Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 168 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Aviator year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 10 Aviator years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 57 reports (34% of the total).
168
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 57 | 34% | new |
| Engine | 17 | 10% | new |
| Body & Structure | 15 | 9% | new |
| Speed Control | 11 | 7% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 10 | 6% | new |
| Electrical System | 9 | 5% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 9 | 5% | new |
| Brakes | 9 | 5% | new |
| Airbags | 7 | 4% | new |
| Suspension | 6 | 4% | new |
| Steering | 5 | 3% | new |
| Other | 3 | 2% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | new |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE SHIFT CABLE BRACKET.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT RESULTING IN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A STRAP TO THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTER TO PREVENT THE SHIFT CABLE FROM BECOMING DISLODGED. FORD HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD. THE CONSUMER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN# 02V313000. *SC *JB”
“MY 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR ACQUIRED A CRACK IN THE ENGINE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH OUR CHILDREN. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH OF PROBLEM, IT SHOWS IN FORD'S TSB'S THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. THE REPAIR WILL COST APPROX. $5000 TO FIX, THE PROBLEM HERE IS FORD IS AWARE BUT DENYING THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE REAR WERE NOT HOLDING THE REAR GLASS PROPERLY. THE REAR PANEL ALSO BEGAN TO CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND BRAKING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND NARROWLY MISSED STRIKING A SECOND PARKED VEHICLE BY INCHES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER AND HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE…”
“2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. CONSUMER WRITES FROM ONTARIO REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH TIRES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED FOUR TIRES IN DECEMBER 2006. THE CONSUMER STATED HE STILL HAS THE RECEIPT WHICH IS CLEARLY MARKED WITH A 130,000 MILE WARRANTY. THE TWO REAR TIRES HAVE BROKEN BELTS AND WIRES…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 168 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 10 Aviator years. It is one of the Aviator years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (57 complaints), engine (17 complaints), body & structure (15 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aviator years to avoid are 2003, 2020, 2004. The cleanest record among Aviator years belongs to 2026.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.