Lincoln Aviator years to avoid
The Lincoln Aviator years to avoid are 2020, 2003, 2004 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2027 is the cleanest year on record.
719
Total complaints
51
Recall campaigns
2003–2027
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Aviator years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | High complaint rate | 169 | |
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 168 | |
| 2004 | High complaint rate | 115 |
Every Aviator year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2026 | 1 | 6 | |
| 2025 | 24 | 15 | |
| 2024 | 7 | 8 | |
| 2023 | 37 | 16 | |
| 2022 | 74 | 21 | |
| 2021 | 62 | 28 | |
| 2020avoid | 169 | 30 | |
| 2005 | 62 | 0 | |
| 2004avoid | 115 | 0 | |
| 2003avoid | 168 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Lincoln Aviator years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Aviator years to avoid are 2020, 2003, 2004. The cleanest year on record is 2027.
What is the best year for the Lincoln Aviator?
By complaint volume, 2027 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Aviator years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Lincoln Aviator have?
Across all model years, the Aviator has 51 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 719 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.