2005 Lincoln Aviator
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 111 |
| 2004 | 81 |
| 2005 | 51 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
49% of complaints: structure — 25 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
A 6 INCH CRACK DEVELOPED AT REAR CENTER TAILGATE BODY PANEL MADE OUT OF PLASTIC BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THERE HAD BEEN REPORTS THAT THE REAR WINDOW COULD FALL OUT AND INTERNAL TAILGATE COMPONENTS COULD BE DAMAGED DUE TO WATER ENTRY FROM THE CRACK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200710
REAR PLASTIC LITIGATE APPLIQUE BROKE OFF HITTING A PASSENGER CAR'S WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THIS THE THIRD PIECE FAILURE. THE LINCOLN WAS TRAVELING WEST ON THE DULLES GREENWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191227
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE, THE LIFTGATE PANEL SPLIT IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121024
10% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Lincoln Aviator — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Lincoln Aviator is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lincoln Aviator?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Lincoln Aviator have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.