Lincoln Aviator Body Problems

Owners have filed 81 complaints about body & structure problems with the Lincoln Aviator — 16% of all Aviator complaints. The worst model years are 2005 (28), 2003 (15) and 2004 (15). Problems typically start around 67,000 miles. 3 related recalls have been issued.

81complaints
2005worst year
67ktypical miles
3related recalls
0crashes
0fires

Body complaints by model year

2003200420052020202120222023202420252026202715152884821
Body complaints per model year, Lincoln Aviator.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2024114%—
202328%—
2022817%20,000 miles
2021410%60,000 miles
202087%60,000 miles
20052855%72,000 miles
20041519%71,000 miles
20031514%64,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Body
    59
  • Body › Hatchback/liftgate
    8
  • Body › Door
    2
  • Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
    1
  • Body › Tailgate
    1
  • Frame and members
    1
  • Frame and members › Underbody shields
    1

Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    36%
  • 25k–50k
    817%
  • 50k–75k
    2145%
  • 75k–100k
    613%
  • 100k–150k
    919%
  • 150k+
    00%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that there was an unusual sound of water running from the roof of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound was similar gushing water. The contact also stated that when the air condition was turned on, there was a moldy odor coming through the vents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The failure was diagnosed with an engineering error during manufacturing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

2022 Aviator · 20,000 miles · Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the trim pieces on the liftgate partially detached. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle received an unknown recall repair and was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,333.

2022 Aviator · 3,000 miles · Aug 2025

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.

2021 Aviator · 60,000 miles · Jun 2023

Driving this vehicle in snow and ice collects in my wheel wells because of the material used in them. It is felt like heavily textured that the snow and ice sticks to like glue. So, in lots of snow and slush on the road it quickly collects to its limit of area between tire and wheel well and then makes turning or steering the car difficult. It does NOT slide off easily even when going to the car wash to try and clean it off. Or by letting it sit in the sun to melt does not help either for a very long amount of time. So, in other words......I live in the foothills of Colorado where it does snow a fair bit and so, it quickly turns my SUV into an unsafe vehicle to drive or steer when faced with snow and slush on the roads. I bought this vehicle in Colorado.

2021 Aviator · Body · Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a humming sound coming from the sunroof. Additionally, the contact noticed a fluttering sound coming from underneath the vehicle and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the sunroof assembly needed to be adjusted. In addition, the contact was informed that the undershields on the front under-carriage of the vehicle were warped due to fractured bolts. The contact was informed that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,928.

2020 Aviator · Frame and members › Underbody shields · 60,000 miles · Sep 2023

The sunroof exploded outward. We were on expressway @70 MPH and did not notice any road debris nor under any bridges at time. Dealer could not find any other damage to windshield or car body. Had 6 people in car at time. Collected all glass that fell in, but only about 1/3 of total glass area, so feel most went up and out. Dealer admits to 3 other cars in their shop with sunroof issues. Was like an explosion and we were already in right hand lane so safe to pull over and see what had happened. Other passengers felt calmness of driver prevented accident.

2020 Aviator · Body · Mar 2023

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.

2005 Aviator · Body · 110,000 miles · Nov 2014

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

2005 Aviator · Body · 36,000 miles · Aug 2007

Related recalls (3)

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.

Structure › Frame and members

NHTSA recall 25V-316 · May 9, 2025 · 206 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025.

Structure › Frame and members

NHTSA recall 25V-020 · Jan 17, 2025 · 259 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

Which Lincoln Aviator years have body problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (28), 2003 (15), 2004 (15), 2020 (8) and 2022 (8) model years. Body complaints make up 55% of all complaints for the 2005.

Is there a recall for Lincoln Aviator body problems?

Yes — 3 recalls, including 25V-407 (body, Jun 13, 2025); 25V-316 (frame and members, May 9, 2025); 25V-020 (frame and members, Jan 17, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Lincoln Aviator body problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the body (59 mentions), followed by the body › hatchback/liftgate (8).

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.