2003 Lincoln Aviator problems
Owners have filed 168 complaints about the 2003 Lincoln Aviator with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 33.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of structure at 8.9%.
Complaints168
Crashes5
Fires0
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 33.9% · 57
Structure 8.9% · 15
Engine and engine cooling 8.9% · 15
Vehicle speed control 6.5% · 11
Visibility 4.8% · 8
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.8% · 8
Electrical system 4.8% · 8
Tires 4.2% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Lincoln Aviator in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2020 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 62,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Our 2003 Lincoln Aviator continues to experience the same problem - once in park, you cannot move the gear shift to any other gear - it's stuck. Occasionally, my husband can wiggle a wire underneath the brake and gas pedals so we can shift into reverse or drive but this continues to happen. I have been stuck, alone and with our small children. Is there a permanent correction for this issue? Power train · reported at 120,000 miles
Shifter knob on 03 Aviator broke off. The shifter was locked in place in drive at a greenlight. It seems that a very cheap plastic piece broke. The dealer quoted me $1200 dollars to replace the entire shifter assembly. I am checking other options but seeing the further I look the more common this problem. I am not sure how many complaints it takes but this is a horrible safety issue. Power train · reported at 126,450 miles
August 9, 2003, my 2003 Lincoln Aviator started a rear end whining noise approximately a 1000 miles after purchased. The dealer was told by the manufacturer to do nothing. On 9/29/03, the dealer added a synthetic oil (lubricant) to quiet the whining. It did not work. The dealer promised a repair by 11/15/03 and 12/15/03. I will attempt to address this under maryland's lemon law. Power train · reported at 1,057 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…