2005 Lincoln Aviator problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2005 Lincoln Aviator sits mid-pack among Aviator years: 62 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 60, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
The trouble concentrates in one system: body & structure issues account for 50% of all reports (31 of 62), far ahead of transmission at 12.
62
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2005 compare to other Aviator years?
What are the most common 2005 Lincoln Aviator problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 31 | 50% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 12 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAVE THE SAME CRACKING PROBLEM WITH THE BACK GATE WHICH RESULTED IN THE BREAKING OF HINGES. ALSO A KNOWN DEFECT IN USING DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THE ENGINE SUCH AS TIMING CHAIN CASSETTES AND TENSIONER. FORD KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ISSUED AN TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON IT BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON A SMALL INCLINE IN LIGHT SNOW, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE AND CRASHED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN EITHER OF THE VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE…”
“LINCOLN AVIATOR 2006 CRASHED INTO BRICK FLOWER BOX WALL ON RIGHT SIDE CAUSING AIR BAG TO DEPLOY ON PASSENGER SIDE WITH NO PASSENGER AND NOT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHERE NEEDED. AFTER FORD FIXED IT ???? SEAT BELT WARNINGS COME ON EVEN THOUGH EVERYBODY IS STRAPPED IN. UNABLE TO PROVE IF AIRBAG PROBLEM…”
“WITH LESS THAN 200 MILES ON IT, MY 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR DEVELOPED A LEAK THAT WAS DRIPPING DOWN THROUGH THE OVERHEAD LIGHT SWITCH NEAR THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. DEALER BELIEVES THAT DRAINAGE TUBE CHANNELING WATER FROM SUNROOF CRIMPED WHEN INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. DEALER HAS SEEN OTHER AVIATORS WITH…”
“MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT, AT START UP THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING, CAN CUT THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT IS OK BEEN TO THE SHOP 3 TIMES CHANGED HOSE, MODULAR, AND STEERING GEAR, AND TODAY IT HAPPENED AGAIN, ALSO THERE IS A CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE OF MY BACK HATCH UNDER THE GLASS, I HAVE READ…”
2005 Lincoln Aviator — common questions
Is the 2005 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
It is close to typical for the Aviator: 62 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2005 Aviator problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (31 complaints), transmission (12 complaints), steering (3 complaints).
Does the 2005 Lincoln Aviator have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator.
Is the 2005 Lincoln Aviator under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Lincoln Aviator years should you avoid?
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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.