Common problems

Lincoln Aviator Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 6 Lincoln Aviator model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated July 2026

Owner complaints
219

6 model years

Top recurring issue
Electrical System

6 affected years

Crash reports
8

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
2

4 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Lincoln Aviator problem categories

#1

Electrical System

54complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2020.

#2

Unknown Or Other

28complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2020.

#3

Back Over Prevention

17complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2020.

#4

Power Train

20complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2020.

#5

Structure

14complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2020.

#6

Engine

7complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.

#7

Visibility

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.

#8

Fuel System, Gasoline

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2022.

#9

Steering

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.

#10

Visibility Wiper

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2022.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Lincoln Aviator model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the electronic shifter and door exit switches. Complaints describe the vehicle unexpectedly shifting gears or failing to engage Park, leading to unintended movement. Additionally, multiple owners mention that the electronic door exit switches become inoperative, potentially trapping passengers inside. These issues often occur without warning and can lead to dangerous situations, such as the vehicle rolling away or passengers being unable to exit quickly in emergencies. Reports do not consistently mention specific mileage ranges for these problems, but they emphasize significant safety concerns, particularly when the vehicle loses power or when safety systems like the backup camera and lane departure warnings fail intermittently.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electronic and mechanical systems. Commonly described symptoms include backup camera failures, with the camera either displaying a blue or black screen, and brake malfunctions where the brakes do not engage properly, causing the car to roll unexpectedly. Multiple reports also mention sudden, loud noises and warning alerts related to drive control and pre-collision assist systems. These issues often occur at low mileage, sometimes as early as a few days after purchase, and can lead to safety hazards such as unintended vehicle movement and reduced visibility while reversing. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially regarding safety-critical components like brakes and electronic systems.

POWER TRAIN

Owners report multiple issues with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator's power train, primarily involving transmission malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the transmission slipping out of gear, unintended acceleration, and the vehicle failing to shift out of first gear. Symptoms often include warning messages such as "Hill start assist not available" and "4WD fault service required". These issues typically occur around 36,500 to 82,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of vehicles rolling unexpectedly while in park, unintended acceleration, and loss of power potentially leading to near-collision situations. This information may be crucial for potential buyers considering a used model.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator commonly report issues related to the electrical system, with symptoms including unexpected braking, vehicle shutdowns, and battery failures. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle braking on its own, sometimes accompanied by dashboard messages about reduced power, and instances where the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly, posing a risk of loss of control. Several reports involve problems with the vehicle not starting and battery-related issues, even after dealer interventions. Additionally, issues with the camera systems and malfunctioning lift gates are noted, with one report mentioning injuries from the lift gate malfunction. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 35,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for accidents due to unexpected vehicle behavior and visibility challenges.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

STRUCTURE

Owners report several structural issues with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with some complaints focusing on problems with door latches and trim pieces. Multiple owners describe incidents where passenger doors either fail to latch or inadvertently open while driving, which poses a significant safety risk. Additionally, there are reports of trim pieces, such as the C-pillar trim applique, detaching from the vehicle, and issues with water leaks through the sunroof and rearview mirror area, which some owners experience during or after rain. One complaint mentions a sunroof explosion while driving at highway speeds, although no crashes or injuries are reported. These issues occur across a range of mileages, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Owners of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator frequently report issues with the rear view camera system, particularly describing a persistent problem where the backup camera turns into a blue or green screen when the vehicle is in reverse, rendering it ineffective. Multiple complaints indicate that despite recall efforts, the issue persists, with some owners experiencing the screen flipping or displaying a blank image. These problems are noted to occur even after recall repairs and software updates, suggesting ongoing challenges with the camera system's functionality. Some owners also mention intermittent functionality of the rear brake assist. There are no reports of crashes or injuries directly linked to these issues, but the lack of a reliable backup camera could impact the ability to safely maneuver the vehicle in reverse, especially given its size. Potential buyers should be aware of these unresolved issues and confirm with sellers whether repairs have been attempted.

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator commonly report issues with the vehicle's structural components, particularly involving trim detachment and wind noise. Several complaints highlight problems with trim pieces on the rear and liftgate detaching, often due to broken plastic clips, with occurrences noted as early as 3,333 miles. Additionally, wind noise is reported from the front passenger side, linked to loose A pillars, with some owners experiencing this issue for several years before resolution. Water intrusion is another reported problem, with symptoms including roof leaks leading to water stains and rust on the liner, as well as a gushing water sound and moldy odors from the air conditioning. One incident describes the hood unlatching after hitting a bump, posing a potential safety risk, although no accidents have been reported. These issues suggest prospective buyers should inquire about past repairs and inspect these areas carefully.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator frequently report issues with the electrical system, including high voltage alerts that cause the vehicle to shut down and become inoperable, sometimes requiring towing. Multiple complaints describe problems with the vehicle's lighting, such as the interior ceiling light turning on randomly and the Sync 3 Radio screen failing to dim during night driving, which can create visibility issues. Additionally, some owners mention a persistent door ajar notification that keeps dome lights illuminated, posing a nighttime driving hazard. Safety implications are evident, with reports of the tailgate closing unexpectedly and injuring an individual, as well as emergency escape concerns due to the electric door system lacking manual overrides for all doors. These issues appear to occur intermittently, with some problems persisting despite dealer inspections.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Lincoln Aviator

When problems are reported to begin

  • Transmission and transfer case issues0–200 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Steering lock-up0–650 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Brake system failures0–2,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Engine stalling23,000–24,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Back over prevention camera failures8,000–43,300 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Fuel system stalling10,000–57,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Back over prevention failures1,000–28,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Structure issues3,000–51,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Inspect transfer case and transmission for unusual noises
  • Test steering at low speeds for lock-up issues
  • Check for active recalls and verify sale registration with Lincoln
  • Test second-row seat movement for unexpected sliding or folding
  • Verify proper function of cruise control and collision warning systems
  • Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially brake-related
  • Test vehicle start-up reliability, especially after stalling
  • Inspect chrome trim below windows for secure attachment

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Lincoln Aviator data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Lincoln Aviator research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Lincoln Aviator research FAQ

What is the most common Lincoln Aviator problem?

Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 6 years with 54 complaints represented.

Which Lincoln Aviator year has the most reported problems?

The 2020 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Lincoln Aviator has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Lincoln Aviator you are considering.