2003 Lincoln Aviator: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 111 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (44% of complaints); the 2005 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Hercules HTS-Terra-Trac, Tire Size 245/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front tire sidewall separated in the center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02T003000 (Tires). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The tire and vehicle failure mileages were unknown.”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2022
“A year ago noticed when shifting and up to date my shifter gear indicator not shift to correct gear indicator and fail to work properly, I believed the transmission shift cable may become dislodged from the shift cable bracket. I take my truck to an transmission shop and the technician recommended the shift cable must be adjusted to prevent the problem continue.. I paid $225 for the diagnostic inspection and in order the problem will be incurred more expense. I would like to ask what NHTSA can do to solve the issue. Thank you,”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that the gear failed to shift from park into any other gear because the gear shifter was fractured. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02v313000 (power train); however, the vehicle exhibited the same failure as listed in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that the gear shift lever position was not in alignment with the transmission. The contact stated that the indicator did not display the correct gear that was being utilized. Antelope valley ford (located at 1155 auto mall dr, lancaster, ca 93534, (888) 415-0959) was contacted by phone and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02v313000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2018
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2017
“I have a lincoln aviator 2003, it has been having problems with the transmission and it seems like it doesn't shift gears when it's supposed too. Thos happens when I press on the accelerator. Is anyone having this problem?”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2017
“Transmission shifter cable is broken; intermittent problem moving geer and when moved, it may generate a violent jerk before moving. Multiple people have this problem. But NHTSA campaign number: 02v313000 is only covering a selected amount of vehicles. My vehicle was not included but the same problem.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2016
“Takata recall when I park in my drive way my car won't shift out of park I have to have it pushed an rocked back an forth to get the gear to shift an it won't let me drive it in drive gear I can only drive it in 3rd gear it has this jurk when I stop to park it constantly getting stuck.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that while reversing from the driveway, the air bags inadvertently deployed without warning. As a result, the contact sustained neck, left harm and chest injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2015
“I was leaving my residence on a neighborhood street, when I heard a loud noise which sound like a gunshot. Upon recovering from the initial shock, I observed the side window/curtain air bags had deployed. The vehicle hadn't been hit or involved in an accident. I had to stop the vehicle to calm my son and we returned to the house.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE SHIFT CABLE BRACKET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A STRAP TO THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTER TO PREVENT THE SHIFT CABLE FROM BECOMING DISLODGED. FORD HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2003 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Aviator by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
NHTSA has 111 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. The most complained-about area is power train (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Lincoln Aviator problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.