Aviator (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
4.6-V8-Gas
4.6L 8-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Lincoln Aviator Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
4.0-V6-Gas
4.0L 6-cyl / 207 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lincoln Aviator, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator
On a used 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (88), the body and structure (62) and the engine (39). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 88 owner complaints on the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator about the body and structure.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 39 owner complaints on the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator about the cooling system.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator about the electrical system.
Recalls (1)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE SHIFT CABLE BRACKET.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator complaints?
Owners have filed 242 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the body and trim and the engine.
Is the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 242 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator have?
NHTSA has 242 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lincoln Aviator?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the body and trim and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Aviator have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 242 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.