Own a Lincoln Aviator in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Lincoln Aviator for model years 2005, 2020 to 2027. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Aviator owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 337 owner complaints on file for the Aviator and 50 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (89), structure (52), power train (52).
Most-Reported Lincoln Aviator Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Aviator (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 89 | 26% | |
| Structure | 52 | 15% | |
| Power Train | 52 | 15% | |
| Back Over Prevention | 38 | 11% | |
| Engine | 35 | 10% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 26 | 7% | |
| Service Brakes | 25 | 7% | |
| Seats | 18 | 5% |
Electrical System
89 of the 337 complaints (26%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Structure
52 of the 337 complaints (15%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Power Train
52 of the 337 complaints (15%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Lincoln Aviator Complaints by Model Year
The Aviator model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2020, 2022, 2005. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 51 | |
| 2020 | 120 | |
| 2021 | 45 | |
| 2022 | 62 | |
| 2023 | 30 | |
| 2024 | 7 | |
| 2025 | 18 | |
| 2026 | 4 |
Lincoln Aviator Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Aviator, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Lincoln.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Aviator? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Lincoln Aviator Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 50 recall campaigns for the Aviator in these model years, most often involving back over prevention, power train, visibility. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Visibility (campaign 26V117000): 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.
- 2026 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 26V123000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
- 2026 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 26V159000): 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.
- 2026 recall, Power Train (campaign 26V402000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles.
- 2026 recall, Seats (campaign 26V451000): 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.
- 2026 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 26V165000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Aviator, 14 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, 8 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Lincoln Aviator Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Lincoln will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Aviator that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Aviator owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Lincoln Aviator, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Lincoln Aviator Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Lincoln Aviator repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Lincoln Aviator FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Lincoln Aviator?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Lincoln Aviator are electrical system (89), structure (52), power train (52). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Aviator model years have the most complaints?
The Aviator model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2020, 2022, 2005. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Lincoln Aviator?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Lincoln Aviator. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Lincoln Aviator have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 50 recall campaigns for the Lincoln Aviator across model years 2005, 2020 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Lincoln Aviator in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Lincoln vehicles including the Aviator, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Lincoln Aviator?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Lincoln Aviator in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Lincoln Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.