2.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,411 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Lincoln Aviator electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Lincoln Aviator Owner Comments

problem #7

Jun 012017

Aviator

  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There has been a unprovoked crack in the lift gate panel for a couple years now (which seems to be a very common problem in this model), we have not had issues until the rear window started flying open while driving at around 30mph. The latch has malfunctioned due to water seeping into crack.

- Merrimack, NH, USA

problem #6

May 032013

Aviator 8-cyl

  • 158,000 miles
I had just got home with my vehicle from the repair shop, had a vacuum hose replaced. I could not get my key out of the ignition. I kept trying & was finally successful at removing the key. Now the gear shifter is stuck in park and will not go into any other gear. I just got it back from the shop & still can't drive it due to getting it in gear. This really does need to be looked into & they need to do a recall. I have seen a lot of complaints about this problem. I have 2 more years to pay it off & then it is gone.

- Shallotte, NC, USA

problem #5

Jul 052012

Aviator 8-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle started to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the failure and advised that the cylinder head in the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000. Updated 8/23/12 also, the ignition coils needed to be replaced. Updated 09/05/12

- Van Nuys, CA, USA

problem #4

May 102011

Aviator

  • 172,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission shifter breaks and locks in place. The result is to leave the vehicle occupants stranded in a dangerous neighborhood where their personal safety is at risk. The problem is a broken $5 piece of plastic contained within the shifter knob. However, Ford refuses to supply the $5 piece and instead requires the vehicle owner to purchase the entire shifter assembly (which costs almost $1000). Based on the number of backorders for this piece at any one point in time, it is apparent that Ford is aware of the problem and is not taking steps to remedy. The only remedy that they offer is to force the consumer to pay $1,000 in order for consumers to gain access to the $5 piece of plastic. This happened to me when I was out of town on a trip with my family. We had pulled off the road, but left the car running. When we went to place it in gear, it refused to shift out of park. We were unable to push the vehicle or move it in any way because it was stuck in park. The sun went down and we were stranded. I am unemployed and while I could afford a small repair, I couald not afford the expensive repair (the dealership also needed to charge for their labor, so the quote was over $1500). After being stranded overnight, I convinced the dealer to just show me how to shift the car without replacing the shifter. Now I have to keep the gear shift knob removed (which subjects the mechanism to accidentally have the overdrive button pushed). With the knob removed, I can lift the rod to shift into gear and then must lower the rod (manually) to lock it into the selected location. Failure to lower the rod allows the shifter to move freely and also prevents the keys from being removed once the shifter is again in park. Fords unwillingness to provide an economic solution provides a safety hazard to consumers who trusted Ford to do the right thing. Please help!

- Norwalk, IA, USA

problem #3

May 272004

Aviator 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,864 miles
: the contact stated a whining noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle while driving 55 mph. The vehicle was taken to the sales/service dealer for repairs. The right rear axle and pinion were replaced as well as the C B shaft assembly and gear and pinion locking pin. This was the third time the rear end was replaced in a two year period. The manufacturer was notified and a technician was sent to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the left, the door lock switch was inoperative, the rear shock was leaking oil, the E power steering hose was replaced, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The timing chain and gasket were replaced. The door ajar light came on after all the doors were closed. The consumer stated the shifting of the gears were harsh, the dealer replaced various componets in the transmission. The right rear brake light bulb was replaced, the master cylinder was replaced. The front seat climate control was not cooling. The battery was replaced, the accelerator cable was sticking. Updated 12/05/06.

- Hampton, GA, USA

problem #2

Jan 282004

Aviator

  • miles
Experienced continuous malfunctioning while driving, complete power outages causing power steering, power brake & other failure. The consumer stated this is an intermittent problem that has proven to be undetectable through customary service test.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

problem #1

Jan 212004

(reported on)

Aviator

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles
While driving vehicle stalled without warning. Dealer replaced the computer system three times, but the problem still occurs.

- Clay, NY, USA

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