Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable?

The Lincoln Aviator has 666 NHTSA complaints, or 37.5 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Source: VinItel

What Lincoln Aviator years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2003, 2020 model years of the Lincoln Aviator — these have significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2003 model year alone has 168 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Lincoln Aviator?

Among Lincoln Aviator model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2023 (33 complaints), 2021 (53 complaints), 2005 (62 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Lincoln Aviator problems?

The most common Lincoln Aviator problems reported to NHTSA are: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (74 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (60 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); STRUCTURE:BODY (58 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (32 complaints, 3.1% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Lincoln Aviator?

Used Lincoln Aviator buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2023, 2021, 2005. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Lincoln Aviator Reliability

666 NHTSA complaints (2003–2025). Complaint rate: 37.5 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

53.8

Complaints

666

Crash Rate

3.0%

Fire Rate

0.6%

Injuries

Fatalities

—

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2003–2004 Lincoln Aviator. The 2023 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Avoid These Years

2003–2004

~142/yr complaints · 7 crashes

2020

~152/yr complaints · 2 crashes

Average

2005

~62/yr complaints

2021–2022

~59/yr complaints

Better Years

2023

~33/yr complaints

Too New

2024–2025

19 complaints so far

Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.

Looking at a specific Lincoln Aviator?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Lincoln Aviator — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2003 (168)

Common Lincoln Aviator Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	74	0.0%
POWER TRAIN	60	0.0%
STRUCTURE:BODY	58	0.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	47	0.0%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	32	3.1%
ENGINE	28	0.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	24	0.0%
STEERING	16	0.0%
SERVICE BRAKES	15	6.7%
AIR BAGS	15	20.0%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2003AVOID	—	168	5	—	View →
2004AVOID	—	115	2	1	View →
2005	—	62	4	—	View →
2020AVOID	—	152	2	—	View →
2021	—	53	0	2	View →
2022	—	64	7	1	View →
2023GOOD	—	33	0	—	View →
2024TOO NEW	—	6	0	—	View →
2025TOO NEW	—	13	0	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Lincoln Aviatoraccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Lincoln Aviator?

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