioning (A/C) compressor pulley, and resulting in damage to electrical wires, or the A/C compressor drive belt.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and A/C compressor belt for damage, replacing them as necessary, and install a tie strap to secure the wire harness, free of charge.

Back over prevention › Display function

NHTSA recall 21V-223 · Mar 30, 2021 · 34,952 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The image processing module may be unable to provide video feed to the display, which could result in a loss of the backup camera image.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the image processing module software with the latest level, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021.

Engine

NHTSA recall 20V-788 · Dec 17, 2020 · 1,405 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Steering

NHTSA recall 20V-726 · Nov 20, 2020 · 690 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The steering knuckles may have been manufactured improperly.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front knuckle, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 Lincoln Aviator:

Loss of Motive Power

NHTSA investigation EA23002 · opened Sep 29, 2023 · closed Oct 31, 2024 · led to recall 24V-635

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart.

What 2021 Lincoln Aviator owners say

Electrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start, the vehicle was , the hood was raised, the contact went back to the vehicle to try to start, the vehicle would not turn over with clicking in the engine. the vehicle began to smoke with very thick white smoke, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle of the drivers side front seat. The battery was disconnected and a manual latch was discovered on the drivers side door. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

60,000 miles · May 2026

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 minutes when they charged it on their high voltage charger even though I voiced concerns about the charger port being bad on the vehicle and it not working properly at home. My Aviator would not charge unless the plug was in the exact perfect spot and rarely would make it to a full charge before faulting out. Eventually the port started making SPARKING NOISES, ELECTRIC FIRE SMELLS, and SMOKES when plugged in. I was afraid my Aviator was going to start a fire and burn my house down, so I stopped charging it for at least 6 months until a new service manager finally took the time to investigate the issue. …

May 2024

Windows, wipers & sunroof

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 sunroof. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached driver's rear door trim and clogged drain tubes in the sunroof assembly. The driver's side rear door trim was not replaced. The dealer repaired the clogged drain tubes in the sunroof assembly. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced a recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Sun/moon roof assembly · 60,000 miles · Jun 2023

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 entered the cabin, creating a significant safety risk due to potential exposure to carbon monoxide. Prior to the failure, I noticed a persistent rattling noise at low speeds and while the vehicle was idling. The issue was inspected and confirmed by the dealership; however, I was informed that the repair falls outside of warranty coverage. I would like to know if this falls under safety hazard for emissions. 2.) Sunroof Glass Shattering Incident While driving, the sunroof glass suddenly shattered and appeared to implode outward. …

Nov 2025

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start, the vehicle was , the hood was raised, the contact went back to the vehicle to try to start, the vehicle would not turn over with clicking in the engine. the vehicle began to smoke with very thick white smoke, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle of the drivers side front seat. The battery was disconnected and a manual latch was discovered on the drivers side door. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

60,000 miles · May 2026

Powertrain malfunctioning. The vehicle has had multiple neutral out (not reacting) when the accelerator is applied. Occurring in the middle of an intersection 3 times. Stuck in the middle of the intersection has resulted in two (2) cases of almost being hit by an oncoming vehicle. Pulling into traffic from a stop sign and losing the accelerator another time resulting in traffic breaking hard to avoid an accident. Recently while in cruise control on the highway driving 79 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shifted into what had to be the lowest gear lunging passengers forward and slowing to an unacceptable speed for the highway. Almost initiating being hit from the rear by a tractor trailer and just making it off of the shoulder to safety. This may be the result of service bulletins 22-2145 or SSM 50529. …

Apr 2023

2021 Lincoln Aviator engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid10-speed automatic4WD22 / 25 / 23
3.0L 6-cyl turbo10-speed automaticRWD18 / 26 / 21
3.0L 6-cyl turbo10-speed automatic4WD17 / 24 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator a good car?

Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Aviator rates average: about as many complaints as 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 2021 Lincoln Aviator?

The electrical system — 12 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (7) and engine & cooling (6).

How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have?

There are 28 recalls for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, the most recent from July 14, 2026 (mid/rear assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2021 Lincoln Aviator problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 25% 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.