The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has a elevated safety risk profile with 12 recall campaigns and 31 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

21V8700002021-10-11

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

20V7880002020-17-12

ENGINE

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.

With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

21V6520002021-23-08

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".

Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 12 recalls

23V6260002023-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

25V0930002025-14-02

SEAT BELTS

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. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

25V3930002025-13-06

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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.

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

21V2230002021-30-03

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

A backup camera that displays a blank or distorted image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

20V7260002020-20-11

STEERING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The steering knuckles may have been manufactured improperly.

The improperly manufactured knuckle may fracture, reducing steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

21V5340002021-15-07

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L gasoline engines. The wire harness may not be secured properly, possibly contacting the air conditioning (A/C) compressor pulley, and resulting in damage to electrical wires, or the A/C compressor drive belt.

Damaged electrical wires may short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

24V3680002024-24-05

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The accessory protocol image module (APIM) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.

A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

25V3490002025-23-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

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. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

25V4070002025-13-06

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 31 owners have filed complaints about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. BACK OVER PREVENTION issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Back Over Prevention3

02Engine3

03Electrical System,exterior Lighting,visibility/wiper2

04Structure2

05Unknown Or Other2

31 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Lincoln Aviator Fuel Economy

20–23mpg combined

17-22city

24-26hwy

$1,900-$2,200/yr

Across 3 configurations, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator returns 20–23 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Aviator PHEV AWD - Automatic (S10)

23mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

22 city25 hwy~$1,900/yr9/10 Clean

Aviator RWD - Automatic (S10)

21mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

18 city26 hwy~$2,100/yr4/10 Average

Aviator AWD - Automatic (S10)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

17 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Lincoln Aviator

33States

34%in top 3

14% of the market sits in Texas, though listings span 33 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

TXTexas

67514%

MIMichigan

49510%

FLFlorida

49510%

ILIllinois

2555%

PAPennsylvania

2545%

GAGeorgia

2124%

MOMissouri

2094%

CACalifornia

1874%

NYNew York

1713%

MNMinnesota

1693%

TNTennessee

1443%

DCWashington DC

1403%

NJNew Jersey

1373%

OHOhio

1333%

DEDelaware

1222%

NCNorth Carolina

1092%

MD103

CO98

WI80

OK80

AZ60

IA55

AR51

NV51

IN50

KS44

KY38

AL37

VA36

WA36

MS29

OR27

UT25

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

2021 Lincoln Aviator: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator a good car to buy?

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has its strengths and its watch-outs. 12 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report back over prevention as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?

Yes, 12 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?

Depending on configuration, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator delivers 20–23 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?

Out of 31 owner complaints, back over prevention issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2021 compare to other Lincoln Aviator years?

Each Lincoln Aviator model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Lincoln Aviator overview page.