What year Lincoln Aviator should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2020 and 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The 2020 has a complaint index of 100 and 30 recall campaigns, while the 2022 has a complaint index of 80 and 21 recall campaigns.

What is the best year for the Lincoln Aviator?

The 2023 and 2024 Lincoln Aviator score best, with complaint index values of 20 and 0 respectively and far fewer complaints (24 and 7) than the 2020 model year's 108.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator reliable?

The 2021 Aviator is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, 39 complaints, and 28 recall campaigns, placing it between the worst and best years.

What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?

Across all years, Electrical System issues are most common (77 complaints, 32% share), followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras (50 complaints, 21%), Structure & Body (36 complaints, 15%), and Engine issues (35 complaints, 15%).

Does the Lincoln Aviator have transmission recall issues?

Yes, recall campaign 26V402000 covers 2020-2021 Aviator vehicles where the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, a defect reported in the 2020 model year's complaint data.

Lincoln Aviator Best and Worst Years (2020–2025)

Avoid the 2020 and 2022 Lincoln Aviator, which rank worst with complaint index scores of 100 and 80 and 30 and 21 recall campaigns each. The 2023 and 2024 model years score best, with complaint index values of 20 and 0, making them the stronger picks in this generation.

Avoid 2020 Avoid 2022 Best 2023 Best 2024

Model years: 6; 2020–2025
NHTSA complaints: 239
Recall campaigns: 49
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Electrical System

Aviator Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln Aviator problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2020	Avoid	100	108	2	1	30	Electrical System	21	5★
2021	Caution	60	39	1	1	28	Electrical System	21	5★
2022	Avoid	80	45	4	1	21	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	21	5★
2023	Best	20	24	1	0	16	Electrical System	20.5	5★
2024	Best	0	7	0	0	8	Electrical System	20.5	5★
2025	Good	40	16	0	0	15	Electrical System	20.5	5★

Aviator years to avoid: what went wrong

2020 Lincoln Aviator Index 100 · 108 complaints · 30 recalls

The 2020 Aviator has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year and leads with 108 total complaints and 30 recall campaigns. Electrical System issues make up 37% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 2,600 miles, pointing to early-onset problems. Owners also reported Collision Avoidance & Cameras and Transmission & Powertrain issues, including a parking brake failing to hold and a transmission park pawl engaging while the vehicle was moving. Two crashes and one fire were reported for this year.

2020 electrical system problems →2020 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2020 transmission & powertrain problems →

2022 Lincoln Aviator Index 80 · 45 complaints · 21 recalls

The 2022 Aviator ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 80, 45 complaints, and 21 recall campaigns. Collision Avoidance & Cameras problems account for 24% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 34,000. Owners reported backup cameras failing to display during reverse maneuvers and unintended acceleration while parked. This year also recorded 4 crashes, 3 injuries, and 1 fire, more crashes than any other Aviator model year in this data set.

Most common Lincoln Aviator problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System77 (32%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras50 (21%)
Other47 (20%)
Structure & Body36 (15%)
Engine35 (15%)
Transmission & Powertrain31 (13%)
Visibility & Wipers25 (10%)
Fuel System21 (9%)
Brakes20 (8%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Lincoln Aviator should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2020 and 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The 2020 has a complaint index of 100 and 30 recall campaigns, while the 2022 has a complaint index of 80 and 21 recall campaigns.
What is the best year for the Lincoln Aviator?: The 2023 and 2024 Lincoln Aviator score best, with complaint index values of 20 and 0 respectively and far fewer complaints (24 and 7) than the 2020 model year's 108.
Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator reliable?: The 2021 Aviator is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, 39 complaints, and 28 recall campaigns, placing it between the worst and best years.
What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?: Across all years, Electrical System issues are most common (77 complaints, 32% share), followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras (50 complaints, 21%), Structure & Body (36 complaints, 15%), and Engine issues (35 complaints, 15%).
Does the Lincoln Aviator have transmission recall issues?: Yes, recall campaign 26V402000 covers 2020-2021 Aviator vehicles where the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, a defect reported in the 2020 model year's complaint data.