NHTSA lists 28 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. Most complaints involve electrical system (12) and engine (6). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The Driver Seat Module (DSM) is known to develop software glitches across the 2020–2024 Aviator/Corsair/Explorer platform, causing the seat to not move to the correct programmed memory position . Lincoln’s fix (per Special Service Message 51406, issued for Corsair but describing the same shared module) is a dealer reprogram of the DSM software. However, this did nothing to improve the problem. •Symptoms include complete loss of seat adjustment where switches do nothing and the seat is stuck in place, memory functions failing to recall saved positions, intermittent operation with clicking noises but no movement, and the easy entry/exit function drifting out of correct position over time. Additionally, the drivers seat bladders and actuators engage without driver input and the seat controls on the touchscreen, increase and decrease bladder input and motor control beyond the selected settings. This often HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start, the vehicle was , the hood was raised, the contact went back to the vehicle to try to start, the vehicle would not turn over with clicking in the engine. the vehicle began to smoke with very thick white smoke, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle of the drivers side front seat. The battery was disconnected and a manual latch was discovered on the drivers side door. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the panoramic sunroof gasket deteriorated with chunks of the gasket missing. The contact inspect the gasket and became aware that the part was damaged by the elements. The contact was concerned that the gasket would allow water to leak into the vehicle. A dealer inspection appointment was scheduled. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator PHEV AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,700 | 209 |
| Aviator RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 431 |
| Aviator AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 445 |
| 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 |
28 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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.
Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (12), engine (6), structure (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Lincoln Aviator at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Lincoln Aviator 5 out of 5 stars overall.