Power train: automatic transmission
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE SHIFT CABLE BRACKET.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2003 Lincoln AviatorRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 111 owner complaints for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. Most complaints involve power train (55) and structure (15). The EPA rates it 14 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Nov 2002
Owner complaints
111
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
111 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2003 – Nov 2022
- Power train55
- Structure15
- Engine and engine cooling15
- Vehicle speed control11
- Electrical system8
- Service brakes, hydraulic8
- Air bags7
- Visibility6
- Tires5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
55 reports1 crash
“A YEAR AGO NOTICED WHEN SHIFTING AND UP TO DATE MY SHIFTER GEAR INDICATOR NOT SHIFT TO CORRECT GEAR INDICATOR AND FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY, I BELIEVED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE SHIFT CABLE BRACKET. I TAKE MY TRUCK TO AN TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THE SHIFT CABLE MUST BE ADJUSTED TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM CONTINUE.. I PAID $225 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION AND IN ORDER THE PROBLEM WILL BE INCURRED MORE EXPENSE. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK WHAT NHTSA CAN DO TO SOLVE THE ISSUE. THANK YOU,”
Structure
15 reports
“THERE HAS BEEN A UNPROVOKED CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE PANEL FOR A COUPLE YEARS NOW (WHICH SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL), WE HAVE NOT HAD ISSUES UNTIL THE REAR WINDOW STARTED FLYING OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 30MPH. THE LATCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO WATER SEEPING INTO CRACK.”
Engine and engine cooling
15 reports
“SOLENOIDS GOING OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION AS WELL AS THE BELTS THAT HOLD THE TRANSMISSION IN PLACE. DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR 2 YEARS AND THAT FORD WILL NOT RECALL THE PRODUCT. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DURING THE DRIVE AND THE ENGINE HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO GEAR GOING UP A HILL. THEIR IS A LEAK AROUND THE OIL FILTER WHICH CAUSE THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT TO COME ON DURIN THE DRIVE. THE LEAK IS ON THE 0 RING BOLTED ONTO THE ENGINE AND THAT PART INCLUDING THE FILTER AND ANTIFREEZE NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE CAR. THE CAR LOST 3 QUARTS OF OIL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY THE DRIVER IN ORDER TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER ADMITTED THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THESE PARTS FOR NO CHARGE. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator 2WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| Aviator 4WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
- 14mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 4911
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2003 Aviator questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2003 Lincoln Aviator problems?
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (55), structure (15), engine and engine cooling (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Lincoln Aviator at 14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026