MYRModel Year Report

2021 Lincoln Aviator

▲ Better than typical
2021 Lincoln Aviator
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:54.515Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
40
Recalls
28

Campaigns on file for 2021

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 111 complaints 2003 2004: 81 complaints 2005: 51 complaints 2005 2020: 110 complaints 2021: 40 complaints 2021 40 2022: 46 complaints 2023: 24 complaints 2023 2024: 7 complaints 2025: 18 complaints 2025 2026: 3 complaints 2027: 0 complaints 2027
2003: 111 complaints 2003 2004: 81 complaints 2004 2005: 51 complaints 2005 2020: 110 complaints 2020 2021: 40 complaints 2021 40 2022: 46 complaints 2022 2023: 24 complaints 2023 2024: 7 complaints 2024 2025: 18 complaints 2025 2026: 3 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints 2027
2003: 111 complaints 2003 2004: 81 complaints 2004 2005: 51 complaints 2005 2020: 110 complaints 2020 2021: 40 complaints 2021 40 2022: 46 complaints 2022 2023: 24 complaints 2023 2024: 7 complaints 2024 2025: 18 complaints 2025 2026: 3 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints 2027

2021: 40 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2003111
200481
200551
2020110
202140
202246
202324
20247
202518
20263
20270

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

30% · 12 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV lift gate safety stop does not function properly. It will come closing down extremely hard. This will happen when the button is pressed on the lift gate or the hands free feature is triggered.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-29

Also filed under Structure

The Driver Seat Module (DSM) is known to develop software glitches across the 2020–2024 Aviator/Corsair/Explorer platform, causing the seat to not move to the correct programmed memory position .

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-14

Also filed under Seats

Engine

15% · 6 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle has 5400 miles and has catastrophic engine failure while driving. Vehicle towed to dealership and diagnosed engine seized needs complete engine…

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-06

Visibility/wiper

13% · 5 reports

Service brakes

10% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

I have been having issues with my breaks sticking when applied. To the point that it’s completely stopping my car and i need to use my foot to release the brake from behind.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

Seats

10% · 4 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle has heated seats. This week, when I was using the heated seats, I noticed a burning sensation on my left buttocks. I later discovered a burn hole in my seat (bottom left) and a matching burn on the coat I was wearing (bottom left).

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-02-08

Also filed under Firerelated

Safety timeline

28 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-12-16Steering20V726000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The steering knuckles may have been manufactured improperly.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front knuckle, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2021-02-03Engine20V788000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2021-05-21Back over prevention21V223000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The image processing module may be unable to provide video feed to the display, which could result in a loss of the backup camera image.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the image processing module software with the latest level, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2021-07-30Electrical system, visibility21V534000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L gasoline engines.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and A/C compressor belt for damage, replacing them as necessary, and install a tie strap to secure the wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2021-09-10Air bags21V652000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2021-11-16Back over prevention21V735000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2021-12-03Suspension21V870000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2023-02-07Seat belts22V953000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C35.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2023-02-13Back over prevention23V022000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    2023-09-29Engineering analysisClosed 2024-10-31 Loss of Motive Power
  11. R
    2023-11-10Back over prevention23V342000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2023-11-20Back over prevention23V598000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2024-04-08Electrical system23V626000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines.

    Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2024-10-23Back over prevention24V368000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (APIM), free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2024-12-19Equipment24V852000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard.

    Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. R
    2025-04-25Back over prevention25V159000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2025-06-05Seat belts25V093000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. R
    2025-06-26Electrical system25V349000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V626.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the Battery Energy Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S58.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. R
    2025-07-03Engine and engine cooling24V635000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine.

    Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  20. R
    2025-07-03Seat belts25V338000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-953.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C18.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    2025-08-07Seats25V393000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. R
    2025-09-04Back over prevention25V442000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair,...

    Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  23. R
    2025-09-29Structure25V407000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  24. R
    2026-03-30Seat belts26V159000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  25. R
    2026-06-23Back over prevention26V123000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  26. R
    2026-07-14Seats26V451000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  27. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline25V455000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  28. R
    Date not on fileVisibility26V117000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  29. R
    Date not on filePower train26V402000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 3, 2026.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Lincoln Aviator — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility/wiper: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 25V455000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 26V117000 · Visibility
  • Recall 26V402000 · Power train
  • Recall 20V726000 · Steering
  • Recall 20V788000 · Engine
  • Recall 21V223000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 21V534000 · Electrical system, visibility
  • Recall 21V652000 · Air bags
  • Recall 21V735000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 21V870000 · Suspension
  • Recall 22V953000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 23V022000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 23V342000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 23V598000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 23V626000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 24V368000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 24V852000 · Equipment
  • Recall 25V159000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 25V093000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 25V349000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 24V635000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 25V338000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 25V393000 · Seats
  • Recall 25V442000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 25V407000 · Structure
  • Recall 26V159000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 26V123000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 26V451000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have?
28 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.