2003 Lincoln Aviator
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 111
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 111 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 111 |
| 2004 | 81 |
| 2005 | 51 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 40 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 3 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
51% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Show complaint excerpts
The consumer complained about a sudden acceleration problem. While backing out of the driveway the vehicle began to surge forward. The consumer slammed on the brakes and the vehicle eventually stopped. *ak recall campaign# 02V313000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-14
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-06
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-15
Engine and engine cooling
14% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Structure
14% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the rear liftgate glass was cracked along the base.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-17
Vehicle speed control
10% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55MPH on the highway with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle suddenly lurched forward across the roadway and careened off a roadway bridge.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-24
Electrical system
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing wiring.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 111 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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2009-08-18Engineering analysisClosed 2013-02-12 Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
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R
Date not on filePower train02V313000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Lincoln Aviator — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 57 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 15 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V313000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Lincoln Aviator is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln Aviator?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.